bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Characteristics of Virus-related Uveitic Secondary Glaucoma: Focus on Cytomegalovirus and Varicella Zoster Virus
Authors: Fan Xintong , Li Zhizhe , Zhai Ruyi , Sheng Qilian , Kong Xiangmei 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: We aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of secondary glaucoma related to cytomegalovirus (CMV)- and varicella zoster virus (VZV)-positive uveitis. Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled 60 patients with secondary glaucoma. All the patients underwent aqueous and serum analyses for viral antibody through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Among the 60 included patients, 22 had CMV-negative Posner-Schlossman syndrome (CMV-negative PSS), 25 had CMV-positive PSS (CMV-PSS), and 13 had VZV-positive anterior uveitis secondary glaucoma (VZV-AUSG). We evaluated the following main indicators: age, disease duration, intraocular pressure (IOP), cup-to-disc ratio, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal endothelial cell (CEC) count, ocular morphological changes, and medical treatments.Results: We found that 25 of the 47 patients with PSS were CMV-positive. Patients with CMV-PSS had a larger cup-to-disc ratio (p = .043), lower CEC density (p = .017), and more severe CEC loss (p < .001). The CMV-positive PSS group had more patients with iris depigmentation (p = .006). Compared with patients with CMV-PSS, those with VZV-AUSG were older (p = .003), presented a higher IOP (p = .015), and had poorer BCVA (p < .001). Patients with CMV-PSS and VZV-AUSG all accepted ganciclovir treatment, and those with CMV-PSS used fewer antiglaucoma agents simultaneously compared with CMV-negative PSS (p = .005) and VZV-AUSG (p < .001). All three groups had a comparable proportion of patients requiring antiglaucoma surgery.Conclusions: We observed some distinctive clinical features in CMV-PSS that could help clinicians discriminate it from CMV-negative PSS. Further, we found that patients with VZV-AUSG presented a higher IOP and worse visual acuity, and required more antiglaucoma medication than those with CMV-PSS.
Association of pesticides and kidney function among adults in the US population 2001-2010
Authors: Wan En-Tzu , Darssan Darsy , Karatela Shamshad , Reid Simon , Osborne Nicholas 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Chronic kidney disease with unknown cause (CKDu) is prevalent in tropical and agricultural communities, however, its aetiology remains unclear. The objective of this study was to examine the association between pesticide exposures and the risk of kidney function loss using four waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to identify a pathological pathway.
Methods
We pooled data from four cross-sectional waves of NHANES, providing 41,847 participants in total. Sub-population analyses for 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 3,5,6- trichloropyridinol, 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) and Malathion were conducted using. Logistic regression to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs of the association between log-pesticide levels and kidney function.
Results
We found that Malathion acid increased the risk of low kidney function among the Malathion sub-population (aOR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.01–1.56) in the adjusted model. Significantly increased risk of low kidney function was not found among the 2,4-D (aOR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.72–1.09), 3,5,6-trichloropyridinol (aOR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.83–1.12) and 3-PBA (aOR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.94–1.13) subpopulations.
Conclusions
Our findings provide evidence of altered kidney function in people exposed to Malathion, highlighting the need to focus on Malathion acid as a potential cause of renal injury or chronic kidney disease.
Ridge preservation applying a novel hydrogel for early angiogenesis and osteogenesis evaluation: an experimental study in canine
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Li Qingshu , Chen Kaiwen , Mu Zhixiang , Chen Tao , Wang Huanan , Ji Ping 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Ridge preservation is universally acknowledged as the conventional method for the post-extraction healing yet there are no standard materials for the ideal healing outcome. Herein, a composite gel comprising gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs) and injectable platelet-rich-fibrin (i-PRF) as the potential candidate for extracted socket healing is introduced. The combination of GNPs and i-PRF not only possesses favorable mechanical properties to withstand external force but also accelerate the blood clotting time significantly. In addition, six beagle dogs were adopted to assess the angiogenic and osteogenic capacity of GNPs + i-PRF gel in vivo. The GNPs + i-PRF gel significantly produced the most blood vessels area, woven bone and low osteoclast activity in extracted sockets at 2 weeks postoperation and remarkably generated corticalization on the alveolar ridge crest at 8 weeks postoperation according to histological results. Therefore, GNPs + i-PRF gel can be recommended as the candidate grafting material regarding ridge preservation for its cost effectiveness, excellent biocompatibility, facilitation of blood clotting and favorable capacity of promoting angiogenesis and osteogenesis.
Preferences for End-of-life Care among Terminal Cancer Patients in China: A Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Leng Anli , Maitland Elizabeth , Wang Siyuan , Nicholas Stephen , Lan Kuixu , Wang Jian 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

Knowing terminal cancer patients’ treatment preferences will improve patient-centered health care, better inform surrogates and medical staff of patient preferences and enhance the quality of end-of-life (EoL) care. In China, little is known about terminal cancer patients’ preferences. We aimed to examines the preferences for EoL care of terminal cancer patients.
Methods

Data on 183 terminal cancer patients aged over 50 years old was collected by discrete choice experiment (DCE). Each DCE scenario described six attributes: hospitalization days,life extension, quality of life (QoL), adverse treatment reactions, place of death preference and out-of-pocket payments.Patient preferences were derived using a mixed logit model and the marginal willingness to pay (WTP) were estimated from the regression coefficients.
Results

Patients’ preferences for moderate survive time, better quality of life, lower risk of adverse reaction, home death and lower payments were all statistically significant in driving choice between treatment models. Extending life and QoL were the most important attributes. Patients were willing to pay RMB256,895.45 to improve QoL from a bad level to a very good level, significantly higher than their willingness to pay for half additional life year (RMB233,446.16) and one additional life year (RMB182,298.76). This indicates that patients were not willing to blindly pursue life extension and neglect the QoL,but preferred to trade off life extension for QoL. The predicted uptake of optimal end-of-life care scenario was 91.04%.
Conclusions

Our study contributes to the development of patient-centered preferences for end-of-life care models that improve advanced terminal patient’s care and provide empirical evidence for physicians and surrogates to operationalize end-of-life care trade-offs.
The role of coagulation factors VII, VIII, and IX on the tropism and inflammatory effect of Adenovector on liver and breast cell lines
Authors: Ghojoghi Rozita , Nekooei Fatemeh , Vatanparast Fatemeh , Srv Jamal , Tamaddon Ali-Mohammad , Ahmadbeigi Naser , Bordbar Mohammad-Reza , Tavoosi Hakimeh , Moattari Afagh , Hosseini Seyed Younes 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Adenovectors are promising vectors for gene delivery to the target cells. During gene therapy, AdV interact with plasma components particularly vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors. In this study, we analyzed the comparison between cell entrance, inflammatory patterns, and innate immune induction which induced by the Adenoventor and Adenovector coated by FVII, FVIII, and FIX on two cell-lines; HepG2, MCF7. Methods: The Adenovector expressing GFP (AdVGFP) was prepared and then loading of AdV by coagulation factors were analyzed by zeta potential measurement. The non-toxic MOI of vector employed alone or in complex with coagulation factors VII, FVIII, and FIX applied on HepG2 and MCF7 cell lines. The transduction rates of complexes were analyzed by fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry. The expression levels of innate immune genes (PKR, STING, IRF-3 and MX-1) were measured by Real-time PCR. Also the level of IL-6 and IL-1β were evaluated by using ELISA assay. Results: The loading of Adenovector by FVII and FIX decreased the zeta charge of the complex particles and enhanced the entry rate in both HepG2 (FVII/AdV: 38.3% and FIX/AdV: 61.9%) and MCF7 (FVII/AdV: 31.2% and FIX/AdV: 36.6%). The expression of IL-6 cytokine enhanced when AdV exposed to FVII (P value: 0.005) in MCF7 and also FVII (P value: 0.01) and FIX (P value: 0.009) in HepG2. Adenovector coated by FVII and FIX could significantly alter the expression pattern of innate immune genes. Conclusion: The findings are highlighted the role of FVII and in particular FIX in facilitating the entry of vector into the cells; also they are enhanced the inflammation and innate immune responses. Interestingly, FVIII had no effect or even adverse effect on entry, inflammation, and innate immune induction.
Acidic heap leaching behavior of uranium from El-Sela area, South Eastern Desert, Egypt
Authors: Nagar Mohamed S , Morsy Walid M 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The column percolation technique was used to examine the leachability of uranium from El-Sela uranium mineralization. The agglomeration effect, particle size, flow rates, acid concentration, solid to liquid ratio, and sand agglomeration effect were all studied in the kinetics of uranium leaching. The acidic leach solution causes alteration and thus dissolves the oxides that fill joints and fractures, resulting in a reduction in ore particle size, as well as the swelling of fine particles caused by acid leaching over time. As a result, the focus of this research is on the possibility of increasing the permeability of ore heaps by adding cobblestone. At a height of 3.0 m within the column, the optimal ratio of cobblestone to ore was found to be 1:4, and the irrigation rate was reduced from 0.15 to 0.1L/ m2/min, increasing the uranium dissolution efficiency from 47.5 to 79 percent. Finally, the column leaching efficiency is confirmed by fitting data from an application first-order kinetic law with data collected.
Modulation of initial movement for double potential targets with specific time constraints
Authors: Onagawa Ryoji , Kudo Kazutoshi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In goal-directed behavior, individuals are often required to plan and execute a movement with multiple competing reach targets simultaneously. The time constraint assigned to the target is an important factor that affect the initial movement planning, but the adjustments made to the starting behavior considering the time constraints specific to each target have not yet been clarified. The current study examined how humans adjusted their motor planning for double potential targets with independent time constraints under a go-before-you-know situation. The results revealed that the initial movements were modulated depending on the time constraints for potential targets. However, under tight time constraints, the performance in the double-target condition was lower than the single-target condition, which was a control condition implemented to estimate performance when one target is ignored. These results indicate that the initial movement for multiple potential targets with independent time constraints can be modified, but the planning is suboptimal.
Use of telemedicine for follow-up of lupus nephritis in the COVID-19 outbreak: the 6-month results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: SO Ho , CHOW Evelyn , CHENG Isaac T , LAU Sze-Lok , LI Tena K , SZETO Cheuk-Chun , TAM Lai Shan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objective To evaluate the short-term patient satisfaction, compliance, disease control and infection risk of telemedicine (TM) compared with standard in-person follow-up (FU) for patients with lupus nephritis (LN) during COVID-19.Methods This was a single-center open-label randomized controlled study. Consecutive patients followed at the LN clinic were randomized to either TM or standard FU (SF) group in a 1:1 ratio. Patients in the TM group received FU via videoconferencing. SF group patients continued conventional in-person outpatient care. The 6-month data were compared and presented.Results From June to December 2020, 122 patients were randomized (TM: 60, SF: 62) and had at least 2 FUs. There were no baseline differences, including SLEDAI-2k and proportion of patients in lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS), between the 2 groups except a higher physician global assessment score (PGA) in the TM group. After a mean FU of 19.8 ± 4.5 weeks, the overall patient satisfaction score was higher in the TM group. More patients in the TM group had hospitalization (15/60, 25.0% vs 7/62, 11.3%; p = 0.049) with higher baseline PGA (OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.07–1.23) being the independent predictor. The proportions of patients remained in LLDAS were similar in the 2 groups (TM: 75.0% vs SF: 74.2%, p = 0.919). None of the patients had COVID-19.Conclusion TM FU resulted in better patient satisfaction and similar short-term disease control in patients with LN compared to standard care. However, it was associated with more hospitalizations and might need to be complemented by in-person visits especially in patients with higher PGA.
A Smart City Application: Waste Collection System with LoRaWAN Network for Providing Green Environment, Cost Effective and Low Power Consumption Solutions.
Authors: Aktay Erol , Yalçın Nursel 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The trend towards cities and urbanization, which increases the number of people living in urban areas, makes it necessary for local authorities to be more efficient and effective in providing services and natural resources and to develop some strategies for a sustainable environment. The more effective use of resources, increasing awareness of sustainable environment, climate confidence and motivation to make cities more livable is a new concept Smart City. In this study, the proposed system supports the garbage collection of the city government and works with low budget, low energy and free radio frequencies. The IoT (Internet of Things) sensor node is assembled, and the network is set up based on LoraWan protocol to connect it to the sample garbage can and collect data. Instant data collection by this network through the Internet of Things approaches and designed using this collected data. To establish an ideal system for smart garbage collection for cities and support sustainability in cities by integrating it with city government information systems. The data received from the sensor nodes and the efficiency of the system were demonstrated for the local governments. The primary outcome of this research is how to build a practical smart city application with minimum resources and support local authorities in their daily operation. Moreover, another objective is to investigate how low-power wan communication network in 868Mhz frequency works in İstanbul- TURKEY and the best alternative for cellular networks for excellent communication in smart cities.
Concordance of Acquired Mutations between Metastatic Lesions and Liquid Biopsy in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treated with Anti-EGFR Therapy
Authors: Taniguchi Fumitaka , Nyuya Akihiro , Toshima Toshiaki , Yasui Kazuya , Mori Yoshiko , Okawaki Makoto , Kishimoto Hiroyuki , Umeda Yuzo , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi , Tanioka Hiroaki , Yamaguchi Yoshiyuki , Goel Ajay , Nagasaka Takeshi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Acquired mutations are detected in plasma. However, still few reports examine the concordance between liquid biopsy and metastatic lesions with acquired resistance. Herein we evaluated whether a polymerase chain reaction-reverse sequence-specific oligonucleotide (PCR-rSSO) method can examine the concordance between liquid biopsy and metastatic lesions with acquired resistance.Methods: Firstly, we examined the presence of acquired mutations in 7 chemoresistant metastatic lesions and blood samples obtained from a metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patient without RAS activating mutations treated with anti-EGFR treatment. The patient (patient 1) displayed initial early tumor shrinkage and finally progressed to disease (PD). Blood samples were collected before the development of PD and after acquiring resistance. Next, we evaluated RAS and BRAF mutational status among blood samples, primary tumors, and metastatic lesions obtained from three additional mCRC patients without RAS activating mutations. Acquired mutations were examined using Sanger sequencing and the PCR-rSSO approach.Results: Of patient 1, metastatic tumor specimens harbored diverse acquired mutations in the KRAS gene in all of the 7 (100%) metastases, and the three acquired mutations were detected in blood specimens collected after acquiring resistance. Next, we analyzed primary tumors, metastatic lesions after chemotherapy, and blood samples from three additional mCRC patients but noted that none of the patients exhibited mutations in liquid biopsy except for one case with BRAF V600E mutation, which was confirmed in both primary tumor and peritoneal dissemination. Of the four cases, acquired mutations of RAS, as well as BRAF V600E mutation, was detected in the blood obtained only after confirmation of acquiring resistance by radiological examinations.Conclusions: Our results suggest liquid biopsy based on the PCR-rSSO is a successful procedure for capturing acquired mutations with precise information of mutational spectrum that may lend us to reach selective target agents for RAS mutations.
Obesity and metabolic comorbidity in bipolar disorder: Do patients on lithium comprise a subgroup? A naturalistic study.
Authors: Prillo Jake , Soh Jocelyn Fotso , Park Haley , Beaulieu Serge , Linnaranta Outi , Rej Soham 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Bipolar disorders (BD) are associated with increased prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Nevertheless, there is a wide range in prevalence estimates, with little known about the contributions of pharmacotherapy. It has been suggested that lithium might have a more favorable metabolic profile. We hypothesized that lithium use is associated with less increased body mass index (BMI), MetS, and type II diabetes, when compared with non-lithium users (those on anticonvulsants, second-generation antipsychotics). Methods: Cross-sectional study of 129 patients aged 18-85 with bipolar disorder, followed at tertiary care clinics in Montreal. Patients using lithium were compared with those not on lithium, for body mass index and metabolic syndrome. Results: The prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome in the sample of lithium-using patients with BD was 42.4% and 35.7 % respectively, with an average BMI of 29.10 (+/-6.70). Lithium and non-lithium groups did not differ in BMI or prevalence of MetS. However, compared to the non-lithium group, lithium users had lower hemoglobin A1C (5.24 +/- 0.53 versus 6.01 +/- 1.83, U=753.5, p=0.006) and lower triglycerides (1.46 +/- 0.88 versus 2.01 +/-1.25, U=947, p=0.020). Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome among patients with bipolar disorder. However, this did not appear to be associated with lithium use, when compared to those not on lithium. The lithium subgroup was also associated with lower prevalence of type II diabetes. Future prospective and intervention studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to further explore the association between lithium and insulin resistance, as well as its underlying mechanisms.
Chatbots to Support People With Dementia and Their Caregivers: Systematic Review of Functions and Quality
Authors: Ruggiano Nicole , Brown Ellen L , Roberts Lisa , Framil Suarez C Victoria , Luo Yan , Hao Zhichao , Hristidis Vagelis 
Published: April 2021

Background
Over the past decade, there has been an increase in the use of information technologies to educate and support people with dementia and their family caregivers. At the same time, chatbot technologies have become increasingly popular for use by the public and have been identified as having benefits for health care delivery. However, little is known about how chatbot technologies may benefit people with dementia and their caregivers.

Objective
This study aims to identify the types of current commercially available chatbots that are designed for use by people with dementia and their caregivers and to assess their quality in terms of features and content.

Methods
Chatbots were identified through a systematic search on Google Play Store, Apple App Store, Alexa Skills, and the internet. An evidence-based assessment tool was used to evaluate the features and content of the identified apps. The assessment was conducted through interrater agreement among 4 separate reviewers.

Results
Of the 505 initial chatbots identified, 6 were included in the review. The chatbots assessed varied significantly in terms of content and scope. Although the chatbots were generally found to be easy to use, some limitations were noted regarding their performance and programmed content for dialog.

Conclusions
Although chatbot technologies are well established and commonly used by the public, their development for people with dementia and their caregivers is in its infancy. Given the successful use of chatbots in other health care settings and for other applications, there are opportunities to integrate this technology into dementia care. However, more evidence-based chatbots that have undergone end user evaluation are needed to evaluate their potential to adequately educate and support these populations.