bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Glycemic Control on the Progression of Aortic Stenosis: a Common Data Model Cohort Study
Authors: Hwang In-Chang , Kim Seok , Boo Dachung , Park Changhyun , Yoo Sooyoung , Yoon Yeonyee E , Cho Goo-Yeong 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: The presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-established risk factor for the progression of degenerative aortic stenosis (AS). However, no study has investigated the impact of glycemic control on the rate of AS progression. We aimed to assess the association between the degree of glycemic control and the AS progression, using an electronic health record-based common data model (CDM).Methods: We identified 1420 patients with mild to moderate AS (defined as an aortic valve [AV] maximal velocity [Vpeak] of 2.0–4.0 m/sec) at baseline, and follow-up echocardiography performed at an interval of ≥6 months. Patients were divided into 3 groups: no DM (n=1037), well-controlled DM (mean glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] <7.0% during the study period; n=186), and poorly controlled DM (mean HbA1c ≥7.0% during the study period; n=143). The primary outcome was the AS progression rate, calculated as the annualized change in the Vpeak (△Vpeak/year).Results: During follow-up (median 18.4 months), the total study population showed a gradual progression in AS severity. The mean HbA1c level during follow-up was proportionally associated with a higher AS progression rate (β=0.024; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.006–0.043; p=0.011); a 1% increase in HbA1c was associated with a 27% higher risk of accelerated AS progression, and HbA1c ≥7.0% was significantly associated with an accelerated AS progression (adjusted odds ratio=1.524; 95% CI 1.010–2.285; p=0.043). This association between the degree of glycemic control and AS progression rate was observed regardless of the baseline AS severity.Conclusion: In patients with mild to moderate AS, the degree of glycemic control was significantly associated with AS progression. More intensive glycemic control might be beneficial for the prevention of AS progression in patients with DM and mild to moderate AS.
Association Between APOL1 Risk Testing in Primary Care Settings and Patient Engagement Among Black Patients with Hypertension
Authors: Lee Courtney , Horowitz Carol R. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Developing strategies to activate and engage Black patients with hypertension in the self-management behaviors is key to maintaining hypertensive control. The purpose of this study was to determine whether APOL1 genetic testing results and knowledge of risk status were associated with changes in short- or long-term levels of engagement amongst Black patients.Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the Genetic testing to Understand and Address Renal Disease Disparities (GUARDD), a randomized control trial comprised of Black patients with hypertension. The study enrolled 2,050 Black patients with hypertension from fifteen academic, community, and safety-net primary care practices in New York City. Eligible patients were between 18-70 years old, possessed a diagnosis of hypertension or were prescribed anti-hypertensive medications. Patients with diagnoses of diabetes or chronic kidney disease were excluded. The exposure was receiving APOL1 genetic testing results after completing baseline follow-up. The primary and secondary outcomes were patient engagement at 3 and 12 months, respectively; both measured using the Patient Activation Measure (PAM), a 13-item questionnaire.Results: 1795 patients were randomized to the exposure and 255 were randomized to the control. The mean age was 52.9 years (SD 9.9), 1360 (66.3%) identified as female, and the mean baseline PAM score was 60.8 (SD 12.3). Patients in each group had similar sociodemographic characteristics. At 3- and 12-month follow-up, there were statistically non-significant increases in average PAM score among the exposure group (adjusted 3-month difference 2.56, 95% CI [-1.18, 6.29], p=0.16; adjusted 12-month difference 0.91, 95% CI [-4.85, 6.66], p=0.74). In subgroup analyses, there were also no significant differences at 3- and 12-month follow-up between APOL1 low-risk and APOL1 high-risk and the control.Conclusions: Providing genetic information may be helpful but alone insufficient to change short- and long-term engagement in Black patients. Future work is needed to determine whether combining genetic testing with other approaches can yield durable changes to patient engagement.
Cross-sectional studies of effects of Covid-19 containment measures on children’s mental health through a gender lens
Authors: Exenberger Silvia , Wenter Anna , Taferner Christina , Haid-Stecher Nina , Schickl Maximilian , Juen Barbara , Sevecke Kathrin , Siller Heidi 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the daily life of girls and boys worldwide. Methods: This online study explored the effects of Covid-19 containment measures on Austrian and Italian children’s mental health (threat experience, anxiety, trauma symptoms). Data was collected at three measurement time points (June 2020, December 2020, June 2021) from 558 children (50,2 % girls), and 1.133 adults, who have children aged 7-13. Children and parents reported about the children’s mental health. Results: The findings revealed an inconsistent picture of gender differences and similarities: girls and boys reported a similar amount of threat experience, anxiety and trauma symptoms. Parents also estimated girls’ and boys’ mental health similarly. Gender differences became apparent when the parents’ estimations of girls’ and boys’ trauma symptoms were compared to children’s self-reports. Parents underestimated children’s trauma symptoms at all measurement time points. Conclusions: The results are discussed against the background of socio-constructionist and socio-developmental gender theories. Future research should explore the socialisation of girls and boys during a pandemic.
Scale-up of the DMPA-SC in Nigeria: Why policy matters
Authors: Akinyemi Oluwaseun Oladapo , Danfakha Nicole , Adefalu Adewole , Easley Ebony , Afolabi Kayode , Latunji Olajimi 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
BackgroundInjectable contraceptives have made a substantial contribution to the overall rise in the usage of modern family planning methods in Nigeria. They are one of the most commonly used and preferred means of contraception among women in the country. Enabling policies, on the other hand, are required to assure contraceptive access, security, and use. The purpose of this study was to investigate the policy environment and how it affects the introduction and scale-up of subcutaneous Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC) in Nigeria.MethodsThe design of this mixed-methods study was cross-sectional. Desk reviews of policy papers, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and In-depth Interviews (IDIs) were used to obtain information from respondents about the introduction of DMPA-SC in Nigeria and how existing policies influenced its scale-up. Data on DMPA-SC and other injectables use were gathered from Nigeria's National Electronic Logistic Management Information System (eLMIS).ResultsThe findings suggest that policies such as task-shifting and task-sharing, cost-free policies, reproductive health policies, and others created an enabling environment for the scale-up of DMPA-SC adoption in Nigeria. The inclusion of DMPA-SC on the Essential Medicines List and the Approved Patent Medicines List facilitated the scale-up process by ensuring private sector participation, removing economic barriers to access, fostering greater collaboration among health worker cadres, improving intersectoral partnerships, and improving logistics and client access. Despite significant anomalies in some implementing policies, injectable contraceptive consumption data demonstrate a progressive increase in DMPA-SC use during the study period. The results also indicate that policy initiatives have a favorable impact on the use of DMPA-SC throughout the country.ConclusionThe existence of policies, active participation of stakeholders, and the political will of the Nigerian health system's leadership have all aided in the scaling-up of the DMPA-SC. Understanding how to build an enabling policy climate is critical for providing women with family planning options. These lessons from Nigeria emphasize the importance of these levers, which should be considered by teams intending to introduce innovative health products, particularly in developing countries.
A Meticulous Review of Diverse Etiologies and Pathophysiology of Anemia in Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Azadeh Nazanin , Azadeh Mohammad 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Anemia in chronic liver diseases is a common condition with a wide variety of etiologic factors, some of which are life-threatening and need immediate evaluation and intervention. Furthermore, the severity of anemia has been associated with a poor disease prognosis and quality of life of patients. Herein, we have investigated the current literature regarding the spectrum of anemia in advanced liver diseases.
Results
Anemia of chronic disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, malnutrition, iron deficiency anemia and hypersplenism are the common etiologies of anemia accompanied by liver diseases. Medication side effects, viral-induced aplastic anemia and alcohol related hematologic abnormalities constitute the other parts of spectrum of anemia in liver diseases.
Conclusion
Among the various mechanisms of anemia in liver diseases, some are life-threatening and some can be controlled. Investigation of etiology of anemias in chronic liver diseases is recommended, as disease-specific treatments will ameliorate the anemia and enhance patients’ quality of life.
Reversible Streptamer Technology Facilitates the Selection of T Regulatory Cells From Cryopreserved Cord Blood
Authors: Duggleby Richard , Shah Divya K. , Strange Kathryn E. , Tsang Hoi Pat , Stemberger Christian , Germeroth Lothar , Mielke Stephan , Bonig Halvard , Einsele Hermann , Roberts David , Querol Sergio , Madrigal Alejandro , Saudemont Aurore , Hernandez Diana , Danby Robert 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is a curative option for haematopoietic diseases. However, a major limitation to the success of HCT is graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). The use of T regulatory cells (Tregs) as prophylaxis or treatment for GvHD has now emerged with a number of active clinical trials. Whilst many studies use Tregs from the original HCT donor, the future of this cell therapy could be third-party Tregs. Cord Blood (CB), with its established banks, represents a potential source of third-party cells. However, isolating a high purity Treg cells from cryopreserved CB is difficult without employing flow sorting. Here we investigated the feasibility of using reversible streptamer technology-based selections to obtain clinical grade Tregs from cryopreserved CB units.Results: A streptamer-based Treg selection was developed with both single-step, CD25 only positive cell selection and two-step, CD4 then CD25 positive selection from cryopreserved CB units, to yield a method that can be readily adapted to full good manufacturing practice (GMP). The best purity was achieved with a two-step streptamer isolation method, giving median purities of 89% Tregs of total cells. This method took advantage of the reversible nature of the streptamer technology allowing for successive positive selections for CD4+ and then CD25+ cells from cryopreserved CB units in an enclosed bag system. Isolated Tregs subsequently demonstrated 300-fold culture expansion using anti-CD3/28 beads. The expanded cells contained high proportions of cells with a Treg phenotype (both by flow cytometry and epigenetics) and demonstrated suppressive function.Conclusions: Using streptamer selection, highly enriched Tregs could be isolated from cryopreserved CB. The method could be performed in an enclosed bag system utilizing readily available clinical processing materials. Moreover, Tregs selected in this manner could be expanded in culture to make a clinically relevant dose from a cryopreserved CB unit. Thus, streptamers represent a viable alternative to column based magnetic bead or fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS)-based methods for selection of clinical grade Tregs from banked CB units.
IPACK (Infiltration Between The Popliteal Artery And The Capsule Of The Knee) And Adductor Canal Block (ACB) Versus Periarticular Injection (PAI) Enhances Postoperative Pain Control In Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: AlJa'bari Aboud , Khoury Fouad Issa El 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Motor-sparing peripheral nerve blocks, such as the infiltration between the popliteal artery and capsule of the knee (IPACK) and the adductor canal block (ACB), are promising analgesic pathways but supporting literature remains rare. Periarticular injections (PAIs) are becoming an essential multimodal joint analgesia. We hypothesized that ACB and IPACK would lower pain on ambulation on postoperative day (POD) 1 compared to PAI alone.METHODS: This double-blinded randomized controlled trial included 50 patients undergoing ACL repair. Patients either received (1) a PAI (control group, n = 26) or (2) an iPACK with an ACB (intervention group, n = 24). The primary outcome was pain on ambulation on POD 1. Secondary outcomes included numeric rating scale (NRS) pain scores, patient satisfaction, and opioid consumption.RESULTS: The intervention group reported significantly lower pain scores on ambulation than the control group on POD 1 (difference in means [95% confidence interval]; P < .001). In addition, pain scores on ambulation on POD 2 for group B (3.5 [-4.3 to -2.7]) and POD 2 for group A (1.0 [1.9 to 0.1]; with P = .033) were significantly lower. Patients in the intervention group were more satisfied, had less intravenous opioid consumption (post anesthesia care unit, P = .028), and reduced need for intravenous patient-controlled analgesia for the first 24 hours (P = .037).CONCLUSIONS: The addition of iPACK and ACB significantly improves analgesia and reduces opioid consumption after ACL repair compared to PAI alone. This study strongly supports iPACK and ACB use within a multimodal analgesic pathway.
Spectral Characteristic Of The Waters With Different Sizes Of Particles: Impact Of Hydrochemical Property And Land Use Type
Authors: Lv Zelan , Wang Peng , Yan Caixia , Nie Minghua , Xiong Xiaoying , Ding Mingjun 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Natural colloids (NCs) are heterogeneous mixtures of particles in the aquatic environments that are strongly influenced by land use and hydrochemical properties between terrestrial and aquatic environments. However, the relevant study was paid little attention to the difference among the waters with different sizes of particles (e.g., suspended particulate matter-SPM, NCs, and the truly dissolved phase). In this study, the spectral properties of these different waters were investigated from different land-use types in the Yuan River basin, China. Results of the UV-visible absorption spectral showed that with the particle size increased, the aromaticity, chromophoric dissolved organic matter, and humification degree of organic matter increased, while the condensation degree decreased. Data analysis from the fluorescence indices indicated that the source and the autochthonous feature of the truly dissolved water differed from that of NCs and SPM. Whereas the protein-like component was mainly combined with the relatively larger size of particles (i.e., SPM and NCs), especially in the downstream. Redundancy analysis revealed that the spectral characteristics of the water samples were strongly influenced by the hydrochemical parameters (>45%) with comparison to land-use type (nearly 10%). Furthermore, the impact of land-use type on the spectral properties was differed between the large and small scale of the buffer strips and between the mainstream and the tributaries. And this effect was more significant on the fluorescence properties in the mainstream and the spectral properties for NCs than for SPM. The study helps to understand the biogeochemical effects of the waters with different particle sizes.
Comparison of the safety and efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion and uniportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion: a 1-year follow-up Comparison of the safety and efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion and uniportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion: a 1-year follow-up
Authors: Xie YZ , Shi Y , Zhou Q , Feng CQ , Zhou Y , Li T , Yu Y , Fan XH 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Objectives: To compare the short-term outcomes of unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion(BLIF) and uniportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion(ULIF).Methods: Sixty patients diagnosed with L4/5 spinal stenosis who underwent BLIF and ULIF were included(30 in each group). Clinical evaluation was performed preoperatively and postoperatively in the 1st week, 1st month, and 1st year. Factors such as the visual analogue score(VAS), Oswestry disability index(ODI), operative time, surgical complications, and radiological outcomes (fusion rate, screw loosening, and cage subsidence) were compared between the two groups .Results: All patients showed improved mean VAS and ODI at all three postoperative follow-ups, and no statistically significant differences were detected between the BLIF and ULIF groups. The mean operative time in the BLIF group was shorter than that in the ULIF group. Nerve root injury occurred in two patients in the BLIF group, while leakage of cerebrospinal fluid occurred in one patient in the ULIF group. All adverse events were treated adequately prior to discharge. The fusion rates with definite and probable grades were significantly higher in the BLIF group than that in the ULIF group. One case of cage subsidence with no screw loosening occurred in each group.Conclusion: Both BLIF and ULIF are safe and effective surgical techniques. Compared with ULIF, BLIF has the advantages of shorter operative time and a higher fusion rate. Other merits of BLIF include a wider surgical field, greater maneuverability of instruments, visibility during cage implantation, and transverse orientation of the cage.
Helicobacter pylori Infection Mediates Transcriptional Alteration of Genes Involved in DNA Damage Response
Authors: Rajaei Amiratabak , Ghameshlou Armin , Shirkoohi Reza , Farahani Abbas Shakoori , Mirbagheri Seyedeh Zohre , Bakhtiari Ronak , Haeri Melikasadat , Rashidi-nezhad Ali , Alebouyeh Masoud 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Gastritis is among the most common human diseases worldwide. Although the involvement of Helicobacter pylori infection as a class I human carcinogen for gastric cancer progression is accepted, it is not well known how gastritis progression to atrophy and stomach cancer occurs. In this case-control study, the potential link of H. pylori infection with alteration in the transcription of genes involved in DNA Damage Response pathways was investigated among the patients with gastritis. Methods: To measure the difference in relative mRNA expression level of ATM, CHEK2, TP53, DCLRE1C, POLM, XRCC4 genes between H. pylori infected and non-infected patients, gastric biopsies of 30 H. pylori infected patients with moderate chronic gastritis and 30 non-infected patients with mild chronic gastritis were analyzed. Result: Up-regulation of genes linked to non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway (DCLRE1C, POLM, and XRCC) was shown in 40% (8.44 fold ±13.91), 63.33% (15.72 fold ±33.08) and 50% (9.99 fold ±21.55), respectively, and also to DDR pathway (ATM, CHEK2 and TP53) in 33% (2.42 fold ±3.17), 40% (2.86 fold ±3.61) and 50% (5.00 fold ±6.52), respectively. No correlation was detected among alteration in the transcription level of the studied genes and age or gender.Conclusion: Our results provide new data that may support the potential involvement of H. pylori infection in the activation of genes involved in DNA damage response, mainly through non-homologous end joining DNA repair system that might be linked to mutagenesis in the pre-cancerous gastric tissue.
Good Utilization, Low Completion Rates of Early Infant HIV Diagnostic Services at a District Hospital in Rural South Western Uganda
Authors: Bazira Joel , Apio Kevin , Kyambadde Mark , Nakawungu Ruth , Nduhuura Davis , Ayebarirwe Memory , Orikiriza Patrick , Kumbakumba Elias 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Introduction: Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) using DNA PCR has been utilized in the diagnosis of HIV worldwide. This study aimed to determine the utilization of EID using DNA PCR. Methods: A mixed methods study involving 164 caregivers and HCWs providing EID services. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS software. Qualitative data was analyzed using inductive thematic content analysis. Data was presented in verbatim form as quotes generated from recoded transcripts.Results: 81% (133/164) of the caretakers reported having utilized EID services. There was low level of awareness of the proper frequency and scheduling of tests in the EID program (11%) and poor completion rates with 46.3% of the respondents having completed all the 3 PCR Tests, 12.8 % having done 2 PCR tests and 23.7% had done 1 PCR test. Good knowledge and attitude of health care providers, availability of test kits and follow up of missed appointments were quoted as drivers for good utilization of EID services while long distance from the health facility, delay at the health facility and inconsistencies in turnaround time were reported as barriers to utilization of the service are. Conclusion: There was good utilization of the EID services and low completion rates.
Comparative Proteomics Reveals Different Protein Expression in Platelets in Patients with Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Begli Nima Haji , Freund Cora , Weiss Karl-Heinz , Gotthardt Daniel , Wannhoff Andreas 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
The role of platelets in disease progression as well as the function of platelets as part of the haemostatic and immunological system in patients with liver cirrhosis is only incompletely understood. This is partly due to difficulties in assessing platelet function. Proteome analyses of platelets have been used to further investigate the role of platelets in other diseases.
Aim
To assess possible changes in the platelet proteome during different stages of alcohol induced liver cirrhosis compared to healthy donors.
Patients and Methods
A 45 ml blood sample was drawn from 18 participants aged 18–80 years evenly divided into three groups of healthy donors, patients with less advanced alcohol induced liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh < 7) and patients with advanced liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh > 10). The blood was processed to isolate platelets and perform subsequent two-dimensional gel-electrophoresis using a SYPRO™ Ruby dye. After computational analysation significantly in- or decreased protein spots (defined as a two-fold abundance change between different study cohorts and ANOVA < 0.05) were identified via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LCMS) and searching against human protein databases.
Results
The comparative analysis identified four platelet proteins with progressively decreased protein expression in patients with liver cirrhosis. More specifically Ras-related protein Rab-7a (Rab-7a), Ran-specific binding protein 1 (RANBP1), Rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor 1 (RhoGDI1), and 14-3-3 gamma.
Conclusion
There is significant change in protein expression in the platelet proteome throughout the disease progression of alcohol induced liver cirrhosis. The identified proteins are involved in haemostatic and possibly immunoregulatory function of platelets.