bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of human glomerular basement membrane thickness using direct measurement and orthogonal intercept methods
Authors: Viana Débora Leal , Alladagbin Dona Jeanne , dos-Santos Washington L. C. , Figueira Claudio Pereira 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Here we report estimates of glomerular basement membrane (GBM) thickness in the Brazilian population performed using direct (DM) and orthogonal interception methods (OIM), and comment on potential sources of variation among estimates made by different laboratories.

Methodology
A total of 38 patients, ranging from 3 to 78 years of age, 26 (68%) males and 12 (32%) females, were submitted to kidney biopsy procedures for renal disease diagnosis. Glomeruli were diagnosed with minor histological changes by conventional, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. GBM thickness was estimated using both DM and OIM methods.

Results
Estimates of GBM thickness obtained using DM were higher than those obtained by OIM. However, the application of a correction for non-perpendicular membrane sectioning to DM estimates yielded similar results to those obtained under OIM. The estimated GMB thickness using DM after correction was 289 + 44 nm, versus 287 + 48 nm by OIM. No statistically significant differences were detected in GMB thickness, nor with respect to patient age or sex.

Conclusions
GBM thickness in the studied Brazilian population measured approximately 290 nm. The application of criteria for estimating the shortest distance between the endothelial and podocyte cell membranes with correction for non-perpendicular membrane sectioning can increase the accuracy of GBM thickness estimates using DM and OIM.
Chronic kidney disease and its health-related factors: a case-control study
Authors: Ghelichi-Ghojogh Mousa , Fararouei Mohammad , Seif Mozhgan , Pakfetrat Maryam 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a non-communicable disease that includes a range of different physiological disorders that are associated with abnormal renal function and progressive decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This study aimed to investigate the associations of several behavioral and health-related factors with CKD in Iranian patients.

Methods
A hospital-based case-control study was conducted on 700 participants (350 cases and 350 controls). Logistic regression was applied to measure the association between the selected factors and CKD.

Results
The mean age of cases and controls were 59.6 ± 12.4 and 58.9 ± 12.2 respectively (p = 0.827). The results of multiple logistic regression suggested that many factors including low birth weight (OR yes/no = 4.07, 95%CI: 1.76–9.37, P = 0.001), history of diabetes (OR yes/no = 3.57, 95%CI: 2.36–5.40, P = 0.001), history of kidney diseases (OR yes/no = 3.35, 95%CI: 2.21–5.00, P = 0.001) and history of chemotherapy (OR yes/no = 2.18, 95%CI: 1.12–4.23, P = 0.02) are associated with the risk of CKD.

Conclusions
The present study covered a large number of potential risk/ preventive factors altogether. The results highlighted the importance of collaborative monitoring of kidney function among patients with the above conditions.
Chest radiography in children aged 2–59 months enrolled in the Innovative Treatments in Pneumonia (ITIP) project in Lilongwe Malawi: a secondary analysis
Authors: Mvalo Tisungane , McCollum Eric D. , Fitzgerald Elizabeth , Kamthunzi Portia , Schmicker Robert H. , May Susanne , Phiri Melda , Chirombo Claightone , Phiri Ajib , Ginsburg Amy Sarah 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Pneumonia is the leading infectious cause of death in children aged under 5 years in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). World Health Organization (WHO) pneumonia diagnosis guidelines rely on non-specific clinical features. We explore chest radiography (CXR) findings among select children in the Innovative Treatments in Pneumonia (ITIP) project in Malawi in relation to clinical outcomes.

Methods
When clinically indicated, CXRs were obtained from ITIP-enrolled children aged 2 to 59 months with community-acquired pneumonia hospitalized with treatment failure or relapse. ITIP1 (fast-breathing pneumonia) and ITIP2 (chest-indrawing pneumonia) trials enrolled children with non-severe pneumonia while ITIP3 enrolled children excluded from ITIP1 and ITIP2 with severe pneumonia and/or selected comorbidities. A panel of trained pediatricians classified the CXRs using the standardized WHO CXR research methodology. We analyzed the relationship between CXR classifications, enrollee characteristics, and outcomes.

Results
Between March 2016 and June 2018, of 114 CXRs obtained, 83 met analysis criteria with 62.7% (52/83) classified as having significant pathology per WHO standardized interpretation. ITIP3 (92.3%; 12/13) children had a higher proportion of CXRs with significant pathology compared to ITIP1 (57.1%, 12/21) and ITIP2 (57.1%, 28/49) (p-value = 0.008). The predominant pathological CXR reading was “other infiltrates only” in ITIP1 (83.3%, 10/12) and ITIP2 (71.4%, 20/28), while in ITIP3 it was “primary endpoint pneumonia”(66.7%, 8/12,; p-value = 0.008). The percent of CXRs with significant pathology among children clinically cured (60.6%, 40/66) vs those not clinically cured (70.6%, 12/17) at Day 14 was not significantly different (p-value = 0.58).

Conclusions
In this secondary analysis we observed that ITIP3 children with severe pneumonia and/or selected comorbidities had a higher frequency of CXRs with significant pathology, although these radiographic findings had limited relationship to Day 14 outcomes. The proportion of CXRs with “primary endpoint pneumonia” was low. These findings add to existing data that additional diagnostics and prognostics are important for improving the care of children with pneumonia in LMICs.

Trial registration
ITIP1, ITIP2, and ITIP3 were registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02760420, NCT02678195, and NCT02960919, respectively).
The effect of sexual abuse and dissociation on suicide attempt
Authors: Brokke Silje Støle , Bertelsen Thomas Bjerregaard , Landrø Nils Inge , Haaland Vegard Øksendal 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundSuicide attempt is the most predictive risk factor of suicide. Trauma – especially sexual abuse – is a risk factor for suicide attempt and suicide. A common reaction to sexual abuse is dissociation. Higher levels of dissociation are linked to self-harm, suicide ideation, and suicide attempt, but the role of dissociation in suicidal behavior is unclear.MethodsIn this naturalistic study, ninety-seven acute psychiatric patients with suicidal ideation, of whom 32 had experienced sexual abuse, were included. Suicidal behaviour was assessed with The Columbia suicide history form (CSHF). The Brief trauma questionnaire (BTQ) was used to identify sexual abuse. Dissociative symptoms were assessed with Dissociative experiences scale (DES).ResultsPatients who had experienced sexual abuse reported higher levels of dissociation and were younger at onset of suicidal thoughts, more likely to self-harm, and more likely to have attempted suicide; and they had made more suicide attempts. Mediation analysis found dissociative experiences to significantly mediate a substantive proportion of the relationship between sexual abuse and number of suicide attempts (indirect effects = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.05, 0.28, proportion mediated = 68%). Dissociative experiences significantly mediated the role of sexual abuse as a predictor of being in the patient group with more than four suicide attempts (indirect effects = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.02, 0.19, proportion mediated = 34%).ConclusionThe results illustrate the importance of assessment and treatment of sexual abuse and trauma-related symptoms such as dissociation in suicide prevention. Dissociation can be a contributing factor to why some people act on their suicidal thoughts.
Implementation evaluation of a collective impact initiative to promote adolescent health in Oklahoma County, USA
Authors: Garney Whitney R. , Panjwani Sonya , Wilson Kelly , Garcia Kristen E. , Fore Sharayah , Lautner Shelby C. , Lang Laura , Criswell Brittney , Mathews Ronneal 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
The teenage birth rate in the USA has considerably decreased in recent decades; however, more innovative, collaborative approaches are needed to promote adolescent health and prevent teenage pregnancy at the community level. Despite literature on the promising results of the collective impact (CI) model for health promotion, there is limited literature on the model’s ability to reduce teenage pregnancies in a community. The Central Oklahoma Teen Pregnancy Prevention Collaboration is applying the CI model to foster collaboration among multiple stakeholders with the goal of increasing community and organizational capacity to improve adolescent health outcomes. This paper reports the findings from the initiative’s implementation evaluation, which sought to understand whether the CI model improved collaboration among organizations and understand barriers and facilitators that affected program delivery.

Methods
Program implementers and evaluators jointly developed research questions to guide the intervention and evaluation design. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used to assess program components including the intervention characteristics, organization setting, community setting, facilitator characteristics, and the process of implementation. Primary sources of data included performance measures, meeting observations (n = 11), and semi-structured interviews (n = 10). The data was thematically analyzed using CFIR constructs, community capacity domains, and the five constructs of CI.

Results
Key findings include the need for shortened meeting times for meaningful engagement, opportunities for organizations to take on more active roles in the Collaboration, and enhanced community context expertise (i.e., those with lived experience) in all Collaboration initiatives. We identified additional elements to the core constructs of CI that are necessary for successful implementation: distinct role identification for partner organizations and incorporation of equity and inclusivity into collaboration processes and procedures.

Conclusions
Results from this implementation evaluation provide valuable insights into implementation fidelity, participant experience, and implementation reach of an innovative, systems-level program. Findings demonstrate the context and requirements needed to successfully implement this innovative program approach and CI overall. Additional core elements for CI are identified and contribute to the growing body of literature on successful CI initiatives.
Safety profile and risk factors for bleeding in transbronchial cryobiopsy using a two-scope technique for peripheral pulmonary lesions
Authors: Nakai Toshiyuki , Watanabe Tetsuya , Kaimi Yuto , Ogawa Koichi , Matsumoto Yoshiya , Sawa Kenji , Okamoto Atsuko , Sato Kanako , Asai Kazuhisa , Matsumoto Yuji , Ohsawa Masahiko , Kawaguchi Tomoya 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
A balloon occlusion technique is suggested for use in cryobiopsy for interstitial lung diseases because of the bleeding risk. However, it may interfere with selection of the involved bronchus for peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). A two-scope technique, in which two scopes are prepared and hemostasis is started using the second scope immediately after cryobiopsy, has also been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and diagnostic utility of transbronchial cryobiopsy using the two-scope technique for PPLs.

Methods
Data of patients who underwent conventional biopsy followed by cryobiopsy using the two-scope technique for PPLs from November 2019 to March 2021 were collected. The incidence of complications and risk factors for clinically significant bleeding (moderate to life-threatening) were investigated. Diagnostic yields were also compared among conventional biopsy, cryobiopsy, and the combination of them.

Results
A total of 139 patients were analyzed. Moderate bleeding occurred in 25 (18.0%) patients without severe/life-threatening bleeding. Although five cases required transbronchial instillation of thrombin, all bleeding was completely controlled using the two-scope technique. Other complications included two pneumothoraces and one asthmatic attack. On multivariable analysis, only ground-glass features (P < 0.001, odds ratio: 9.30) were associated with clinically significant bleeding. The diagnostic yields of conventional biopsy and cryobiopsy were 76.3% and 81.3%, respectively (P = 0.28). The total diagnostic yield was 89.9%, significantly higher than conventional biopsy alone (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
The two-scope technique provides useful hemostasis for safe cryobiopsy for PPLs, with a careful decision needed for ground-glass lesions.
RNA binding protein HuD promotes autophagy and tumor stress survival by suppressing mTORC1 activity and augmenting ARL6IP1 levels
Authors: Bishayee Kausik , Habib Khadija , Nazim Uddin Md. , Kang Jieun , Szabo Aniko , Huh Sung-Oh , Sadra Ali 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Neuronal-origin HuD (ELAVL4) is an RNA binding protein overexpressed in neuroblastoma (NB) and certain other cancers. The RNA targets of this RNA binding protein in neuroblastoma cells and their role in promoting cancer survival have been unexplored. In the study of modulators of mTORC1 activity under the conditions of optimal cell growth and starvation, the role of HuD and its two substrates were studied.

Methods
RNA immunoprecipitation/sequencing (RIP-SEQ) coupled with quantitative real-time PCR were used to identify substrates of HuD in NB cells. Validation of the two RNA targets of HuD was via reverse capture of HuD by synthetic RNA oligoes from cell lysates and binding of RNA to recombinant forms of HuD in the cell and outside of the cell. Further analysis was via RNA transcriptome analysis of HuD silencing in the test cells.

Results
In response to stress, HuD was found to dampen mTORC1 activity and allow the cell to upregulate its autophagy levels by suppressing mTORC1 activity. Among mRNA substrates regulated cell-wide by HuD, GRB-10 and ARL6IP1 were found to carry out critical functions for survival of the cells under stress. GRB-10 was involved in blocking mTORC1 activity by disrupting Raptor-mTOR kinase interaction. Reduced mTORC1 activity allowed lifting of autophagy levels in the cells required for increased survival. In addition, ARL6IP1, an apoptotic regulator in the ER membrane, was found to promote cell survival by negative regulation of apoptosis. As a therapeutic target, knockdown of HuD in two xenograft models of NB led to a block in tumor growth, confirming its importance for viability of the tumor cells. Cell-wide RNA messages of these two HuD substrates and HuD and mTORC1 marker of activity significantly correlated in NB patient populations and in mouse xenografts.

Conclusions
HuD is seen as a novel means of promoting stress survival in this cancer type by downregulating mTORC1 activity and negatively regulating apoptosis.
Global prevalence and epidemiology of Strongyloides stercoralis in dogs: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Eslahi Aida Vafae , Hashemipour Sima , Olfatifar Meysam , Houshmand Elham , Hajialilo Elham , Mahmoudi Razzagh , Badri Milad , Ketzis Jennifer K. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundStrongyloides stercoralis, a soil-transmitted helminth, occurs in humans, non-human primates, dogs, cats and wild canids. The zoonotic potential between these hosts is not well understood with data available on prevalence primarily focused on humans. To increase knowledge on prevalence, this review and meta-analysis was performed to estimate the global status ofS. stercoralisinfections in dogs.MethodsFollowing the PRISMA guidelines, online literature published prior to November 2020 was obtained from multiple databases (Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar). Prevalence was calculated on a global and country level, by country income and climate, and in stray/animal shelter dogs versus owned dogs. Statistical analyses were conducted using R-software (version 3.6.1).ResultsFrom 9428 articles, 61 met the inclusion criteria. The estimated pooled global prevalence ofS. stercoralisin dogs was 6% (95% CI 3–9%). Infection was found to be the most prevalent in low-income countries with pooled prevalence of 22% (95% CI 10–36%). The highest pooled prevalence ofS. stercoralisin dogs was related to regions with average temperature of 10–20 °C (6%; 95% CI 3–11%), an annual rainfall of 1001–1500 mm (9%; 95% CI 4–15%) and humidity of 40–75% (8%; 95% CI 4–13%). Prevalence was higher in stray and shelter dogs (11%; 95% CI 1–26%) than in owned dogs (3%; 95% CI 1–7%).ConclusionsAs withS. stercoralisin humans, higher prevalence in dogs is found in subtropical and tropical regions and lower-income countries, locations which also can have high dog populations. While this study presents the first estimated global prevalence ofS. stercoralisin dogs, it is potentially an underestimation with 15 of 61 studies relying on diagnostic methods of lower sensitivity and a paucity of data from most locations. Standardized protocols (e.g. quantity of feces and number of samples for a Baermann) in future studies could improve reliability of results. More prevalence studies and raising veterinary awareness ofS. stercoralisare needed for a One Health approach to protect humans and dogs from the impact of the infection.Graphical Abstract
Ultrasonographic evaluation of deep vein thrombosis related to the central catheter in hemodialytic patients
Authors: Silveira Vieira Ana Luisa , Muniz Pazeli Júnior José , Silva Matos Andrea , Marques Pereira Andreza , Rezende Pinto Izadora , Esteves de Oliveira Silva Letícia , Siqueira Guilherme Letícia , Archângelo e Silva Sofia Laura 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Point of care ultrasound (PoCUS) is a useful tool for the early diagnosis of thrombosis related to the central venous catheter for dialysis (TR-CVCd). However, the application of PoCUS is still not common as a bedside imaging examination and TR-CVCd remains often underdiagnosed in the routine practice. The aim of this study was to investigate if a compression technique for the diagnosis of TR-CVCd blindly performed by PoCUS experts and medical students is accurate when compared to a Doppler study.

Methods
Two medical students without prior knowledge in PoCUS received a short theoretical–practical training to evaluate TR-CVCd of the internal jugular vein by means of the ultrasound compression technique. After the training phase, patients with central venous catheter for dialysis (CVCd) were evaluated by the students in a private hemodialysis clinic. The results were compared to those obtained on the same population by doctors with solid experience in PoCUS, using both the compression technique and the color Doppler.

Results
Eighty-one patients were eligible for the study and the prevalence of TR-CVCd diagnosed by Doppler was 28.4%. The compression technique performed by the students and by experts presented, respectively, a sensitivity of 59.2% (CI 51.6–66.8) vs 100% and a specificity of 89.6% (CI 84.9–94.3) vs 94.8% (CI 91.4–98.2).

Conclusion
The compression technique in the hands of PoCUS experts demonstrated high accuracy in the diagnosis of TR-CVCd and should represent a standard in the routine examination of dialytic patients. The training of PoCUS inexperienced students for the diagnosis of TR-CVCd is feasible but did not lead to a sufficient level of sensitivity.
When stem cells meet COVID-19: recent advances, challenges and future perspectives
Authors: Li Shasha , Zhu Hecheng , Zhao Ming , Liu Weidong , Wang Lei , Zhu Bin , Xie Wen , Zhao Cong , Zhou Yao , Ren Caiping , Liu Hui , Jiang Xingjun 
Published: January 2022

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 is currently spreading throughout the world with a high rate of infection and mortality and poses a huge threat to global public health. COVID-19 primarily manifests as hypoxic respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome, which can lead to multiple organ failure. Despite advances in the supportive care approaches, there is still a lack of clinically effective therapies, and there is an urgent need to develop novel strategies to fight this disease. Currently, stem cell therapy and stem cell-derived organoid models have received extensive attention as a new treatment and research method for COVID-19. Here, we discuss how stem cells play a role in the battle against COVID-19 and present a systematic review and prospective of the study on stem cell treatment and organoid models of COVID-19, which provides a reference for the effective control of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide.
Context-dependent transcriptional regulations of YAP/TAZ in stem cell and differentiation
Authors: Luo Juan , Li Peng 
Published: January 2022

AbstractHippo pathway is initially identified as a master regulator for cell proliferation and organ size control, and the subsequent researches show this pathway is also involved in development, tissue regeneration and homeostasis, inflammation, immunity and cancer. YAP/TAZ, the downstream effectors of Hippo pathway, usually act as coactivators and are dependent on other transcription factors to mediate their transcriptional outputs. In this review, we will first provide an overview on the core components and regulations of Hippo pathway in mammals, and then systematically summarize the identified transcriptional factors or partners that are responsible for the transcriptional output of YAP/TAZ in stem cell and differentiation. More than that, we will discuss the potential applications and future directions based on these findings.
Thymosin beta-4 improves endothelial function and reparative potency of diabetic endothelial cells differentiated from patient induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Su Liping , Kong Xiaocen , Loo Szejie , Gao Yu , Liu Bingli , Su Xiaofei , Dalan Rinkoo , Ma Jianhua , Ye Lei 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Prior studies show that signature phenotypes of diabetic human induced pluripotent stem cells derived endothelial cells (dia-hiPSC-ECs) are disrupted glycine homeostasis, increased senescence, impaired mitochondrial function and angiogenic potential as compared with healthy hiPSC-ECs. In the current study, we aimed to assess the role of thymosin β-4 (Tb-4) on endothelial function using dia-hiPSC-ECs as disease model of endothelial dysfunction.

Methods and results
Using dia-hiPSC-ECs as models of endothelial dysfunction, we determined the effect of Tb-4 on cell proliferation, senescence, cyto-protection, protein expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), secretion of endothelin-1 and MMP-1, mitochondrial membrane potential, and cyto-protection in vitro and angiogenic potential for treatment of ischemic limb disease in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in vivo. We found that 600 ng/mL Tb4 significantly up-regulated AKT activity and Bcl-XL protein expression, enhanced dia-hiPSC-EC viability and proliferation, limited senescence, reduced endothelin-1 and MMP-1 secretion, and improved reparative potency of dia-hiPSC-ECs for treatment of ischemic limb disease in mice with T2DM. However, Tb4 had no effect on improving mitochondrial membrane potential and glycine homeostasis and reducing intercellular adhesion molecule-1 protein expression in dia-hiPSC-ECs.

Conclusions
Tb-4 improves endothelial dysfunction through enhancing hiPSC-EC viability, reducing senescence and endothelin-1 production, and improves angiogenic potency in diabetes.