bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long non-coding RNA growth arrest specific 5 regulates the T helper 17/regulatory T balance by targeting miR-23a in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Xu Yingying , Ouyang Yiqun 
Published: June 2022

Objective Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder. Recent studies report that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play vital roles in the pathogenesis of various diseases. This study explored the molecular mechanism of lncRNA growth arrest specific 5 (GAS5) in regulating the T helper 17 (Th17)/regulatory T (Treg) cell balance in MG. Methods GAS5 and miR-23a expression levels were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Flow cytometry was performed to examine the proportion of Th17 and Treg cells in CD4+ T cells from MG patients. The interaction between GAS5 and miR-23a was verified by luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Levels of Th17 and Treg-related proteins were examined using western blots and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results GAS5 expression levels were significantly decreased in the CD4+ T cells of MG patients, and GAS5 overexpression restrained Th17 differentiation in CD4+ T cells. Moreover, miR-23a was confirmed as a downstream target of GAS5 and negatively regulated by GAS5 through a direct interaction. Further exploration showed that GAS5 can inhibit Th17 differentiation by downregulating miR-23a. Conclusion Collectively, our results indicate that GAS5 can regulate the Th17/Treg balance by targeting miR-23a expression, providing a scientific basis for clinical therapeutic development for MG.
Automated peritoneal dialysis as a cost-effective urgent-start dialysis option for ESRD patients: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Jin Haijiao , Lu Renhua , Lv Shifan , Wang Ling , Mou Shan , Zhang Minfang , Wang Qin , Pang Huihua , Yan Hao , Li Zhenyuan , Che Miaoling , Shen Jianxiao , Yan Jiayi , Gu Aiping , Zhang Haifen , Liu Qian , Fang Nina , Jin Yan , Ni Zhaohui 
Published: June 2022

Background Several studies have reported the feasibility of urgent-start peritoneal dialysis (PD) as an alternative to hemodialysis (HD) using a central venous catheter (CVC). However, the cost-effectiveness of automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) as an urgent-start dialysis modality has not been directly evaluated, especially in China. Methods We prospectively enrolled patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who required urgent-start dialysis at a single center from March 2019 to November 2020. Patients were grouped according to their urgent-start dialysis modality (APD and HD). Urgent-start dialysis conducted until 14 days after PD catheter insertion. Then, PD was maintained. Each patient was followed until July 2021 or death or loss to follow-up. The primary outcome was the incidence of short-term dialysis-related complications. The secondary outcome was the cost and duration of the initial hospitalization. Technique survival, peritonitis-free or bacteriamia-free survival and patient survival were also compared. Results Sixty-eight patients were included in the study, of whom 36 (52.9%) patients were in APD group. Mean follow-up duration was 20.1 months. Compared with the HD group, the APD group had significantly fewer short-term dialysis-related complications. The cost of initial hospitalization was also significantly lower in APD patients. There was no significant difference between APD and HD patients with respect to duration of the initial hospitalization, technique survival rate, peritonitis-free or bacteriemia-free survival rate, and patient survival rate. Conclusion Among ESRD patients with an urgent need for dialysis, APD as urgent-start dialysis modality, compared with HD using a CVC, resulted in fewer short-term dialysis-related complications and lower cost.
Evaluation of anticoagulation with bivalirudin for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Hanna Dylan J , Torbic Heather , Militello Mike , Strnad Kyle , Krishnan Sudhir , Hohlfelder Ben 
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Unfractionated heparin is the most commonly utilized anticoagulant in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) due to clinician familiarity, ease of reversal, and low cost compared to alternative agents. However, heparin’s anticoagulant effect can be unpredictable and its use accompanies a risk of heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Successful use of bivalirudin as an alternative to heparin in non-HIT ECMO patients has previously been described. However, there is a paucity of data regarding its utilization in patients with confirmed HIT on ECMO. Methods: This single-center retrospective chart review at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus included 12 ECMO patients who were managed with bivalirudin for a new diagnosis of HIT. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed utilizing median with interquartile range and number with percent as appropriate. Results: Of the 12 patients included, median ECMO duration was 328.5 (218.8–502.1) h and venoarterial ECMO was the most common configuration. No patients experienced the primary outcome of in-circuit thrombosis while on bivalirudin. One patient developed a deep vein thrombosis 22.5 h after switching from heparin to bivalirudin. Major bleeding occurred during bivalirudin therapy in 8 (66.7%) patients. Conclusions: Overall, our study results suggest that bivalirudin is effective for the management of HIT and did not show evidence of in-circuit thrombosis. A high incidence of major bleeding was observed with bivalirudin use within this study. Clinicians should view bivalirudin as an acceptable agent for the treatment of HIT in the ECMO population, but must consider bleeding risk given the lack of effective reversal agents.
Continuous antimicrobial mechanism of dispersible hydroxyapatite nanoparticles doped with zinc ions for percutaneous device coatings
Authors: Oshita Mari , Umeda Koji , Kataoka Minami , Azuma Yoshinao , Furuzono Tsutomu 
Published: June 2022

Percutaneous devices—indwelling catheters—related infections are serious clinical incidents. It is accordingly necessary to develop anti-infective coating materials suitable for the devices for long-term effectiveness. In our research group, highly dispersible and crystalline hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles doped with metallic or halogen ions possessing antibacterial activities have been developed. In this study, antibacterial, dispersible, and crystalline zinc (Zn)-doped hydroxyapatite [Zn(15)-HAp] nanoparticles substituted with 13.5% Zn content [Zn/(Zn + Ca) × 100] were prepared by a wet chemical method using an anti-sintering agent through calcination. Antibacterial activities of Zn(15)-HAp nanoparticles were evaluated using Escherichia coli ( E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus. The survival rates of the bacteria on Zn(15)-HAp nanoparticles were significantly lower than that on normal HAp (nHAp) coated surfaces, while no influences were observed on proliferation of L929 cells. Even after soaking Zn(15)-HAp nanoparticles in PBS for 2 weeks, the antibacterial activities against E. coli were maintained at a similar level to a 20 min soaking. The bacterial death was related to not only ion-exchange phenomenon between Zn and magnesium ions but also accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells. Allergic-like reactions—anaphylactoid reactions—might not readily occur with Zn(15)-HAp nanoparticles because the amounts of histamine released from HMC-1 cells co-cultured with nanoparticles were not significantly different to that of nHAp, but were statistically much lower than that of chlorhexidine.
Statin-Associated Autoimmune Myopathy: Review of the Literature
Authors: Barrons Robert 
Published: June 2022

Objective: Statin-associated autoimmune myopathy (SAAM) is a rare adverse event characterized by progressive muscle symptoms despite discontinuation, requiring immunosuppressive therapy for remission. The objective of this review was to characterize SAAM, for timely detection, while examining the literature for effective treatment considerations. Methods: PubMed search was conducted from 2010 to 2020 was for relevant case series and studies of at least 8 patients displaying muscle discomfort or weakness, anti-HMGCR antibodies, exposure to statins, and biopsies consistent with SAAM. Results: Three case series and 3 case cohort studies identified 199 patients with SAAM. Exhibiting a mean age of 63.74 years, patients were more likely Caucasian (81%) and female (1.2X), and required a mean duration of 4.75 years before symptomatic. The presentation involved proximal muscle weakness (94%), myalgias (37%) and dysphagia (23%), accompanied by a mean creatinine kinase of 6383 IU/L. Most patients (57%) required 2 or more immunosuppressive (IMS) agents to achieve 62% remission. After 2 years of treatment, 15% of patients without remission reported symptomatic improvement, while another 12% were refractory to treatment. Conclusion: Delayed onset of SAAM greater than 4 years from statin initiation may create a low index of suspicion. However, progression of symptoms beyond 2 months from statin discontinuation and positive anti-HMGCR antibodies requires immunosuppressive agents. Data and expert opinion support use of at least two IMS medications upon diagnosis for a minimum of 2 years. Therapy success depends on timely recognition and initiation of IMS combinations to achieve earlier remission and symptomatic improvement.
Simplification and Multidimensional Adaptation of the Stratification Tool for Pharmaceutical Care in People Living With HIV
Authors: Morillo-Verdugo Ramón , Aguilar Pérez Tamara , Gimeno-Gracia Mercedes , Rodríguez-González Carmen , Robustillo-Cortes María de las Aguas , Robustillo-Cortes María de las Aguas , Uranga Aitziber Illaro , López Alicia Lázaro , Crespo Angels Andreu , Alarcón Aránzazu Linares , Vega Beatriz Proy , García Belén López , Solanes Carlos Seguí , Rodríguez-González Carmen , Guisado Carolina Aguilar , García Elena Cárdaba , Cuadrado Emilio Molina , Boquet Emilio Monte , Lecha Encarna Abad , Escrig Esther Vicente , Orfila Gabriel Mercadal , Aznárez Herminia Navarro , López Inmaculada Nacle , Orbis Irene Cañamares , Anciano Jara Gallardo , Arrate Javier Casas , Ferrández Javier Sánchez-Rubio , López Joaquín Ignacio Serrano , Pedrosa José Alberto Peña , González Jose Sebastián Roldan , Lisón Luis Carlos Fernández , Framinan Luis Margusino , Valín Luis Ortega , Martin Maite , Vélez Manuel , Crespo María Ángeles Andreu , Maria Maria Carmen Rosado , Coronel María García , Fernández Maria Jose Huertas , Gimeno-Gracia Mercedes , García Mercedes Manzano , Peña Noelia Garrido , Atorrasagasti Oihana Mora , Fenollera Patricia Sanmartin , Ruíz Pilar Díaz , Elcano Ramón San Miguel , Molina Raquel Fresquet , del Águila Vera Áreas , Rebollo-Gómez Dr Elena , Marfil Dr Vanessa 
Published: June 2022

Background People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) require specific pharmaceutical care (PC). Although the 2017 Capacity-Motivation-Opportunity (CMO) PC model allows a multidisciplinary approach that focuses on patient needs, it is too complex and presents room for improvement. Objective The aim of this study is to simplify and adapt the previous 2017 PC tool through a multidimensional approach to improve HIV patient care, to prove the validity of the model in real-life patients. Methods The new PC tool was generated by keeping some of the variables of the 2017 document and conducting a literature search. Content validity was determined by a 2-round Delphi methodology with an expert panel of 42 pharmacists. Consensus for the first and second rounds was defined as ≥70% agreement. The tool generated was validated in 407 real-life patients. Results Thirty-seven experts completed the first round of the Delphi survey and 36 the second. No consensus was reached for 3 variables, any of the frequency options and 4 interventions, while the experts agreed not to include 1 intervention in round 1. Consensus to include them was found for all but 1 variable and 1 intervention in round 2. The final tool obtained to select and stratify HIV-positive patients was composed of 9 dimensions divided into 17 variables. The new tool was validated with real-life patients and 3 priority levels were defined. Conclusions and relevance We created a new pyramid of score thresholds to classify patients into priority levels. The new tool simplifies the 2017 model and improves its utility to help HIV-positive patients, owing to its multidimensional approach.
Investigated regional apparent diffusion coefficient values of the morphologically normal feline brain
Authors: Lindt Blanca , Richter Henning , Del Chicca Francesca 
Published: June 2022

Objectives Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) MRI is increasingly available in veterinary medicine for investigation of the brain. However, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values have only been reported in a small number of cats or in research settings. The aim of this study was to investigate the ADC values of different anatomical regions of the morphologically normal brain in a feline patient population. Additionally, we aimed to assess the possible influence on the ADC values of different patient-related factors, such as sex, body weight, age, imaging of the left and right side of the cerebral hemispheres and white vs grey matter regions. Methods This retrospective study included cats undergoing an MRI (3T) examination with DWI sequences of the head at the Vetsuisse Faculty of the University Zurich between 2015 and 2021. Only cats with morphologically normal brains were included. On the ADC maps, 10 regions of interest (ROIs) were manually drawn on the following anatomical regions: caudate nucleus; internal capsule (two locations); piriform lobe; thalamus; hippocampus; cortex cerebri (two locations); cerebellar hemisphere; and one ROI in the centre of the cerebellar vermis. Except for the ROI at the cerebellar vermis, each ROI was drawn in the left and right hemisphere. The ADC values were calculated by the software and recorded. Results A total of 129 cats were included in this study. The ADC varied in the different ROIs, with the highest mean ADC value in the hippocampus and the lowest in the cerebellar hemisphere. ADC was significantly lower in the white cerebral matter compared with the grey matter. ADC values were not influenced by age, with the exception of the hippocampus and the cingulate gyrus. Conclusion and relevance ADC values of different anatomical regions of the morphologically normal feline brain in a patient population of 129 cats in a clinical setting are reported for the first time.
An early assessment of COVID-19’s impact on tourism in U.S. counties
Authors: Han Luyi , Goetz Stephan J , Eades Daniel , Entsminger Jason , Arbogast Doug 
Published: June 2022

We use county-level data to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the tourism and hospitality sector, which was by far the most impacted of all sectors, focusing on employment and wage changes. Results support our hypothesis that rural counties experienced fewer negative impacts or even benefited from the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of job growth . We present maps showing the pandemic’s effects on leisure and hospitality (L&H) employment across the nation, identifying the communities both hardest hit and least impacted. A linear regression model is developed to explore independent factors that influenced the pandemic’s local impact. Results are robust across different measures of the key variable (rurality), including rural-urban continuum codes, distance from metropolitan areas, and population density. We also consider the impacts of social capital, income, and local economic diversification, among other factors. Our results suggest that remote, less-populated counties were more likely to experience stable employment in the L&H sector relative to pre-pandemic levels, and in some cases even experienced employment growth. JEL Classification: J2, J3, R1
Validity and reliability of the Danish version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
Authors: Ørskov Per T. , Norup Anne 
Published: June 2022

Aim: The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index is a widely used measure of sleep quality. The validity and reliability of the Danish version of the instrument has not yet been established. The aim of this study is to establish the internal consistency, test-retest reliability and convergent validity of the Danish version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index in adolescents. Methods: Data were collected from 719 students from 17 different upper secondary schools. The sample consisted of 55% women, and the mean age of the sample was 17.87 (2.52) years. Data was collected on two occasions approximately 6 weeks apart using online surveys. Apart from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the students also completed the five-item World Health Organization Well-being Index and the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale. For internal consistency the Cronbach’s alpha was calculated, for test-retest reliability the interclass correlation coefficient was computed, and for validity the Pearson’s correlation was calculated. Results: The mean global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score among Danish adolescents was 5.86 (3.13). The internal consistency for the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was satisfactory with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.72. Test-retest reliability was adequate with an interclass correlation coefficient of 0.68. Finally, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index showed large positive correlation with the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (0.55) and a large negative correlation with the five-item World Health Organization Well-being Index (–0.59). Conclusions: The Danish version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index showed adequate reliability and validity among Danish adolescents.
Impacts of low atmospheric pressure on distribution of indoor hot air jet in plateau area
Authors: Hu Jiale , Wang Yingying , Wang Dengjia , Song Jie 
Published: June 2022

The existing design parameters of hot-air heating for local buildings do not consider the distinctive low-pressure that can be experienced in the plateau regions, resulting in significant inefficiency. In this study, a numerical model based on the Reynolds time-averaged method coupled with the RNG k–ε turbulence model was established by considering the air thermal properties influenced by pressure. Four atmospheric conditions of 101.325 kPa, 84.547 kPa, 70.093 kPa and 57.708 kPa were selected to simulate the velocity and temperature fields of the horizontal and vertical hot-air jets. The influence of low pressure on the flow characteristics of hot-air jets was analyzed subsequently. The results suggest the jet flow patterns are essentially similar under various pressures. The horizontal hot-air jets bent upward more significantly and the diffusion range of the vertical jets was reduced under low pressure. The jet velocity decayed faster at low pressure, and the axial velocity of a vertical jet at 57.708 kPa was 0.26 m/s lower than that at 101.325 kPa. The temperature gradient of the room with a hot-air jet was increased with decreasing pressure, which was 5.0 K/m at 57.708 kPa. This study should be helpful to the detailed design and efficient operation of hot-air heating in buildings in the plateau regions.
An informed audience: The effects of constructive television news on emotions and knowledge
Authors: Swijtink Nadia , Prins Tineke , Hermans Liesbeth , Hietbrink Niek 
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to gain more insight in the way people process information after watching constructive news. In this regard, an experiment ( N = 575, 18 – 90 years old) was conducted to investigate how constructive, compared to nonconstructive, news reporting affected information processing (i.e., factual and perceived knowledge) of television news, and whether emotions caused by the news mediated this relation. For this experiment the topics of two socially relevant issues were used; plastic waste in the ocean and the housing market. Results showed that constructive reporting elicited lower levels of negative emotions and higher levels of positive emotions compared to nonconstructive news. Moreover, we found that the mediation of emotions was largely dependent on the topic of the news. While more negative feelings led to more factual knowledge of the housing market topic, an increase of positive emotions led to higher perceived knowledge scores on both the housing market and plastic waste topic. These results stress the importance for both researchers and journalists to balance constructive news elements in news reporting in order to optimize information processing of the audience.
Are There Benefits for Patients Attending ‘A Heart Failure Clinic'? A Five Year Review
Authors: Gates L.J. , MacLeod M.J. , Cruickshank M.A. , Webster J. , McLay J.S. 
Published: June 2022

Objective To determine the effects of attendance at a chronic ‘heart failure clinic', with emphasis on patient education on morbidity, hospitalisations and mortality associated with heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Design Retrospective case audit study. Setting University hospital with a primary catchment area of 500,000 inhabitants. Patients 100 patients (aged 54–87 years, 59% male) with a confirmed diagnosis of left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Methods Patients regularly reviewed at a ‘heart failure clinic’ where emphasis was placed on optimisation of drug therapy, patient education, self-management, and adherence to treatment regimes. Results The median age of the study population was 72 (50–87 years), 89% had a current NYHA status of III/IV. The average dose of frusemide was 111mg/day, with 74% of the study group receiving an ACE inhibitor and 15% an angiotensin II antagonist or vasodilator. Hospitalisation rate was 0.7±0.1 admissions per patient per year, the length of stay during admission was 11.8±2 days (females) and 10.5±2.2 days (males), and the average length of survival from first clinic attendance was 5.3±1.75 years for females and 2.97±0.5 years for males. Conclusions Attendance at a ‘heart failure clinic’ ensures optimisation of medication, reduction of patient admission rate and duration of hospitalisation.
Clinical associations with carriage of pulmonary Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Authors: Watson Lily , Priestley Lisa , Chapman Stephen J , Andersson Monique I , Jeffery Katie , Flight William G 
Published: June 2022

Background: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia causes opportunistic respiratory infections and is associated with declining lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Risk factors for carrying S. maltophilia remain unclear. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients yielding ⩾1 respiratory S. maltophilia isolate at the Oxford University Hospitals Trust between 2014 and 2019 and a cohort study of S. maltophilia carriage in CF patients attending annual review in 2018. Results: Seven hundred and forty isolates were identified from 238 patients (median 1.0 isolate/patient). Predisposing conditions included invasive ventilation (29.8%), CF (25.6%) and non-CF bronchiectasis (24.4%). The rates of Stenotrophomonas isolates and co-trimoxazole resistance were stable over time. About 10.8% of isolates were co-trimoxazole-resistant, with resistance more common in CF than in other diagnoses (29.5% vs 5.8%, p < 0.001). No clinical features were significantly associated with S. maltophilia carriage in the CF population. Discussion: We present new insight into the epidemiology of Stenotrophomonas colonisation/infection and identify increased co-trimoxazole resistance in CF isolates.