bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
e-ASPECTS derived acute ischemic volumes on non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography images
Authors: Nagel Simon , Joly Olivier , Pfaff Johannes , Papanagiotou Panagiotis , Fassbender Klaus , Reith Wolfgang , Möhlenbruch Markus A , Herweh Christian , Grunwald Iris Q 
Published: October 2019

Background and purpose Validation of automatically derived acute ischemic volumes (AAIV) from e-ASPECTS on non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT). Materials and methods Data from three studies were reanalyzed with e-ASPECTS Version 7. AAIV was calculated in milliliters (ml) in all scored ASPECTS regions of the hemisphere detected by e-ASPECTS. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) determined stroke severity at baseline and clinical outcome was measured with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) between 45 and 120 days. Spearman ranked correlation coefficients (R) of AAIV and e-ASPECTS scores with NIHSS and mRS as well as Pearson correlation of AAIV with diffusion-weighted imaging and CT perfusion-estimated ischemic “core” volumes were calculated. Multivariate regression analysis (odds ratio, OR with 95% confidence intervals, CI) and Bland–Altman plots were performed. Results We included 388 patients. Mean AAIV was 11.6 ± 18.9 ml and e-ASPECTS was 9 (8–10: median and interquartile range). AAIV, respectively e-ASPECTS correlated with NIHSS at baseline (R = 0.35, p < 0.001; R = −0.36, p < 0.001) and follow-up mRS (R = 0.29, p < 0.001; R = −0.3, p < 0.001). In subsets of patients, AAIV correlated strongly with diffusion-weighted imaging ( n = 37, R = 0.68, p < 0.001) and computed tomography perfusion-derived ischemic “core” ( n = 41, R = 0.76, p < 0.001) lesion volume and Bland–Altman plots showed a bias close to zero (−2.65 ml for diffusion-weighted imaging and 0.45 ml forcomputed tomography perfusion “core”). Within the whole cohort, the AAIV (OR 0.98 per ml, 95% CI 0.96–0.99) and e-ASPECTS scores (OR 1.3, 95%CI 1.07–1.57) were independent predictors of good outcome Conclusion AAIV on NCCT correlated moderately with clinical severity but strongly with diffusion-weighted imaging lesion and computed tomography perfusion ischemic “core” volumes and predicted clinical outcome.
An observational study of ad-hoc anaesthesia teams
Authors: Birkestam Anderz MW , Öster Caisa , Arakelian Erebouni 
Published: October 2019

Background Anaesthesia teams are temporarily assembled to cooperate with teams in emergency departments in the immediate management of events compromising patients’ airway, ventilation and circulation. Purpose The aim was to describe a temporary ad-hoc anaesthesia team’s performance. Design An observational study was conducted. Methods Data, collected with 12 non-participatory observations, were analysed using both an thematic method, and a validated assessment tool, the Team Emergency Assessment Measure. Results Three themes were identified: (1) flexibility in assuming varying roles, (2) expertise in verbal and non-verbal communication and (3) skills dealing with the challenges of working in unfamiliar dynamic environments. Ninety per cent of anaesthesia teams scored 7.6 (0–10) on the overall assessment according to the Team Emergency Assessment Measure rating. Conclusion Ad-hoc anaesthesia team members communicated in various ways and the anaesthesia team adapted well to the unpredictable environment in the emergency department.
Photobiomodulation Therapy Partially Restores Cartilage Integrity and Reduces Chronic Pain Behavior in a Rat Model of Osteoarthritis: Involvement of Spinal Glial Modulation
Authors: Balbinot Gustavo , Schuch Clarissa Pedrini , Nascimento Patricia Severo do , Lanferdini Fabio Juner , Casanova Mayra , Baroni Bruno Manfredini , Vaz Marco Aurélio 
Published: October 2019

Objective Chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA) often leads to reduced function and engagement in activities of daily living. Current pharmacological treatments remain relatively ineffective. This study investigated the efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on cartilage integrity and central pain biomarkers in adult male Wistar rats. Design We evaluated the cartilage degradation and spinal cord sensitization using the monoiodoacetate (MIA) model of OA following 2 weeks of delayed PBMT treatment (i.e., 15 days post-MIA). Multiple behavioral tests and knee joint histology were used to assess deficits related to OA. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess chronic pain sensitization in spinal cord dorsal horn regions. Furthermore, we analyzed the principal components related to pain-like behavior and cartilage integrity. Results MIA induced chronic pain-like behavior with respective cartilage degradation. PBMT had no effects on overall locomotor activity, but positive effects on weight support ( P = 0.001; effect size [ES] = 1.01) and mechanical allodynia ( P = 0.032; ES = 0.51). Greater optical densitometry of PBMT-treated cartilage was evident in superficial layers ( P = 0.020; ES = 1.34), likely reflecting the increase of proteoglycan and chondrocyte contents. In addition, PBMT effects were associated to decreased contribution of spinal glial cells to pain-like behavior ( P = 0.001; ES = 0.38). Conclusion PBMT during the chronic phase of MIA-induced OA promoted cartilage recovery and reduced the progression or maintenance of spinal cord sensitization. Our data suggest a potential role of PBMT in reducing cartilage degradation and long-term central sensitization associated with chronic OA.
Use of Electronic Patient Reported Outcomes in Clinical Nephrology Practice: A Qualitative Pilot Study
Authors: Schick-Makaroff Kara , Tate Kaitlyn , Molzahn Anita 
Published: October 2019

Background: Use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) in clinical practice can offer clinicians important information about the impact of illness on patients and their quality of life. Electronic reporting of patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) provide quick access of this information to the health care team. Although this type of information is acknowledged to be critical to not only improving the quality of care but also involving patients in care planning, little is known about how ePRO reports can be used in nephrology clinics to enhance person-centered care. Objective: The purpose of this research was to examine how ePROs were used in home dialysis clinics. Design: A pilot qualitative research design was employed. Setting: The study was conducted in 2 home dialysis clinics over 6 months. Patients: A total of 99 home dialysis patients and 12 nurses participated in the study. Measurements: Patients completed 2 ePROs (the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System revised for renal patients and Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36) prior to their clinic appointment, and results were given to their health care providers. Nurses saw patients first, along with ePRO data. Patients and nurses consented to having their clinic interactions observed and audio recorded (n = 169). Methods: Summative content analysis was used to synthesize the data. Results: The ePRO data were used to discuss 24 specific issues (brought up a total of 456 times over 165 interactions), most frequently: itchiness (n = 55), appetite (n = 51), problems with sleeping (n = 50), tiredness (n = 46), and shortness of breath (n = 45) as well as overall patient health and the general effects of kidney disease on the patient’s daily life. The issues that most often prompted a change in care plan, referral to another health care professional, or further assessment included itching (n = 23), depression (n = 18), tiredness (n = 13), sleeping (n = 12), anxiety (n = 11), and disease interfering with daily life (n = 7). Limitations: Limitations include the duration of follow-up (6 months), the restriction to 2 home dialysis clinics, and the potential for the Hawthorne effect due to observation. Conclusions: Use of these ePROs in the home dialysis clinics provided useful information that guided focused assessments and augmented standard assessments to support person-centered care. Further studies are warranted to identify whether this practice offers benefits over usual care.
Validation of a wearable biosensor device for vital sign monitoring in septic emergency department patients in Rwanda
Authors: Garbern Stephanie C , Mbanjumucyo Gabin , Umuhoza Christian , Sharma Vinay K , Mackey James , Tang Oliver , Martin Kyle D , Twagirumukiza Francois R , Rosman Samantha L , McCall Natalie , Wegerich Stephan W , Levine Adam C 
Published: October 2019

Objective Critical care capabilities needed for the management of septic patients, such as continuous vital sign monitoring, are largely unavailable in most emergency departments (EDs) in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and accuracy of using a wireless wearable biosensor device for continuous vital sign monitoring in ED patients with suspected sepsis in an LMIC setting. Methods This was a prospective observational study of pediatric (≥2 mon) and adult patients with suspected sepsis at the Kigali University Teaching Hospital ED. Heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature measurements were continuously recorded using a wearable biosensor device for the duration of the patients’ ED course and compared to intermittent manually collected vital signs. Results A total of 42 patients had sufficient data for analysis. Mean duration of monitoring was 32.8 h per patient. Biosensor measurements were strongly correlated with manual measurements for heart rate (r = 0.87, p <  0.001) and respiratory rate (r = 0.75, p <  0.001), although were less strong for temperature (r = 0.61, p <  0.001). Mean (SD) differences between biosensor and manual measurements were 1.2 (11.4) beats/min, 2.5 (5.5) breaths/min and 1.4 (1.0)°C. Technical or practical feasibility issues occurred in 12 patients (28.6%) although were minor and included biosensor detachment, connectivity problems, removal for a radiologic study or exam, and patient/parent desire to remove the device. Conclusions Wearable biosensor devices can be feasibly implemented and provide accurate continuous heart rate and respiratory rate monitoring in acutely ill pediatric and adult ED patients with sepsis in an LMIC setting.
Large-Scale Assessments, Personalized Learning, and Creativity: Paradoxes and Possibilities
Authors: Beghetto Ronald A. 
Published: October 2019

Purpose: This article, based on an invited talk, aims to explore the relationship among large-scale assessments, creativity and personalized learning. Design/Approach/Methods: Starting with the working definition of large-scale assessments, creativity, and personalized learning, this article identified the paradox of combining these three components together. As a consequence, a logic mode of large-scale assessment and creativity expressions is illustrated, along with an exploration of new possibilities. Findings: Smarter design of large-scale assessments is needed. Firstly, we need to assess creative learning at the individual level, so complex tasks with high uncertainty should be presented to students. Secondly, additional process and experiential data while students are working on problems need to be captured. Thirdly, the human-artificial intelligence (AI) augmented scoring should be explored, developed, and refined. Originality/Value: This article addresses the drawbacks of current large-scale assessments and explores possibilities for combining assessment with creativity and personalized learning. A logic model illustrating variations necessary for creative learning and considerations and cautions for designing large-scale assessments are also provided.
Acupressure and Therapeutic Touch in Childhood Cancer to Promote Subjective and Intersubjective Experiences of Well-being During Curative Treatment
Authors: Hu Hiroe , Shear Deborah , Thakkar Radhika , Thompson-Lastad Ariana , Pinderhughes Howard , Hecht Frederick M , Lown E Anne 
Published: October 2019

Purpose Acupressure and therapeutic touch may be beneficial for symptom management and increasing general well-being for children undergoing cancer treatment. Acupressure has the benefit of stimulating targeted acupuncture points while providing therapeutic touch. We sought to explore the relationship between acupressure and the experience of well-being among children being treated for cancer who received acupressure. Methods In the Acupressure for Children in Treatment for a Childhood Cancer trial, hospitalized children received acupressure using specified acupressure points for symptom control as well as points for general well-being. Acupressure was delivered by professionals and by caregivers, following training by the professional. Qualitative data were collected through semistructured interviews with a purposive sample of professional acupressure providers (n = 3) and primary caregivers (n = 13), combined with participant observation during the acupressure intervention. Data were analyzed using grounded theory methods. Results Analysis of provider interview, caregiver interview, and participation observation yielded 3 prominent themes: (1) well-being elicited by acupressure, (2) well-being elicited by touch, and (3) well-being experienced as relational and intersubjective. These themes, taken together, illustrate the intricate ways in which an intervention like acupressure can help alleviate the difficulties of a childhood cancer illness experience by promoting well-being in the child as well as the caregiver. Acupressure brought symptom relief, physical relaxation, and comforting touch to the child, allowing the caregiver to also feel relief and relaxation as caregiver–child experience of well-being are closely intertwined. Conclusions Data from the 3 sources provided distinct and overlapping insights suggesting the versatile benefits of acupressure in promoting well-being during childhood cancer treatment. Professional acupressure combined with training of caregivers for childhood cancer may be a relational intervention that facilitates the experience of well-being for both the caregiver and the child.
DNA Methylation Validation Methods: a Coherent Review with Practical Comparison
Authors: Šestáková Šárka , Šálek Cyril , Remešová Hana 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Here, we present a practical overview of four commonly used validation methods for DNA methylation assessment: methylation specific restriction endonucleases (MSRE) analysis, pyrosequencing, methylation specific high-resolution DNA melting (MS-HRM) and quantitative methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (qMSP). Using these methods, we measured DNA methylation levels of three loci in human genome among which one was highly methylated, one intermediately methylated and one unmethylated. We compared the methods in terms of primer design demands, methods’ feasibility, accuracy, time and money consumption, and usability for clinical diagnostics.
Pyrosequencing and MS-HRM proved to be the most convenient methods. Using pyrosequencing, it is possible to analyze every CpG in a chosen region. The price of the instrument may represent the main limitation of this methodology. MS-HRM is a simple PCR-based method. The measurement was quick, cheap and very accurate. MSRE analysis is based on a methylation specific digestion of DNA. It does not require a bisulfite conversion of DNA as the other methods. MSRE analysis was very easy to perform, however, it was not suitable for intermediately methylated regions and it was also quite expensive. qMSP is a qPCR-based method that uses primers designed specifically for methylated and unmethylated alleles of a chosen region. This was the least accurate method and also the primer design and optimization of PCR conditions were highly demanding.
The effect of BACE1-AS on β-amyloid generation by regulating BACE1 mRNA expression
Authors: Li Fan , Wang Yun , Yang Hui , Xu Yingying , Zhou Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiao , Xie Zhaohong , Bi Jianzhong 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
The BACE1 antisense transcript (BACE1-AS) is a conserved long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). The level of BACE1-AS is significantly increased and the level of the BACE1 mRNA is slightly increased in subjects with AD. BACE1-AS exerts a significant moderating effect on the expression of the BACE1 mRNA and promotes the formation of Aβ. After the administration of Aβ1-42 to SH-SY5Y cells and C57/BL6J mice, we detected the expression of BACE1-AS, BACE1 mRNA, and BACE1 protein, as well as the concentration of Aβ1-40. Then, we silenced the expression of BACE1-AS in SH-SY5Y and 20E2 cells using siRNAs targeting BACE1-AS and detected its effects on the levels of the BACE1 mRNA and BACE1 protein and Aβ1-40 generation.

Results
The administration of Aβ1-42 increased the expression of BACE1-AS, BACE1 mRNA and protein, as well as the concentration of Aβ1-40 in SH-SY5Y cells and the brains of C57BL/6J mice. Pretreatment with the BACE1-AS siRNA inhibited the effect of Aβ1-42 on increasing the expression of BACE1-AS and BACE1, as well as the generation of Aβ.

Conclusions
The mechanism by which exogenous Aβ1-42 induces BACE1 expression and Aβ generation is mediated by BACE1-AS. BACE1-AS is involved in the mechanism regulating BACE1 expression and Aβ generation in APPsw transgenic cells.
Circular RNA CDR1as sponges miR-7-5p to enhance E2F3 stability and promote the growth of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zhong Qiong , Huang Juncong , Wei Jiawang , Wu Renrui 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Circular RNA (circRNA) CDR1as plays an important role in the occurrence and development of human tumors. The purpose of this study is to investigate the molecular mechanism of circRNA CDR1as in the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods
The mRNA expressions of circRNA CDR1as, miR-7-5p, and E2F3 were detected by qRT-PCR. The effects of circRNA CDR1as, miR-7-5p, and E2F3 on NPC cells were investigated using cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) method, colony formation assay, and representative metabolite assay. The molecular mechanism of circRNA CDR1 in NPC was studied by bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assay. In addition, the biological activity of circRNA CDR1as was also investigated in NPC xenograft tumor mice model.

Results
The results showed that the circRNA CDR1as expression was significantly up-regulated in NPC tissues by comparison with non-tumor NPE tissues (p < 0.01), suggesting that circRNA CDR1as was associated with poor prognosis in NPC patients. Moreover, circRNA CDR1as could up-regulate E2F3 expression by binding miR-7-5p, and promote the growth and glucose metabolism of NPC cells. Meanwhile, circRNA CDR1as could promote NPC progression through the negative regulation of miR-7-5p in the xenograft tumor model.

Conclusion
CircRNA CDR1as promoted the occurrence and development of NPCs by successively up-regulating the expression of miR-7-5p and E2F3, suggesting CircRNA CDR1as as a potential target for the treatment of NPC patients.
Trial registration The study was approved by the cancer center’s institutional research ethics committee on Oct 18, 2008 (2008GZ2847462)
Human exposure to Anopheles farauti bites in the Solomon Islands is not associated with IgG antibody response to the gSG6 salivary protein of Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Pollard Edgar J. M. , Patterson Catriona , Russell Tanya L. , Apairamo Alan , Oscar Jance , Arcà Bruno , Drakeley Chris , Burkot Thomas R. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Mosquito saliva elicits immune responses in humans following mosquito blood feeding. Detection of human antibodies recognizing the Anopheles gambiae salivary gland protein 6 (gSG6) or the gSG6-P1 peptide in residents of Africa, South America and Southeast Asia suggested the potential for these antibodies to serve as a universal marker to estimate human biting rates. Validating the utility of this approach requires concurrent comparisons of anopheline biting rates with antibodies to the gSG6 protein to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the assay for monitoring changes in vector populations. This study investigated whether seroprevalence of anti-gSG6 antibodies in humans reflected the relative exposure to Anopheles farauti bites in the Solomon Islands as estimated from sympatric human landing catches.

Methods
Human biting rates by An. farauti were estimated by landing catches at 10 sampling sites in each of 4 villages during the wet and dry seasons. Human serum samples from these same villages were also collected during the wet and dry seasons and analysed for antibody recognition of the gSG6 antigen by the Luminex xMAP© platform. Antibody titres and prevalence were compared to HLCs at the sampling sites nearest to participants’ residences for utility of anti-gSG6 antibodies to estimate human exposure to anopheline bites.

Results
In this study in the Solomon Islands only 11% of people had very high anti-gSG6 antibody titres, while other individuals did not recognize gSG6 despite nightly exposures of up to 190 bites by An. farauti. Despite clear spatial differences in the human biting rates within and among villages, associations between anti-gSG6 antibody titres and biting rates were not found.

Conclusions
Few studies to date have concurrently measured anopheline biting rates and the prevalence of human antibodies to gSG6. The lack of association between anti-gSG6 antibody titres and concurrently measured human biting rates suggests that the assay for human anti-gSG6 antibodies lacks sufficient sensitivity to be a biomarker of An. farauti exposure at an epidemiologically relevant scale. These findings imply that an improvement in the sensitivity of serology to monitor changes in anopheline biting exposure may require the use of saliva antigens from local anophelines, and this may be especially true for species more distantly related to the African malaria vector An. gambiae.
Babao Dan attenuates acute ethanol-induced liver injury via Nrf2 activation and autophagy
Authors: Yu Yang , Tian Zhi-qiang , Liang Lei , Yang Xue , Sheng Dan-dan , Zeng Jian-xing , Li Xiao-yong , Shi Rong-yu , Han Zhi-peng , Wei Li-xin 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Babao Dan (BBD), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used as a complementary and alternative medicine to treat multifarious liver diseases. In this study, we aimed to observe its protective effect on ethanol-induced liver injury and explore potential mechanisms.

Methods
Mice pretreated with BBD (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 g/kg BW) were administrated by ethanol gavage (5 g/kg BW). Liver injury biomarkers and hepatic redox parameters were evaluated by histopathology as well as serum and hepatic content analysis. AML-12 cell was also utilized to determine the efficacy of BBD against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity.

Results
Drunkenness experiment showed that the latency was significantly increased and the drunken sleep time was decreased in mice pretreated with BBD. We then found that BBD could reduce hepatic lipid peroxidation and steatosis induced by ethanol exposure. BBD could also suppress ethanol-induced depletion of hepatic antioxidant enzyme. Besides that, BBD treatment lessened the induction of hepatic cytochrome P450 2E1, a major contributor to ethanol-mediated oxidative stress, and up-regulated the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and its two transcriptional targets hemeoxygenase-1 and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit. Furthermore, autophagy induced by BBD contributed to hepatoprotection activity.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that BBD can markedly dispel acute ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity through multiple pathways including attenuation of ethanol-mediated oxidative stress, enhancement of the oxidative defense systems and activation of autophagy.