bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potassium responses to sodium zirconium cyclosilicate in hyperkalemic hemodialysis patients: post-hoc analysis of DIALIZE
Authors: Fishbane Steven , Ford Martin , Fukagawa Masafumi , McCafferty Kieran , Rastogi Anjay , Spinowitz Bruce , Staroselskiy Konstantin , Vishnevskiy Konstantin , Lisovskaja Vera , Al-Shurbaji Ayman , Guzman Nicolas , Bhandari Sunil 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for hyperkalemia in maintenance hemodialysis patients. In post-hoc analyses of the phase 3b DIALIZE study, we examined the spectrum of potassium responses to SZC.

Methods
Post-hoc analyses with SZC and placebo included: the number of long interdialytic interval (LIDI) visits during the 4-week evaluation period where patients attained pre-dialysis serum potassium (sK+) concentrations of 4.0–5.0 and 4.0–5.5 mmol/L; potassium gradient (the difference between pre-dialysis sK+ and dialysate potassium) at days 36, 43, 50, and 57, and change from baseline to the end of treatment (EOT) using categories of potassium gradient (1 to < 2, 2 to < 3, 3 to < 4, and ≥ 4 mmol/L).

Results
A greater proportion of patients achieved the ranges of pre-dialysis sK+ concentration with SZC versus placebo for ≥1, ≥ 2, ≥ 3, and 4 LIDI visits over 4 weeks; 23.7 and 48.5% of patients in the SZC group achieved pre-dialysis sK+ concentrations of 4.0–5.0 and 4.0–5.5 mmol/L, respectively, at all 4 LIDI visits. Baseline mean potassium gradient was similar with SZC and placebo. At day 57, mean (standard deviation) potassium gradient was 2.78 (0.08) mmol/L with SZC and 3.52 (0.08) mmol/L with placebo; mean difference (95% confidence interval) was − 0.74 mmol/L (− 0.97 to − 0.52). A greater reduction in potassium gradient category from baseline towards lower-risk categories at EOT was observed with SZC versus placebo.

Conclusions
These analyses expand our knowledge of the spectrum of potassium responses with SZC in hyperkalemic hemodialysis patients.

Trial registration
NCT03303521.
Clinical features and long-term prognosis of acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia histologically confirmed by surgical lung biopsy
Authors: Kim Min Chul , Kim Yeon Wook , Kwon Byoung-Soo , Kim Junghoon , Lee Yeon Joo , Cho Young-Jae , Yoon Ho Il , Chung Jin-Haeng , Lee Jae Ho , Lee Choon-Taek , Park Jong Sun 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia (AFOP) is a rare interstitial pneumonia characterized by intra-alveolar fibrin deposition and organizing pneumonia. The clinical manifestations and long-term prognosis of AFOP are unclear. Our objective was to investigate the clinical features and prognosis of AFOP.

Methods
We identified patients diagnosed with AFOP by surgical lung biopsy between January 2011 and May 2018 at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. We retrospectively reviewed clinical and radiologic findings, treatment, and outcomes of AFOP.

Results
Fifteen patients with histologically confirmed lung biopsies were included. The median follow-up duration was 2.4 (range, 0.1–82) months. The median age was 55 (range, 33–75) years, and four patients were immunocompromised. Fever was the most common clinical presentation (86.7%). Patchy ground-glass opacities and/or consolidations were the most predominant findings on chest computed tomography images. Nine patients (60%) received mechanical ventilator care, and eight patients (53.3%) died. The non-survivors tended to have slightly higher body mass index (BMI) and a long interval between symptom onset and diagnosis than the survivors, but these findings were not statistically significant. Among seven survivors, five patients were discharged without dyspnea and oxygen supplement.

Conclusions
The clinical course of AFOP was variable. Although AFOP was fatal, most of the patients who recovered from AFOP maintained normal life without supplemental oxygen therapy and respiratory symptoms.
A comparative study of 21,194 UKAs and 49,270 HTOs for the risk of unanticipated events in mid-age patients from the national claims data in South Korea
Authors: Lee Sun-Ho , Kim Hae-Rim , Seo Hyoung-Yeon , Seon Jong-Keun 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Both high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) are well-established treatments for medial knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, over the past 20 years, results of comparisons of long-term survival rates and outcomes have remained controversial. Furthermore, in patients at the boundary age, from 50 to 70 years, considering age as a treatment indication, selecting a surgical method is difficult. Therefore, we aimed to investigate conversion rates to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and perioperative adverse outcomes between the two surgical methods in mid-age patients.

Methods
We extracted data from the Korean National Health Insurance claims database. A total of 70,464 patients aged between 50 and 70 years, considered as mid-age patients were included in the final study population. We used a multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression model, adjusting for potential confounders such as age, sex, insurance type, region of residence, hospital type, comorbidities, and the Charlson comorbidity Index (CCI).

Results
Of the 70,464 patients, 21,194 were treated with UKA and 49,270 were treated with HTO. HTO showed a higher risk of revision than UKA at five, and 10 years and during the whole observation period. The incidence of deep vein thromboembolism, and surgical site infection was significantly higher in UKA than in HTO.

Conclusions
It is important to choose an appropriate surgical method considering that UKA has better results in terms of long-term survival rates but may have a higher incidence of various complications.
Prevalence of early childhood caries in South Africa: a systematic review
Authors: Kimmie-Dhansay Faheema , Barrie Robert , Naidoo Sudeshni , Roberts Tina 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background
The prevalence of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) in South Africa was last determined in 2002 in a national survey. Since then only few scattered studies were conducted across pocketed communities in the country. There appears to be an increasing trend in dental caries prevalence in South Africa. Since South Africa has one of the highest burden of HIV in the world, less focus was spent on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), it was only when HIV patients developed NCD’s did the government start evaluating NCDs. However, oral health is still not given enough attention within the health sphere. It is the hope of this systematic review to showcase the extent of dental caries amongst the future leaders of our country.

Objectives
The systematic review presents the prevalence and severity of early childhood caries between age groups and provinces in South Africa from 1975 to 2014.

Design
A systematic review of prevalence was performed. Settings and participants: All studies performed on children under the age of six who lived in South Africa were eligible to be included.

Primary and Secondary outcome measures
The prevalence of ECC and the dmft scores were the primary and secondary outcome measures.

Results
Twenty-one studies were included in the present review. The overall prevalence was 44.94% (95% confidence interval (C.I.) 39.73–50.15%) and the overall dmft score was 2.422 (95% C.I. 2.148–2.696).

Conclusions
The dmft score was the lowest in the Limpopo Province and highest in the Eastern Cape. ECC prevalence increased post-apartheid possibly on account of lifestyle changes due to the exodus from rural to urban and peri-urban areas.
Registration The protocol of this systematic review was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42018112161, in November 2018.
Drivers of iPad use by undergraduate medical students: the Technology Acceptance Model perspective
Authors: Do Doan Hoa , Lakhal Sawsen , Bernier Mikaël , Bisson Jasmine , Bergeron Linda , St-Onge Christina 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Medical students need to acquire a continuously growing body of knowledge during their training and throughout their practice. Medical training programs should aim to provide students with the skills to manage this knowledge. Mobile technology, for example, could be a strategy used through training and practice. The objective of this study was to identify drivers of using mobile technology (an iPad) in a UGME preclinical settings and to study the evolution of those drivers over time.

Methods
We solicited all students from two cohorts of a preclinical component of a Canadian UGME program. They were asked to answer two online surveys: one on their first year of study and another on the second year. Surveys were built based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to which other factors were also added. Data from the two cohorts were combined and analysed with partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to test two measurement models, one for each year.

Results
We tested fifteen hypotheses on both data sets (first year and second year). Factors that explained the use of an iPad the first year were knowledge, preferences, perceived usefulness and anticipation. In the second year, perceived usefulness, knowledge and satisfaction explained the use of an iPad. Other factors have also significantly, but indirectly influenced the use of the iPad.

Conclusions
We identified factors that influenced the use of an iPad in a preclinical medical program. These factors differed from the first year to the second year in the program. Our results suggest that interventions should be tailored for different point in time to foster the use of an iPad. Further study should investigate how interventions based on these factors may influence implementation of mobile technology to help students acquire ability to navigate efficiently through medical knowledge.
Identifying service quality gaps between patients and providers in a Native American outpatient clinic
Authors: Dorsey Robert , Claudio David , Velázquez María A. , Petersen Polly 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Native American communities in Montana reservations have reported low-level satisfaction in health services. This research explored if the services provided at a Blackfeet Indian Reservation outpatient clinic were designed to meet patient expectations.

Methods
Staff and patient interviews and surveys allowed service expectations to be assessed according to the clinic’s ability to meet those expectations. A total of 48 patients and ten staff members (83% of the staff at this clinic) participated in the study voluntarily.

Results
We found a disconnect between what patients anticipate for care and what staff think they are anticipating. We also found a discontent between what staff believes patients need versus what the patients feel is needed.

Conclusions
These gaps combine to increase the breach between patient expectations and perceptions of their healthcare services. With better insight that captures what patients are looking for from a service, the potential to meet those needs increases, and patients feel that their voice is respected and valued.
Estimates of inpatient admission rates and associated costs for infants before and after China’s universal two-child policy
Authors: Shen Menghan , Liang Xiaoxia , Wu Yushan , Fang Shixin 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
China implemented a universal two-child policy in 2015. It is important to understand infants’ medical utilization in the context of this policy to inform health policies and resource allocation.

Methods
This study utilized a 20% random sample of administrative data from China’s Urban and Rural Basic Medical Insurance (URBMI) in one of the largest southern Chinese cities from January 2015 to June 2018. Ordinary least squares models were used to estimate changes in inpatient admission rates and costs for infants between 0 and 6 months old after the implementation of China’s universal two-child policy.

Results
The overall inpatient admission rate was 27.2% in 2015 and 31.3% in 2017. Compared with 2015, there was an increase in inpatient admission rates for infants 1 month old or younger (coef = 0.038, 95% CI = 0.029 to 0.047, p < .001) and infants 6 months old or younger (coef = 0.041, 95% CI = 0.030 to 0.052, p < .001) in 2017. The increase was larger for male infants than for female ones. The average inpatient admission cost was 8412.3 RMB ($1320.61) (SD = 15,088.2). There was no increase in inpatient admission costs overall. The average length of hospital stay was 7.3 days, the probability of going to a tertiary hospital was 76.2%, and the share of out-of-pocket costs was 53.0% for all diseases.

Conclusion
After the implementation of the universal two-child policy in China, there was a significant increase in inpatient admission rates, especially for male infants. The overall associated costs did not change, but the increase in admission rates caused additional economic burdens for families and for social health insurance. Understanding the healthcare utilization of infants in the universal two-child period can provide insight for healthcare resource allocation in a time of dramatic changes in population policy.
DHA alleviates diet-induced skeletal muscle fiber remodeling via FTO/m6A/DDIT4/PGC1α signaling
Authors: Chen Wei , Chen Yushi , Wu Ruifan , Guo Guanqun , Liu Youhua , Zeng Botao , Liao Xing , Wang Yizhen , Wang Xinxia 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Obesity leads to a decline in the exercise capacity of skeletal muscle, thereby reducing mobility and promoting obesity-associated health risks. Dietary intervention has been shown to be an important measure to regulate skeletal muscle function, and previous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 ω-3) on skeletal muscle function. At the molecular level, DHA and its metabolites were shown to be extensively involved in regulating epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and small non-coding microRNAs. However, whether and how epigenetic modification of mRNA such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mediates DHA regulation of skeletal muscle function remains unknown. Here, we analyze the regulatory effect of DHA on skeletal muscle function and explore the involvement of m6A mRNA modifications in mediating such regulation.

Results
DHA supplement prevented HFD-induced decline in exercise capacity and conversion of muscle fiber types from slow to fast in mice. DHA-treated myoblasts display increased mitochondrial biogenesis, while slow muscle fiber formation was promoted through DHA-induced expression of PGC1α. Further analysis of the associated molecular mechanism revealed that DHA enhanced expression of the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO), leading to reduced m6A levels of DNA damage-induced transcript 4 (Ddit4). Ddit4 mRNA with lower m6A marks could not be recognized and bound by the cytoplasmic m6A reader YTH domain family 2 (YTHDF2), thereby blocking the decay of Ddit4 mRNA. Accumulated Ddit4 mRNA levels accelerated its protein translation, and the consequential increased DDIT4 protein abundance promoted the expression of PGC1α, which finally elevated mitochondria biogenesis and slow muscle fiber formation.

Conclusions
DHA promotes mitochondrial biogenesis and skeletal muscle fiber remodeling via FTO/m6A/DDIT4/PGC1α signaling, protecting against obesity-induced decline in skeletal muscle function.
Effect of ACE, ACE2 and CYP11B2 gene polymorphisms and noise on essential hypertension among steelworkers in China: a case–control study
Authors: Zhang Xiaohong , Wang Ying , Zheng Yao , Yuan Juxiang , Tong Junwang , Xu Jingya , Li Qinglin , Li Peishuai , Jiang Shoufang , Wang Zhaoyang , Chai Feng , Li Xiangwen 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Previous studies on the relationship between ACE I/D, ACE2 G8790A and CYP11B2-344T/C gene polymorphisms and essential hypertension (EH) were inconsistent. Moreover, few studies have reported the combined effect of these gene polymorphisms and noise exposure on EH. The purpose of this study was to explore the combined and separate effects of ACE I/D, ACE2 G8790A and CYP11B2-344T/C gene polymorphisms and noise on EH among steelworkers.

Methods
A case–control study was conducted on 725 male workers between March 2014 and July 2014 in the Tangsteel Company, China. The noise exposure of the workers were measured. Logistic regression and crossover analysis were used to analyse the effects of the interactions on the EH among steelworkers. GMDR was used to determine the best combination model of gene–noise interactions.

Results
Multivariate logistic regression showed that noise exposure increased the odds of EH, and the OR is 1.52 (95% CI 1.04–2.22). The risk of having EH for ACE I/D DD genotype carriers was 1.99 times that for II genotype carriers (95% CI 1.14–3.51). There was a negative additive interaction between ACE2 G8790A and CYP11B2-344T/C on EH (U3 =  − 2.221, P = 0.026, and S = 0.128) and a positive multiplicative interaction between ACE I/D and CYP11B2-344T/C on essential hypertension (P = 0.041). In addition, there was no significant gene–noise interaction model through the GMDR method after adjusting the confounders.

Conclusions
The ACE DD genotype may make men susceptible to EH. Simultaneously carrying the DD genotype of ACE I/D and the TC genotype of CYP11B2-344T/C increased the risk of EH.
Equity, justice, and social values in priority setting: a qualitative study of resource allocation criteria for global donor organizations working in low-income countries
Authors: Kapiriri Lydia , Razavi S. Donya 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
There is increasing acceptance of the importance of social values such as equity and fairness in health care priority setting (PS). However, equity is difficult to define: the term means different things to different people, and the ways it is understood in theory often may not align with how it is operationalized. There is limited literature on how development assistance partner organizations (DAP) conceptualize and operationalize equity in their health care prioritization decisions that affect low-income countries (LIC). This paper explores whether and how equity is a consideration in DAP priority setting processes.

Methods
This was a qualitative study involving 38 in-depth interviews with DAPs involved in health-system PS for LICs and a review of their respective webpages.

Results
While several PS criteria were identified, direct articulation of equity as an explicit criterion was lacking. However, the criterion was implied in some of the responses in terms of prioritizing vulnerable populations. Where mentioned, respondents discussed the difficulties of operationalizing equity as a PS criterion since vulnerability is associated with several varying and competing factors including gender, age, geography, and income. Some respondents also suggested that equity could be operationalized in terms of an organization not supporting the pre-existing inequities.
Although several organizations’ webpages identify addressing inequities as a guiding principle, there were variations in how they spoke about its operationalization. While intersectionalities in vulnerabilities complicate its operationalization, if organizations explicitly articulate their equity focus the other organizations who also have equity as a guiding principle may, instead of focusing on the same aspect, concentrate on other dimensions of vulnerability. That way, all organizations will contribute to achieving equity in all the relevant dimensions.

Conclusions
Since most development organizations support some form of equity, this paper highlights a need for an internationally recognized framework that recognizes the intersectionalities of vulnerability, for mainstreaming and operationalizing equity in DAP priority setting and resource allocation. Such a framework will support consistency in the conceptualization of and operationalization of equity in global health programs. There is a need for studies which to assess the degree to which equity is actually integrated in these programs.
A simple immunoassay for extracellular vesicle liquid biopsy in microliters of non-processed plasma
Authors: Campos-Silva Carmen , Cáceres-Martell Yaiza , Sánchez-Herrero Estela , Sandúa Amaia , Beneitez-Martínez Alexandra , González Álvaro , Provencio Mariano , Romero Atocha , Jara-Acevedo Ricardo , Yáñez-Mó María , Valés‐Gómez Mar 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundExtracellular vesicles (EVs), released by most cell types, provide an excellent source of biomarkers in biological fluids. However, in order to perform validation studies and screenings of patient samples, it is still necessary to develop general techniques permitting rapid handling of small amounts of biological samples from large numbers of donors.ResultsHere we describe a method that, using just a few microliters of patient’s plasma, identifies tumour markers exposed on EVs. Studying physico-chemical properties of EVs in solution, we demonstrate that they behave as stable colloidal suspensions and therefore, in immunocapture assays, many of them are unable to interact with a stationary functionalised surface. Using flocculation methods, like those used to destabilize colloids, we demonstrate that cationic polymers increase EV ζ-potential, diameter, and sedimentation coefficient and thus, allow a more efficient capture on antibody-coated surfaces by both ELISA and bead-assisted flow cytometry. These findings led to optimization of a protocol in microtiter plates allowing effective immunocapture of EVs, directly in plasma without previous ultracentrifugation or other EV enrichment. The method, easily adaptable to any laboratory, has been validated using plasma from lung cancer patients in which the epithelial cell marker EpCAM has been detected on EVs.ConclusionsThis optimized high throughput, easy to automate, technology allows screening of large numbers of patients to phenotype tumour markers in circulating EVs, breaking barriers for the validation of proposed EV biomarkers and the discovery of new ones.Graphical Abstract
Transmembrane p24 trafficking protein 2 regulates inflammation through the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Feng Longhua , Cheng Pengjiang , Feng Zhengyun , Zhang Xiaoyu 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
To investigate the role of transmembrane p24 trafficking protein 2 (TMED2) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and determine whether TMED2 knockdown could inhibit LUAD in vitro and in vivo.

Methods
TIMER2.0, Kaplan-Meier plotter, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), Target Gene, and pan-cancer systems were used to predict the potential function of TMED2. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to analyze TMED2 expression in different tissues or cell lines. The proliferation, development, and apoptosis of LUAD were observed using a lentivirus-mediated TMED2 knockdown. Bioinformatics and western blot analysis of TMED2 against inflammation via the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway were conducted.

Results
TMED2 expression in LUAD tumor tissues was higher than that in normal tissues and positively correlated with poor survival in lung cancer and negatively correlated with apoptosis in LUAD. The expression of TMED2 was higher in tumors or HCC827 cells. TMED2 knockdown inhibited LUAD development in vitro and in vivo and increased the levels of inflammatory factors via the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. TMED2 was correlated with TME, immune score, TME-associated immune cells, their target markers, and some mechanisms and pathways, as determined using the TIMER2.0, GO, and KEGG assays.

Conclusions
TMED2 may regulate inflammation in LUAD through the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and enhance the proliferation, development, and prognosis of LUAD by regulating inflammation, which provide a new strategy for treating LUAD by regulating inflammation.