bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conservative therapy is associated with worse clinical features and biochemical derangements than renal replacement therapy: a retrospective study in Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Okyere Perditer , Okyere Isaac , Essuman Grace , Attakora Joseph , Serwaa Dorcas , Donkoh Irene Esi , Ephraim Richard K.D. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
The incidence of end stage kidney disease (ESKD) is increasing in Ghana as with the rest of the world. This study compared the sociodemographic, diagnostic characteristics (clinical, biochemical and imaging) and clinical outcomes of ESKD patients who chose either renal replacement therapy (RRT) or conservative therapy as well as the factors that influenced their choice.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the records of 382 ESKD patient from 2006 to 2018. The data was collected from the Nephrology Clinic at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). Sociodemographic, diagnostic (clinical, biochemical and imaging) and therapeutic data were obtained, organized and analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).

Results
Of the 382 patients, 321 had conservative therapy whiles 61 had renal replacement therapy. The mean age of participants was 47.71 ± 16.10 years. Bipedal swelling (16.8%), fatigue (10.4%) and facial swelling (9.2%) were the major clinical features. Chronic glomerulonephritis (31.4%), hypertension (30.3%) and diabetes mellitus nephropathy (28.2%) were the most frequent predisposing conditions. Nifedipine (82.0%), bisoprolol (32.8%), aspirin (19.7%), ranitidine (26.2%), metformin (13.1%) and lasix (78.7%) were commonly used by the RRT patients than their conservative therapy counterparts. Compared to their RRT counterparts, patients on conservative therapy were more on irbesartan/lisinopril (57.9%) and sodium hydro carbonate (NaHCO3) (52.0%). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p = 0.047), uremic gastritis (p = 0.007), anaemia, uraemia, haematuria and hyperkalaemia (p < 0.001) were more common in conservative therapy patients than RRT patients with RRT patients showing better corticomedullary differentiation (38.1% vs. 27.7%, p < 0.001) and normal echotexture (15.0% vs. 11.6%, p = 0.005). Age, gender, occupation and duration of illness were significantly associated with the decision to opt for conservative therapy.

Conclusion
Patients on conservative therapy have worse clinical outcomes than their RRT counterparts. Early referrals to nephrologist as well as subsidized RRT should be targeted.
Respectful maternity care in health centers of Addis Ababa city: a mixed method study
Authors: Abebe Amaha Haile , Mmusi-Phetoe Rose 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Objective
The study aims to assess quality of obstetric and newborn care including respectfulness of the maternity care.

Design
The study used explanatory sequential mixed methods design .

Setting
This study was conducted in 50 health centres in Addis Ababa city administration January 25 to April 31, 2021.

Methods
During the quantitative phase 500 women in postpartum period were interviewed using structured questionnaire. In the second phase in-depth interview was conducted with 20 midwives and 13 health centre managers. The quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The qualitative data was analysed using Colaizzi’s seven step process.

Results
Only 24.6% of women had respectful maternity care (RMC). Only 46% of women had effective communication during child birth. Only 9.6% of women had emotional support during child birth. Majority of women were encouraged to mobilize, take food and be on labor position of their choice. However, only 22.4 and 18.8% of women respectively had a companion of choice and any pharmacologic pain relief during child birth. One in seven women (15%) had one form of disrespect and abuse during child birth.

Conclusion
Ensuring respectful maternity care needs strong policy direction to health facilities, public education on their right to respectful maternity care, training of care givers and monitoring care through engagement of frontline staff and clients.
Feasibility of fractionated gamma knife radiosurgery in the management of newly diagnosed Glioblastoma
Authors: Gallitto Matthew , Savacool Michelle , Lee Albert , Wang Tony J. C. , Sisti Michael B. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults, with overall survival remaining poor despite ongoing efforts to explore new treatment paradigms. Given these outcomes, efforts have been made to shorten treatment time. Recent data report on the safety of CyberKnife (CK) fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in the management of GBM using a five-fraction regimen. The latest Gamma Knife (GK) model also supports frameless SRS, and outcomes using GK SRS in the management of primary GBM have not yet been reported.

Objective
To report on the feasibility of five-fraction SRS with the GammaKnife ICON in the management of newly diagnosed GBM.

Methods
In this single institutional study, we retrospectively reviewed all patients from our medical center from January 2017 through December 2021 who received fractionated SRS with Gamma Knife ICON for newly diagnosed GBM. Patient demographics, upfront surgical margins, molecular subtyping, radiation treatment volumes, systemic therapies, and follow-up imaging findings were extracted to report on oncologic outcomes.

Results
We identified six patients treated within the above time frame. Median age at diagnosis was 73.5 years, 66% were male, and had a median Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) of 70. All tumors were IDH wild-type, and all but one were MGMT methylated and received concurrent temozolomide (TMZ). Within this group, progression free survival was comparable to that of historical data without significant radiation-induced toxicities.

Conclusion
Gamma Knife ICON may be discussed as a potential treatment option for select GBM patients and warrants further investigation in the prospective setting.
A potential pathogenic hypoxia-related gene HK2 in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) of newborns
Authors: Han Yujie , Liu Xianghong , Kang Lili , Chen Dong , Li Yongqing , Zhang Huiping , Sun Mingying , Gao Hui , Gai Zhongtao , Li Xiaoying 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a disastrous gastrointestinal disease of newborns, and the mortality rate of infants with NEC is approximately 20%-30%. The exploration of pathogenic targets of NEC will be conducive to timely diagnosis of NEC.

Methods
The whole transcriptome RNA sequencing was performed on NEC samples to reveal the expression of lncRNAs, circRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs. Using differential expression analysis, cross analysis, target prediction, enrichment analysis, the pathogenic ceRNA network and target was found.

Results
Preliminarily, 281 DEmRNAs, 21 DEmiRNAs, 253 DElncRNAs and 207 DEcircRNAs were identified in NEC samples compared with controls. After target prediction and cross analyses, a key ceRNA regulatory network was built including 2 lncRNAs, 4 circRNAs, 2 miRNAs and 20 mRNAs. These 20 mRNAs were significantly enriched in many carbohydrate metabolism related pathways. After cross analysis of hypoxia-, carbohydrate metabolism-related genes, and 20 core genes, one gene HK2 was finally obtained. Dendritic cells activated were significantly differentially infiltrated and negatively correlated with HK2 expression in NEC samples.

Conclusions
The promising pathogenic hypoxia-related gene HK2 has been firstly identified in NEC, which might also involve in the carbohydrate metabolism in NEC.
Technical feasibility of using auditory phase-targeted stimulation after pediatric severe traumatic brain injury in an intensive care setting
Authors: Albrecht Joëlle Ninon , Jaramillo Valeria , Huber Reto , Karlen Walter , Baumann Christian Rainer , Brotschi Barbara 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Supplementary treatment options after pediatric severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) are needed to improve neurodevelopmental outcome. Evidence suggests enhancement of brain delta waves via auditory phase-targeted stimulation might support neuronal reorganization, however, this method has never been applied in analgosedated patients on the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Therefore, we conducted a feasibility study to investigate this approach: In a first recording phase, we examined feasibility of recording over time and in a second stimulation phase, we applied stimulation to address tolerability and efficacy.

Methods
Pediatric patients (> 12 months of age) with severe TBI were included between May 2019 and August 2021. An electroencephalography (EEG) device capable of automatic delta wave detection and sound delivery through headphones was used to record brain activity and for stimulation (MHSL-SleepBand version 2). Stimulation tolerability was evaluated based on report of nurses, visual inspection of EEG data and clinical signals (heart rate, intracranial pressure), and whether escalation of therapy to reduce intracranial pressure was needed. Stimulation efficacy was investigated by comparing EEG power spectra of active stimulation versus muted stimulation (unpaired t-tests).

Results
In total, 4 out of 32 TBI patients admitted to the PICU (12.5%) between 4 and 15 years of age were enrolled in the study. All patients were enrolled in the recording phase and the last one also to the stimulation phase. Recordings started within 5 days after insult and lasted for 1–4 days. Overall, 23–88 h of EEG data per patient were collected. In patient 4, stimulation was enabled for 50 min: No signs of patient stress reactions were observed. Power spectrums between active and muted stimulation were not statistically different (all P > .05).

Conclusion
Results suggests good feasibility of continuously applying devices needed for auditory stimulation over multiple days in pediatric patients with TBI on PICU. Very preliminary evidence suggests good tolerability of auditory stimuli, but efficacy of auditory stimuli to enhance delta waves remains unclear and requires further investigation. However, only low numbers of severe TBI patients could be enrolled in the study and, thus, future studies should consider an international multicentre approach.
COVID-19 vaccination coverage among patients with psychiatric disorders in China during the pandemic: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Qin Yue , Zhao Ziru , Teng Ziwei , Xu Baoyan , Wang Xianghe , Guo Jingyi , Huang Jing , Wu Haishan 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background:
To investigate the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination coverage and the influential factors of vaccination among patients with mental disorders, we conducted a cross-sectional study in China.

Method:
The anonymous questionnaires including demographic data, vaccination status, intention to be vaccinated and its reasons were collected in the Second Xiangya Hospital, one of the biggest four psychiatric centers in China. Mental health of these participants were measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 items (GAD-7). The influential factors associated with vaccination status were analyzed by Fisher exact tests and binary logistical analysis.

Result:
1328 patients and 922 family members completed the survey. The vaccination rate of patients included was 69.4%, whereas 85.5% patients were willing to be vaccinated. Being hospitalized (aOR 0.41, 95% CI:0.27–0.60), suffering from schizophrenia (aOR 0.38, 95% CI: 0.19–0.75) and secondary school educational background (aOR 0.58, 95% CI: 0.37–0.93) were significantly associated with less likelihood to get vaccinated. Uptaking vaccines could reduce depressive (aOR 0.63, 95% CI: 0.41–0.98) or anxious symptoms (aOR 0.40, 95% CI: 0.25–0.63) in these patients for a short period.

Conclusion:
Further COVID-19 immunization programme should prioritize hospitalized psychiatric patients and schizophrenic patients since their demands for vaccination had been partly ignored during the current inoculation.
Screening and brief intervention for alcohol use disorder risk in three middle-income countries
Authors: Paschall Mallie J. , Ringwalt Christopher L. , Fisher Deborah A. , Grube Joel W. , Achoki Tom , Miller Ted R. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
This study examined the prevalence of screening and brief intervention (SBI) for alcohol use disorder (AUD) risk in samples of adult drinkers in three middle-income countries (Brazil, China, South Africa), and the extent to which meeting criteria for AUD risk was associated with SBI.

Methods
Cross-sectional survey data were collected from adult samples in two cities in each country in 2018. Survey measures included past-year alcohol use, the CAGE assessment for AUD risk, talking to a health care professional in the past year, alcohol use screening by a health care professional, receiving advice about drinking from a health care professional, and sociodemographic characteristics. The prevalence of SBI was determined for past-year drinkers in each country and for drinkers who had talked to a health care professional. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine whether meeting criteria for AUD risk was associated with SBI when adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics.

Results
Among drinkers at risk for AUD, alcohol use screening rates ranged from 6.7% in South Africa to 14.3% in Brazil, and brief intervention rates ranged from 4.6% in South Africa to 8.2% in China. SBI rates were higher among drinkers who talked to a health care professional in the past year. In regression analyses, AUD risk was positively associated with SBI in China and South Africa, and with brief intervention in Brazil.

Conclusion
Although the prevalence of SBI among drinkers at risk for AUD in Brazil, China, and South Africa appears to be low, it is encouraging that these drinkers were more likely to receive SBI.
Impacts of food consumption on biochemical markers and anthropometric variables of women with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Michalichen Kelly Cristiane , Weber Vinícius Muller Reis , Queiroga Marcos Roberto , Fernandes Daniel Zanardini , Carreira Clisia Mara , Vieira Edgar Ramos , Venturini Danielle 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of diseases characterized by insulin resistance. MetS has high prevalence among women, which is impacted by food intake. MetS is related to high level of inflammation; however, the impacts of whole diets on biochemical and anthropometrical markers and the effects on MetS need to be further elucidated. In this case, the objective of this study was to assess the relationship between food intake, biochemical and anthropometrical markers in women with MetS.

Methods
This is a cross-sectional study, in which 1 hundred and 22 women participated in the assessment of biochemical (glycated hemoglobin, glycaemia, insulin, uric acid, total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, triglycerides, C-reactive protein) and anthropometrical (body mass, height, waist circumference - WC) variables. Participants also performed blood pressure and 24-hour dietary recall assessments. Out of the 122 participants, 44 (36%, age: 59 ± 11 years) had MetS and were included in the analysis.

Results
The consumption of monounsaturated fats had direct relationship with glycaemia (b = 7.48), whereas the consumption of fibers had inverse relationship with body mass (b = − 0.71) and WC (b = − 0.56).

Conclusion
The intake of monounsaturated fats and fiber was related to higher blood sugar levels and lower body mass and WC, respectively. These relationships elucidate and highlight the significance and importance of adequate diet in women with MetS.
Neutrophil degranulation and severely impaired extracellular trap formation at the basis of susceptibility to infections of hemodialysis patients
Authors: Talal Salti , Mona Khoury , Karem Awad , Yaniv Lerenthal , Reut Harari-Misgav , Ariel Shemesh , Moran Avraham-Kelbert , Harel Eitam , Campisi-Pinto Salvatore , Mahmoud Abu-Amna , Raul Colodner , David Tovbin , Gil Bar-Sela , Idan Cohen 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Chronic kidney disease patients are at increased risk of mortality with cardiovascular diseases and infections as the two leading causes of death for end-stage kidney disease treated with hemodialysis (HD). Mortality from bacterial infections in HD patients is estimated to be 100–1000 times higher than in the healthy population.

Methods
We comprehensively characterized highly pure circulating neutrophils from HD and healthy donors.

Results
Protein levels and transcriptome of HD patients’ neutrophils indicated massive neutrophil degranulation with a dramatic reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during an oxidative burst and defective oxidative cellular signaling. Moreover, HD neutrophils exhibit severely impaired ability to generate extracellular NET formation (NETosis) in NADPH oxidase-dependent or independent pathways, reflecting their loss of capacity to kill extracellular bacteria. Ectopic hydrogen peroxidase (H2O2) or recombinant human SOD-1 (rSOD-1) partly restores and improves the extent of HD dysfunctional neutrophil NET formation.

Conclusions
Our report is one of the first singular examples of severe and chronic impairment of NET formation leading to substantial clinical susceptibility to bacteremia that most likely results from the metabolic and environmental milieu typical to HD patients and not by common human genetic deficiencies. In this manner, aberrant gene expression and differential exocytosis of distinct granule populations could reflect the chronic defect in neutrophil functionality and their diminished ability to induce NETosis. Therefore, our findings suggest that targeting NETosis in HD patients may reduce infections, minimize their severity, and decrease the mortality rate from infections in this patient population.
Several areas of overlap between obesity and aging indicate obesity as a biomarker of accelerated aging of human B cell function and antibody responses
Authors: Frasca Daniela 
Published: October 2022

AbstractAging and obesity are high risk factors for several conditions and diseases. They are both associated with systemic inflammation and they are both ameliorated by a healthy life style, suggesting that they may share cellular and molecular pathways and underlying mechanisms. A close relationship between aging and obesity is also supported by the observation that the aging overweight/obese population is increasing worldwide, and mechanisms involved will be presented here. A focus of our work is to evaluate if obesity may be considered a good biomarker of accelerated aging of human antibody responses. We will summarize our published results showing the effects of obesity in accelerating age defects in the peripheral B cell pool and how these lead to dysfunctional humoral immunity.
Efficacy and safety of CPX-351 versus 7 + 3 chemotherapy by European LeukemiaNet 2017 risk subgroups in older adults with newly diagnosed, high-risk/secondary AML: post hoc analysis of a randomized, phase 3 trial
Authors: Cortes Jorge E. , Lin Tara L. , Asubonteng Kobby , Faderl Stefan , Lancet Jeffrey E. , Prebet Thomas 
Published: October 2022

AbstractCPX-351 (Europe: Vyxeos® liposomal; United States: Vyxeos®) is a dual-drug liposomal encapsulation of daunorubicin and cytarabine in a synergistic 1:5 molar ratio. In a phase 3 study in older adults with newly diagnosed, high-risk/secondary AML, CPX-351 improved the remission frequency, overall survival, and post-transplant survival versus 7 + 3. This post hoc analysis evaluated the final 5-year follow-up outcomes according to the European LeukemiaNet 2017 risk classification. CPX-351–treated patients had a higher remission frequency (adverse risk: 41% vs 26%; intermediate risk: 58% vs 39%) and longer median overall survival (adverse risk: 7.59 vs 5.52 months; intermediate risk: 11.86 vs 7.75 months) and post-transplant survival (adverse risk: 43.14 vs 7.08 months; intermediate risk: not reached vs 13.57 months) versus 7 + 3, with outcomes generally poorer among patients with adverse-risk AML. The safety profile of CPX-351 among patients with adverse-risk or intermediate-risk AML was consistent with that of the overall study population. Early mortality was lower, and hospitalization length of stay per patient-year was shorter with CPX-351 versus 7 + 3 within the adverse-risk and intermediate-risk subgroups. The favorable outcomes observed with CPX-351 in this post hoc analysis are consistent with results for the overall study population and further support the use of CPX-351 in these patients.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01696084.
LAMC2 marks a tumor-initiating cell population with an aggressive signature in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Cave Donatella Delle , Buonaiuto Silvia , Sainz Bruno , Fantuz Marco , Mangini Maria , Carrer Alessandro , Di Domenico Annalisa , Iavazzo Tea Teresa , Andolfi Gennaro , Cortina Carme , Sevillano Marta , Heeschen Christopher , Colonna Vincenza , Corona Marco , Cucciardi Antonio , Di Guida Martina , Batlle Eduard , De Luca Annachiara , Lonardo Enza 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Tumor-initiating cells (TIC), also known as cancer stem cells, are considered a specific subpopulation of cells necessary for cancer initiation and metastasis; however, the mechanisms by which they acquire metastatic traits are not well understood.

Methods
LAMC2 transcriptional levels were evaluated using publicly available transcriptome data sets, and LAMC2 immunohistochemistry was performed using a tissue microarray composed of PDAC and normal pancreas tissues. Silencing and tracing of LAMC2 was performed using lentiviral shRNA constructs and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homologous recombination, respectively. The contribution of LAMC2 to PDAC tumorigenicity was explored in vitro by tumor cell invasion, migration, sphere-forming and organoids assays, and in vivo by tumor growth and metastatic assays. mRNA sequencing was performed to identify key cellular pathways upregulated in LAMC2 expressing cells. Metastatic spreading induced by LAMC2- expressing cells was blocked by pharmacological inhibition of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling.

Results
We report a LAMC2-expressing cell population, which is endowed with enhanced self-renewal capacity, and is sufficient for tumor initiation and differentiation, and drives metastasis. mRNA profiling of these cells indicates a prominent squamous signature, and differentially activated pathways critical for tumor growth and metastasis, including deregulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway. Treatment with Vactosertib, a new small molecule inhibitor of the TGF-β type I receptor (activin receptor-like kinase-5, ALK5), completely abrogated lung metastasis, primarily originating from LAMC2-expressing cells.

Conclusions
We have identified a highly metastatic subpopulation of TICs marked by LAMC2. Strategies aimed at targeting the LAMC2 population may be effective in reducing tumor aggressiveness in PDAC patients. Our results prompt further study of this TIC population in pancreatic cancer and exploration as a potential therapeutic target and/or biomarker.