bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recurrent pregnancy loss is associated with unfavourable composition of endometrial and vaginal microbiota.
Authors: Peuranpää Pirkko 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Research Question Does endometrial or vaginal microbiota composition associate with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)?Design Endometrial and vaginal samples were collected from 47 women with two or more consecutive pregnancy losses and 39 healthy control women without a history of pregnancy loss between March 2018 and December 2020 in Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. The endometrial and vaginal microbiota compositions, analysed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, were compared between RPL and control women, and between individual vaginal and endometrial samples. The mycobiota composition was analysed using internal transcribed spacer 1 amplicon sequencing for a descriptive summary. The models were adjusted for BMI, age, and parity. False discovery rate -corrected P-values (q-values) were used to define nominal statistical significance at q < 0.05. Results Lactobacillus crispatus was less abundant in the RPL women’s endometrial samples compared to controls (mean relative abundance 17.2% vs. 45.6%, q = 0.04). Gardnerella vaginalis was more abundant in RPL women than in controls in both endometrial (12.4% vs. 5.8%, q < 0.001) and vaginal samples (8.7% vs. 5.7%, q < 0.01). The individual vaginal and endometrial microbial compositions correlated strongly (R = 0.85, P < 0.001). Fungi were detected in 22% of the endometrial and 36% of the vaginal samples. Conclusions Unfavourable reproductive tract microbiota is associated with RPL and may represent a novel risk factor for pregnancy losses.
Assessment of Contextual Factors Shaping Delivery and Uptake of Isoniazid Preventive Therapy Among People Living with HIV in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
Authors: Nyarubamba Renatus Fabiano , Silumbwe Adam , Jacobs Choolwe , Maritim Patricia , M Paschal Francis , Zulu Joseph Mumba 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background Tuberculosis has remained a leading cause of deaths among People Living with HIV (PLHIV) globally. Isoniazid Preventive Therapy is the recommended strategy by the WHO to prevent TB disease and related deaths among PLHIV. However, delivery and uptake of IPT has remained suboptimal particularly in countries where HIV and TB are endemic such as Tanzania. The study sought to assess contextual factors that shape delivery of IPT in Dar Es Salaam region, Tanzania. MethodologyA qualitative case study design was utilized whereby, in-depth interviews (n=26 ) of clinicians and people living with HIV and Key Informat Interviews (n=7) involving health administrators, were conducted. Thematic data analysis was done and reporting was guided by Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Results Characteristics of intervention such as its adaptability to local contexts and relatively low cost of implementation facilitated its implementation. IPT was outsourced but this did not affect its implementation. On the contrary adverse effects of isoniazid that negatively affected implementation. Characteristics of individuals implementing the intervention including good knowledge and attitude towards IPT, commitment and efficacy of execution facilitated implementation. The process of IPT delivery that was characterized by engagement of stakeholders and implementors in planning facilitated implementation. Inner settings characteristics like connectedness among units, availability of resources and good implementation climate favoured implementation. Factors external to the implementing facilities such as networking of, and competitive pressure among facilities influenced delivery and uptake of IPT while HIV related stigma and some religious values stood as barriers.ConclusionAddressing policy related, procedural and individual barriers of IPT implementation at all levels of implementation is critical to effective implementation of this important intervention and ensuring all eligible people living with HIV are covered by IPT.
Preparation, characterrization, and in-vitro cytotoxicity of nanoliposomes loaded with anti-tuberculous drugs and TGF-β1 siRNA for improving spinal tuberculosis therapy
Authors: Yang Zongqiang , Niu Ningkui , Lou Caili , Wang Xuewei , Wang Chaoran , Shi Zhiyun 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background:Tuberculosis (TB) represents a bacterial infection affecting many individuals each year and potentially leading to death. Over expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 has a major immunomodulatory function in human tuberculosis. This work aimed to develop nanoliposomes to facilitate the delivery of antituberculous products to THP-1-derived human macrophages as Mycobacterium host cells, and to evaluate drug efficiencies as well as the effects of a TGF-β1-specific short interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery system employing nanoliposomes.Methods: In the current study, siTGF-β1 nanoliposomes loaded with the anti-TB drugs HRZ (isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide) were prepared, and characterized in vitro, determining the size, zeta potential, morphology, drug encapsulation efficiency (EE), cytotoxicity, and gene silencing efficiency of TGF-β1 siRNA. Results: HRZ/siTGF-β1 nanoliposomes appeared as smooth spheres showing size and positive zeta potential of 168.135±0.5444 nm and +4.03±1.32 mV, respectively. Drug EEs were 90%, 88%, and 37% for INH, RIF, and PZA, respectively. Meanwhile, the nanoliposomes were weakly cytotoxic towards human macrophages as assessed by the MTT assay. Nanoliposomal siTGF-β1 could significantly downregulate TGF-β1 in THP-1-derived human macrophages in vitro. Conclusion: These ﬁndings suggested that HRZ-loaded nanoliposomes with siTGF-β1 have the potential for improving spinal tuberculosis chemotherapy via nano-encapsulation of anti-TB drugs.
A Novel AI Program to Detect COVID-19 Pneumonia and the Distribution of Affected Loci
Authors: Sazuka Manami , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Unno Yasushi , Tokumaru Aya M. , Toba Kenji , Ito Hideki 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
BackgroundChest computed tomography findings are beneficial for diagnosing COVID-19 pneumonia. However, few respiratory physicians and diagnostic radiologists can evaluate these computed tomography images. We investigated whether the artificial intelligence program InferRead™ CT Pneumonia is useful for detecting COVID-19 pneumonia and whether its affected volume distribution can aid in detecting COVID-19.MethodsFrom July 18 to August 17, 2021, chest computed tomography scans of 79 of 217 SARS-CoV-2-positive and 90 of 1094 negative patients were analyzed by the AI program. We evaluated the performance of the program in diagnosing SARS-CoV-2. We also calculated the volume of interest in each lung lobe.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity of InferRead™ CT Pneumonia for the detection of SARS-CoV-2-positive status were 0.797 (95% CI: 0.692–0.880) and 0.644 (95% CI: 0.537–0.743), respectively. The agreement between the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia by the program and that of two respiratory specialists was satisfactory high (respiratory specialist A: κ = 0.817, respiratory specialist B: κ = 0.890). On the other hand, in SARS-CoV-2 negative cases, the results showed low concordance. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds ratio of age for the inconsistency in SARS-CoV-2 negative cases with specialist A and B was 1.030 (95% CI, 0.997–1.070; P = 0.077) and 1.060 (95% CI, 1.020–1.110; P = 0.007), respectively. The median volume of interest for the lower lung lobes was particularly high: 11.52% in the right lower lobe (IQR: 4.08–26.99) and 7.16% in the left lower lobe (IQR: 2.27–20.04). In contrast, the right middle lobe showed relatively low (0.16%, IQR: 0.00–5.04), and a significant difference between affected lobes was detected (P < 0.001).ConclusionsInferRead™ CT Pneumonia is useful for detecting COVID-19 pneumonia especially in SARS-CoV-2-positive cases, and its affected volume distribution can aid in detecting COVID-19 pneumonia.
The possibility of a novel warm-up strategy using capacitive and resistive electric transfer
Authors: wachi michio , Jiroumaru Takumi , Satonaka Ayako , Ikeya Masae , Yasumasa Oka , Fujikawa Takamitsu 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Capacitive and resistive electric transfer (CRET) is becoming popular in sports settings. Although CRET is effective for improving pain and healing injured tissues, its influence on muscle function and morphology is still unclear. This study confirmed the immediate effects of CRET on the duration of muscular stiffness and the range of motion (ROM). Methods: This paper describes the protocol for a single arm trial with non-blinding of participants and researcher. Twenty-four healthy men participated in the study. They received CRET therapy for their lower back areas. The muscular stiffness of the multifidus muscle (superficial and deep) and the ROM using the active straight leg raise (ASLR) test were measured pre-intervention, post-intervention (immediately), and 15 minutes and 30 minutes post-intervention. We compared these parameters with one-way analysis of variance and Dunnett’s test (multiple comparison tests for subtests). Results: The muscular stiffness of the superficial and deep multifidus muscles became significantly lesser, and the ASLR test showed a significant increase compared to that obtained at pre-intervention. In addition, these effects persisted for 30 minutes. Conclusions: Warm-up is vital for improving muscular stiffness and for increasing the ROM. CRET is a useful device to achieve these aims as a passive warm-up method in sports settings.Trial registration number: UMIN000046304. Registered 7 December 2021 - Retrospectively registered, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000052845
Biologics did not reduce surgery rate but prolonged remission duration in patients with ulcerative colitis: analysis of a large retrospective Japanese cohort
Authors: Yokoyama Yuya , Ohta Yuki , Ogasawara Sadahisa , Kato Jun , Arai Ryoko , Koseki Hirotaka , Saito Masaya , Kaneko Tatsuya , Tokunaga Mamoru , Oura Hirotaka , Oike Tsubasa , Imai Yushi , Kanayama Kengo , Akizue Naoki , Kumagai Junichiro , Taida Takashi , Okimoto Kenichiro , Saito Keiko , Ooka Yoshihiko , Matsumura Tomoaki , Nakagawa Tomoo , Arai Makoto , Katsuno Tatsuro , Fukuda Yoshihiro , Kitsukawa Yoshio , Kato Naoya 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Objective: To gain better understanding of the effects of biologics, we evaluated clinical outcomes in patients with moderate to severe exacerbations of ulcerative colitis (UC).Methods: This retrospective, multicenter study retrieved the entire clinical courses of UC patients who began treatments between 2004 and 2018. All exacerbations and clinical parameters, including treatment details for exacerbations and both remission and re-exacerbation dates, were identified during the observation period. Two different endpoints, the cumulative incidence rates of surgical resection and re-exacerbation, were evaluated separately in moderate to severe exacerbation events.Results: Among 1401 patients, 1626 exacerbation events were determined according to a partial Mayo score (remission: <2, mild: 2–4, moderate: 5–7, and severe: >7). During the observation period, as administration rates of biologics increased, both surgical resection and hospitalization rates decreased, for 959 moderate to severe exacerbation events. We confirmed that biologics significantly reduced the cumulative re-exacerbation rate in moderate to severe exacerbation events during the study period compared with suboptimal therapies (a 0.507-fold decrease risk according to COX regression analysis, P <0.001). However, they had not enough impact in reducing the cumulative incidence rate of surgical resection in moderate to severe exacerbation events that were corticosteroid-refractory or dependent (a 0.878-fold decrease risk according to COX regression analysis, P = 0.606).Conclusions: Biologics may improve remission duration, but these agents had no significant impact in reducing the risk of surgical resection in moderate to severe active UC.
Protective potential of piroxicam on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells against suppressive capacity of U-87 MG cell line
Authors: Abdesheikhi Jahangir , Sedghy Farnaz , Farsinejad Alireza , Mahmoudi Merat , ranjkesh Mehdi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Dexamethasone, a common medication used in the treatment regimen of glioblastoma, has broad inhibitory effects on the immune responses. Here in an in vitro study, we examined the effects of piroxicam, a potent substitute for dexamethasone, on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) co-cultured with U-87 MG glioblastoma cell line.Methods: MTT assay was used to determine the proliferation of PBMCs treated with piroxicam, or dexamethasone. In addition, oxidative parameters, including superoxide dismutase-3 (SOD3) activity and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, as well as IFN-γ and TGF-β levels were measured in PBMCs alone or the presence of U-87 MG cells using ELISA. Results: unlike dexamethasone, piroxicam showed a protective effect on PBMCs against U-87 MG cell line. Furthermore, while dexamethasone reduced the proliferation of PBMCs, piroxicam had no adverse effect on the proliferation. LDH activity was also lower in piroxicam-treated U-87 MG cells; interestingly, after co-culturing piroxicam-treated PBMCs with U-87 MG cell line, a remarkable rise in the LDH activity was observed. Although not significant, piroxicam partially decreased TGF-β levels in U-87 cells. Conclusion: our findings suggested a protective effect of piroxicam, but not dexamethasone, on PBMCs against inhibitory mechanisms of the U-87 MG cell line.
An ANN-based advancing double-front method for automatic isotropic triangle generation
Authors: Lu Peng , Wang Nianhua , Chang Xinghua , Zhang Laiping , Wu Yadong , Zhang Hongying 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The advancing front method (AFM) is one of the widely used unstructured grid generation techniques. However, the efficiency is low due to the fact that only one cell is generated in the advancing procedure. In this work, a novel automatic isotropic triangle generation technique is developed by introducing an artificial neural network (ANN) based advancing double-front method (ADFM) to improve the mesh generation efficiency. First, an initial isotropic triangular mesh is generated by the traditional mesh generation method as the training set of ANN. Second, the ADFM is presented in detail to improve the advancing efficiency, including the structure of the ANN to distinguish the different patterns in the advancing procedure. Finally, several typical cases are tested to validate the effectiveness. The experimental results show that the ANN can accurately identify mesh generation patterns, and the mesh generation efficiency is 50% higher than that of the traditional single-front AFM.
Aberrant p53 expression in metastatic lymph nodes is a significant predictor of recurrence in stage IIIC endometrial cancer
Authors: Okamoto Kazuhiro , Nakamura Keiichiro , Haraga Junko , Masuyama Hisashi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In endometrial cancer (EC), lymph node (LN) metastasis significantly impacts prognosis. In this study, the clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of 33 patients with EC with regional LN metastasis (FIGO stage IIIC) were investigated. We evaluated the mutational status of p53 and DNA mismatch repair (MMR) proteins in positive LNs (102 lesions), mutational variation between primary and paired metastatic lesions, inter-lesion heterogeneity in the metastatic lesions, and their association with clinical outcomes. Immunohistochemically, 13 patients (39.4%) displayed aberrant p53 expression in metastatic lesions, and a concordant rate of 93.4% was found between the primary and metastatic lesions. Genetic diversity between primary and metastatic lesions and among metastases was validated by evaluating p53 and MMR proteins. In Kaplan–Meier analysis, patients with aberrant p53 expression in metastatic LNs exhibited worse progression-free survival (PFS) than those with wild-type expression (p=0.024). Aberrant expression of p53 in the primary lesion did not show a significant difference in PFS compared with wild-type expression. In Cox univariate analysis, only p53 expression in metastatic LNs was significantly associated with recurrence (p=0.031). In conclusion, p53 expression in metastatic LNs is an independent and superior predictor of PFS in patients with EC with regional LN metastasis.
Confronting Implicit Bias Toward Patients: A Scoping Review of Post-Graduate Physician Curricula
Authors: Gleicher Sonya , Chalmiers Morgen , Aiyanyor Beverly , Jain Rohini , Kotha Nikhil , Scott Kristan , Song Robert Sangmok , Tram Jennifer , Vuong Caresse , Kesselheim Jennifer 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Physicians’ behavior may unknowingly be impacted by prejudice and thereby contribute to healthcare inequities, so it is imperative that physicians learn to recognize and minimize implicit bias. Despite increasingly robust data demonstrating physician implicit bias,1,2 the evidence behind how to change this with training programs remains unclear. This scoping review therefore reports on the implementation, outcomes, and characteristics of post-graduate physician implicit bias curricula.
Methods
The authors conducted a literature review using scoping review methodology. They searched 7 databases in February and November 2020 for English-language academic and gray literature on implicit bias curricula for physicians at all levels of post-graduate training. Ten reviewers screened studies for eligibility independently, then extracted data from these studies and compiled it into a chart and analytical summary.
Results
Of the 4,599 articles screened, this review identified 90 articles on implicit bias interventions for post-graduate physicians. Inductive data analysis revealed a spectrum of educational approaches, which were categorized into 4 educational models called Competence, Skills-Based, Social Contact, and Critical Models. The most commonly reported strength was the interactive nature of the curricula (26%), and the most frequently identified challenges were related to time and resources available (53%). Half of the interventions discussed facilitator preparation, and the majority (62%) evaluated outcomes using pre and post self-assessments.
Conclusions
Medical educational interventions should be based on robust data and theory. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the literature on physician implicit bias curricula, which can support medical educators by serving as a platform for data, recommendations, and examples of implicit bias training. With more effective and evidence-based implicit bias programs, physicians can help diminish healthcare inequities.
Reinforcement effect and permeability assessment of gravel-tire chips mixture (GTCM) used in marine landfill
Authors: Hao Chunrui , Hazarika Hemanta , Isobe Yusaku 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The number of marine landfills in Japan has increased over the past decade due to the lack of suitable land for coastal metropolis landfills. For marine landfills, protection of the alluvium clay layer and improvement of the drainage performance in waste inflow are important aspects. In this paper, an economical construction method for these problems is proposed using gravel-tire chips mixture (GTCM) as the horizontal reinforcement and drainage medium beneath the waste. The content and particle size of tire chips mixed with gravel are essential factors that affect the bearing capacity and permeability of the reinforcement layer. Therefore, a series of permeability tests are conducted using newly developed large-scale triaxial compression and permeability test apparatus to investigate the effect of tire chips particle size, the mass proportion of tire chips (MPTC), and triaxial stress on the permeability of GTCM. In addition, the effectiveness of this technique is evaluated by numerical simulations. The experimental results confirm that the shear strength of GTCM is influenced by tire chips content. In addition, GTCM shows excellent permeability even on higher compression. Moreover, the Non-Darcy flow properties of GTCM (non-linear) are introduced in this study, and a relationship between the permeability coefficient and the Non-Darcy flow coefficient is developed. The numerical results confirm that GTCM performs better than the sand reinforcing material.
Role of Zinc metalloprotease (ZMPSTE24) on Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) replication in vitro
Authors: Wang Xiuqing , Katwal Pratik , Nelson Eric , Hildreth Michael , Li Shitao 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The transmembrane zinc metalloprotease, ZMPSTE24, works in cooperation with interferon induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) to restrict entry of several enveloped viruses. We investigated the role of ZMPSTE24 in porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) replication. ZMPSTE24 overexpression significantly reduced PRRSV replication in MARC-145 cells. Interestingly, knockdown of endogenous ZMPSTE24 did not significantly impact virus replication. There was no significant difference in the percentage of PRRSV positive cells and viral RNA copies at 3 hours post infection (hpi) between cells transfected with ZMPSTE24-FLAG and vector control. Our results suggest that ZMPSTE24 overexpression may restrict PRRSV replication at a post-entry step.
Suspected chorioamnionitis with peak intrapartum temperature &lt;380C : The prevalence of confirmed chorioamnionitis and short term neonatal outcome
Authors: PVellamgot Anvar , Salameh Khalil , Habboub Lina Hussain , Pattuvalappil Rajesh , Elkabir Naser Abulgasim , Siam Yousra Shehada , Khatib Hakam 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Chorioamnionitis(CA) affects up to 3.9% of all deliveries worldwide, and is one of the leading causes of early onset neonatal sepsis. Fever ≥ 380C is an essential criterion for the clinical diagnosis of CA. Obstetricians frequently take the maternal risk factors into consideration, and many mothers are treated as CA even with peak intrapartum temperature(PIT) between 37.60C to 37.90Cif they have other clinical signs and risk factors.
Aim
to estimate the prevalence of confirmed chorioamnionitis and adverseneonatal outcomes among those mothers with PIT below380C.
Materials and methods
Retrospective chart review among mothers delivered at Al-Wakra Hospital, Qatar, between1st January2016 to 31st December 2019 with a clinical diagnosis of CA.
Results
Among 21,471 mothers, 442 were suspected of having CA(2.06%, 95% CI 1.88 to 2.26%). After exclusions, 415 were included in the study, 203(48.9%) mothers had PIT between 37.6-37.90C. There was no significant difference in the rate of confirmed CA between the low(< 380C) andhigher(≥ 380C ) temperature groups(25.4%Vs.31.3%,OR0.75, 95%CI0.46-1.25,p.262). More patients in the low-temperature group received paracetamol for PIT between 37.6 to 37.9 0C, while it was less frequently used for such milder elevation in higher temperature group(88.2%Vs.38.9%, OR11.69, 95% CI 6.46–2.15, p < .001)
Conclusion
The incidence of CA in our institution waswithin the international rates. Although nearly half of the mothers with suspected CA had peak temperature below the recommended diagnostic criteria, the rate of confirmed CA and neonatal outcome was not significantly different from those with PIT ≥ 380C. Early antipyretic use might have affected further elevation of temperature.