bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Value of Small Dense Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Predicting the Risk and Severity of Coronary Heart Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Huang Juan , Gu Jun-Xu , Bao Hui-Zhang , Li Shan-Shan , Yao Xiao-Qin , Yang Ming , Li Yang , Zhang Ai-Min , Yin Yue , Zhang Na , Jia Mei 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Elevated small density low – density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C) particles are hallmarks of atherogenic dyslipidemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is hypothesized to drive atherosclerotic risk. The present study aims to investigate the association between serum sdLDL-C level and the presence and severity of coronary heart disease (CHD). Method: A total of 3684 consecutive patients with T2DM who received selective coronary angiography (CAG) were enrolled. The patients were subsequently divided into CHD and non-CHD groups according to results of CAG. The severity of CHD was evaluated by the number of stenotic, and the Gensini Score (GS).The patients were subsequently divided into four groups by the quartiles of sdLDL-C and evaluate the risk and severity of sdLDL-C and CHD.Results: The sdLDL-C levels in CHD group were significantly higher than non-CHD group [0.80 (0.49) mmol/L vs 0.70 (0.30) mmol/L, P < 0.001]. The results from CHD subgroup analysis indicated that the patients with multiple-vessel disease and high GS had higher sdLDL-C levels compared with those in their matched subgroups (P < 0.05). By adjusting the confounding factors and analyzing by the multiple logistic regression, sdLDL-C had independent correlation with the presence and severity of CHD [CHD: OR = 2.757, 95%, CI = 1.662 - 5.364, P = 0.023; multiple-vessel disease: OR = 3.788, 95%, CI = 1.866 - 7.685, P = 0.026; High GS: OR = 3.054, 95%, CI = 1.944 - 5.699, P = 0.022].Conclusion: In T2DM patients, the increase of sdLDL-C is related to the increase the prevalence and the severity of CHD. After adjustment for other risk factors, sdLDL-C was found to be an independent risk factor for CHD. Therefore, measuring sdLDL-C may allow for T2DM patients to predict the presence and severity of CHD.
Views of Cancer Patients, Families, and Providers on Initiating and Engaging in Advance Care Planning: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Toguri James Thomas , Grant-Nunn Lindsay , Urquhart Robin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Advance care planning (ACP) is a formal process by which patients reflect upon their goals, values and beliefs to allow them to make decisions about their future medical treatment that align with their goals and values, improving patient-centered care. Despite this, ACP is underutilized and is reported as one of the most difficult processes of oncology. Aims: To 1) explore patients’ and families’ views of ACP and what they need from their physicians during the process; 2) explore physicians’ views of ACP, including their experiences with initiating ACP and views on ACP training; and 3) identify commonalities and differences between patients’ and families’ experiences and those of the physicians who care for them. Design and setting: Qualitative descriptive study in Nova Scotia, Canada.Methods: Semi-structured interviews with advanced cancer patients and their family members (n=8) and oncologists (n=10) were conducted. Data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis, which entailed coding, categorizing, and identifying themes recurrent across the datasets. Results: Themes were identified from the patient / family and oncologist groups, four and five respectively. Themes from patients / families included: 1) positive attitudes towards ACP; 2) healthcare professionals (HCPs) lack an understanding of patients’ and families’ informational needs during the ACP process; 3) limited access to services and supports; and 4) poor communication between HCPs. Themes from oncologists included: 1) initiation of ACP discussions; 2) navigating patient-family dynamics; 3) limited formal training in ACP; 4) ACP requires a team approach; and 5) lack of coordinated systems hinders ACP. Conclusion: Stakeholders believe ACP for advanced cancer patients is important. Patients and families desire earlier and more in-depth discussion of ACP, additional services and supports, and improved communication between their HCPs. In the absence of formal training or guidance, oncologists have used clinical acumen to initiate ACP and a collaborative healthcare team approach.
HDL-proteome enrichment with apolipoprotein A-IV compensates for HDL loss of function in diabetes mellitus kidney disease
Authors: Santana Monique FM , Lira Aécio LA , Pinto Raphael , Minanni Carlos A , Silva Amanda RM , Sawada Maria IBAC , Nakandakare Edna R , Correa-Giannella Maria LC , Ronsein Graziella E , Queiroz Marcia S , Passarelli Marisa 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background and aims:Diabetes mellitus kidney disease (DKD) is associated with lipid derangements worsening kidney function and enhancing cardiovascular (CV) risk. The management of dyslipidemia, hypertension and other traditional risk factors does not completely prevent CV complications bringing up the participation of untraditional risk factors such as advanced glycation end products (AGEs), carbamoylation and changes in HDL proteome and functionality. We analyzed HDL composition, proteome, chemical modification and functionality in non-dialytic DKD subjects categorized according to glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urinary albumin excretion rate (AER).Methods:DKD individuals were divided in GFR > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 plus AER stages A1 and A2 (n = 10) and GFR < 60 plus A3 (n = 25) and matched by age with control subjects (GFR > 60; n = 8).Results:Targeted proteomic analyses quantified 29 proteins associated with HDL in all groups, although only 2 were more expressed in GFR < 60 + A3 group in comparison to controls: apolipoprotein D (apo D) and apo A-IV. HDL from GFR < 60 + A3 presented higher levels of total AGEs, pentosidine and carbamoylation (1.2, 1.1 and 4.2 times, respectively) and a reduced ability in removing 14C-cholesterol from macrophages (33%) in comparison to controls. The antioxidant role of HDL (lag time for LDL oxidation) was similar among groups but HDL from GFR < 60 + A3 presented a higher ability in inhibiting the secretion of IL6 and TNF alpha (95%) in LPS-elicited macrophages in comparison to control group.Conclusion:The increment in apo A-IV that presents many antiatherogenic actions seems to counteract the HDL chemical modification by AGE and carbamoylation and its increment in apo D that occurred in well-established DKD.
Human HINT1 Mutant Proteins that Cause Axonal Motor Neuropathy Exhibit Anomalous Interactions with Partner Proteins
Authors: Cortés-Montero Elsa , Rodríguez-Muñoz María , Sánchez-Blázquez Pilar , Garzón-Niño Javier 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The 14 kDa histidine triad nucleotide-binding protein 1 (HINT1) is critical to maintain the normal function of motor neurons. Thus, a series of human HINT1 mutants cause autosomal recessive axonal neuropathy with neuromyotonia. HINT1 establishes a series of regulatory interactions with signaling proteins, some of which are enriched in motor neurons, such as the type 1 sigma receptor or intracellular domain (ICD) of transmembrane teneurin 1, both of which are also implicated in motor disturbances. In a previous study, we reported the capacity of HINT1 to remove the small ubiquitin-like modiﬁer (SUMO) from a series of substrates and the influence of HINT1 mutants on this activity. We now report how human HINT1 mutations affect the interaction of HINT1 with the regulator of its SUMOylase activity, calcium-activated calmodulin, and its substrate SUMO. Moreover, HINT1 mutants exhibited anomalous interactions with G-protein coupled receptors, such as the mu-opioid, and with glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors as well. Additionally, these HINT1 mutants showed impaired associations with transcriptional regulators such as the regulator of G protein signaling Z2 protein and the cleaved N-terminal ICD of teneurin 1. Thus, the altered SUMOylase activity of human HINT1 mutants and their anomalous interactions with partner proteins may disrupt signaling pathways essential to the normal function of human motor neurons.
Numerical Study of New Device for Passive Suppression of Vortex-Induced Vibrations in Deep Water Risers
Authors: Abdulaziz Mohammed , Elsaid Emad 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
This paper presents a three dimensional numerical simulation to investigate the effectiveness of a new passive device for vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) suppression of deep water risers based on non-continuous helical strakes in staggered arrangement with two starts. The influence of changing the geometries and design parameters, such as the pitch and shape of strakes, on the VIV was studied. The simulation had been carried out at Reynolds number 104, which satisfies the natural conditions of ocean currents. The presented design has been tested using a numerical solver using OpenFOAM platform, which had been presented and validated using number of published benchmarks. The LES – large-eddy simulation is used for turbulence modeling. The results had been compared with the published numerical and experimental works and other design based on drag coefficient. The comparison shows that the proposed geometry can suppress the VIV, if applied in deep water risers. The drag coefficient of 1.05 is considered a reduced value in the modified strakes shape with two starts and non-continuous helical strakes in staggered arrangement. The addition of strakes to the surface of a flexible cantilever was modeled to give the chance for evaluating the effect of geometry on the VIV.
Quality of Life and associated modifiable social factors in Sri-Lankan children with overweight and obesity: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gunawardana Shamaali , Gunasinghe Chanduli Binari , Harshani Maddage Samudra , Seneviratne Sumudu Nimali 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundData on quality of life (QoL) of children in South Asia affected by overweight and obesity is limited. This study assessed QoL in Sri Lankan children with overweight and obesity from children’s and parents’ perspective and modifiable social factors potentially affecting QoL of these children.Methods Self-reported QoL and parental-perception of QoL were assessed in 8-12 year-old children with overweight and obesity (n=110), referred for obesity management at a tertiary-care children’s hospital in Sri-Lanka, using linguistically validated Pediatric Quality of Life inventory (PedsQLTM) 4.0 (Child-Self Report and Parent-Proxy forms). Social factors affecting QoL were also collected. Data was analyzed by non-parametric tests.ResultsThe median overall QoL was 80.4 (Inter Quartile Range [IQR] 69.6, 89.5). Physical QoL was lower than psychosocial QoL (78.1vs81.7, p=0.032). Parental-perception of children’s QoL correlated with child-reported QoL, but was lower for overall, physical and psychosocial QoL. Obese children had lower overall QoL, and lower QoL in physical and social functioning, compared to overweight children, and body mass index (BMI) was inversely correlated with physical and social functioning. Social factors associated with lower QOL were: being bullied (p=0.005), not getting regular exercise (p=0.017) and having difficulties in finding suitable clothes (p< 0.001).ConclusionsChildren with overweight and obesity from Sri Lanka appeared to have lower QoL than healthy children, with greater impairment of physical QoL than psychosocial QoL. Lower parental-perception of QoL, higher BMI, bullying, lack of regular exercise and lack of suitable clothing, were associated with lower QoL. Potential strategies to improve QoL include promoting regular exercise and a range of children’s clothes to fit larger children, and prevention of bullying.
Stigmatization, discrimination, violation of autonomy and compromised confidentiality: Lived experiences of people living with HIV on the onset of their illness in Turkey
Authors: Senyurek Gamze , Kavas Mustafa Volkan , Ulman Yesim Isil 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: It’s known that people living with HIV (PLWH) are subjected to stigmatization and discrimination while accessing healthcare services. The purpose of this study is to understand the perceptions of PLWH in Turkey, about whom there are limited data on how their lives are affected by such experiences. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 20 people, and the obtained data were analyzed thematically.Results: The results highlighted the following themes: problems with patients’ autonomy, failure to protect patients’ confidentiality and personal health data, spouse/partner notification issues, and stigmatizing and discriminatory attitudes intrinsic to healthcare professionals’ approach. The attitudes of healthcare professionals and health institutions negatively influence the utilization of healthcare services by PLWH. Conclusions: We have argued the necessity to raise the healthcare professionals’ and the society’s knowledge and awareness, and develop national policies that would contribute to structure partner notification services and prevent HIV-related discrimination and stigmata.
Nickel Carbon Composite With Carbon Nanotubes for Efficient Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Authors: Qiu Yun , Yang Haibo , Ma Liang , Lin Ying , Zong Hanwen , Wen Bo , Bai Xiaoyu , Wang Mengqi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Nickel carbon composite with carbon nanotubes (Ni-C/CNTs) has been fabricated by pyrolysis the mixture of nickel-based metal organic framework (Ni-MOF) and melamine. The resultant Ni-C/CNTs composite is assembled from one-dimensional (1D) CNTs and three dimensional (3D) spherical Ni-C composite. Besides, the Ni-C/CNTs composite contains abundant nitrogen(N) dopants that contributes to defect dipole polarization. The diameter and length of CNTscan beeffected by changing the mass ratio of Ni-MOF and melamine. The optimizedNi-C/CNTs composite exhibits reflection loss of -55.1 dB at 10.56 GHz, and the effective absorbing bandwidth (reflection loss < -10 dB) is 11.2 GHz (6.0-17.2 GHz)with the thickness range of 1.5-4.0 mm, when the mass ratio of Ni-MOF: melamine is 1: 2. These results indicate that the mixed 1D-3D hierarchical architecture synergistically improves electromagnetic wave absorption properties. This strategy willcontribute for fabricating the carbon hybrid network consisting of metal organic frameworks derived metal/carbon hybrid and CNTs for electromagnetic wave absorption.
Exosome-based biomimetic nanoparticles targeted to inflamed joints for enhanced treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Yan Feili , Zhong Zhirong , Wang Yao , Li Hui , Mei Zhiqiang , Feng Yue , Chen Xiang , Cai liang , Li Chunhong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Backgroud:
Glucocorticoids (GCs) show powerful treatment effect on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the clinical application is limited by their nonspecific distribution after systemic administration and serious adverse reactions during long-term administration. To achieve better treatment and reduce side effect, we here established a biomimetic exosome (Exo) encapsulating dexamethasone sodium phosphate (Dex) nanoparticle (Exo/Dex), whose surface was modified with folic acid (FA)-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-cholesterol (Chol) compound to attain FPC-Exo/Dex active targeting drug delivery system.
Results
The size of FPC-Exo/Dex was 128.43 ± 16.27 nm, with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.36 ± 0.05, and the Zeta potential was − 22.73 ± 0.91 mV. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) of the preparation was 10.26 ± 0.73%, with drug loading efficiency (DLE) of 18.81 ± 2.05%. In vitro study showed this system displayed enhanced endocytosis and excellent anti-inflammation effect against RAW264.7 cells by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine. Further biodistribution study showed the fluorescence intensity of FPC-Exo/Dex was stronger than other Dex formulations in joints, suggesting its enhanced accumulation to inflammation sites. In vivo pharmacodynamic experiment displayed FPC-Exo/Dex could preserve the bone and cartilage of CIA mice better and significantly reduce inflamed joints. Next in vivo safety evaluation demonstrated this biomimetic drug delivery system had no obvious hepatotoxicity and exhibited desirable biocompatibility.
Conclusion
The present study provides a promising strategy for using exosome as nanocarrier to enhance the therapeutic effect of GCs against RA.
A Qualitative Study to Explore the Experience of Parents of Newborns Admitted to Neonatal Care Unit in Rural Rwanda
Authors: Byiringiro Samuel , Wong Rex , Logan Jenae , Kaneza Deogratias , Gitera Joseph , Umutesi Sharon , Kirk Catherine M. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Neonatal Care Units (NCUs) provide special care for sick and small newborns and can help reduce neonatal mortality. For parents, the experience of having a hospitalized newborn can be traumatic. In LMIC, especially sub-Saharan Africa, there is limited information about the parents’ experience of care in NCUs. Objective: Our study aimed to explore the experience of parents in the NCU of a rural district hospital in Rwanda. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted with parents whose newborns were hospitalized in the Ruli District Hospital NCU from September 2018 to January 2019. In-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured guide in the participants homes by trained data collectors. Data were transcribed, translated, and then coded using a structured code book. All data analyses were conducted using Dedoose software. Results: Twenty-one interviews were conducted primarily with mothers (90.5%, n=19) among newborns who were most often discharged home alive (90.5%, n=19). Parents reported stressful and emotional responses to having their newborns admitted particularly when they lacked clear understanding of their newborn’s condition, generally positive communication and interactions with healthcare providers and other parents, policies and procedures in the NCU that contributed to stress and limited access to newborns by fathers and other family members, and stress due to the high financial burden of NCU care. Conclusion: The admission of a newborn into the NCU alone was a source of stress for parents and caregivers in rural Rwanda. However, there were several positive factors of the NCU including involvement of mothers and support from healthcare providers. The experience in the NCU can be improved when healthcare providers communicate and explain the newborn’s status to the parents and actively involve them in the care of their newborn. Expanding the NCU access for families, encouraging peer support, and ensuring financial accessibility for neonatal care services could contribute to improved experiences for families.
Maternal syphilis treatment and pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective study in Jiangxi Province, China
Authors: Wan Zhihua , Zhang Huan , Xu Haigang , Hu Yang , Tan Cai , Tao Yuling 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Studies investigating the associations of maternal syphilis treatment during pregnancy with pregnancy outcomes mainly concentrated in economically developed areas. Limited data are available in economically underdeveloped areas, such as Jiangxi Province. The study aims to investigate the impact of maternal treatment during pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes in Jiangxi Province, China.
Methods
Data were obtained from the China’s Information System of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of syphilis management in Jiangxi Province. All syphilis infected pregnant women who delivered at gestational age of 28 weeks or more and were registered in this system between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2019 were enrolled. Pregnancy outcomes were evaluated by group-specific analyses according to their treatment status, adequacy and initiation time.
Results
4210 pregnant women with syphilis infection were included in the analyses. Infants born to untreated mothers were at significantly higher risk for stillbirth (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.74, 95% CI, 1.01-3.00, P = 0.045), preterm birth (aOR = 1.27, 95% CI, 1.02–1.59, P = 0.034) and low birth weight (LBW) (aOR = 1.44; 95% CI, 1.11–1.86, P = 0.006) than those born to treated mothers after adjustment for confounding factors. Moreover, a significantly higher risk of stillbirth (aOR = 3.68; 95% CI, 1.62–8.34, P = 0.002), preterm birth (aOR = 2.26; 95% CI, 1.71-3.00, P < 0.001), LBW (aOR = 2.23; 95% CI, 1.59–3.14, P < 0.001) and congenital syphilis (CS) (aOR = 3.63; 95% CI, 1.80–7.31, P < 0.001) was found in infants exposed to mothers treated inadequately than those treated adequately. In addition, no pregnant women who initiated the treatment in the first trimester delivered a neonatal CS case. Compared with mothers who initiated treatment in the first trimester, those initiated in the third trimester suffered an increased risk of stillbirth (aOR = 4.48; 95% CI, 1.31–15.30, P = 0.017), preterm birth (aOR = 2.34; 95% CI, 1.61–3.40, P < 0.001) and LBW (aOR = 3.25; 95% CI, 1.97–5.37, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Maternal treatment, especially early and adequate treatment, plays a crucial role in mitigating adverse pregnancy outcomes among syphilis infected women.
Assessment of Novel Lehmann’s Funnel Entry Trap Prototypes Performance to Control Malaria Mosquito Populations
Authors: Sanou Roger , Maïga Hamidou , Bilgo Etienne M. , Sawadogo P. Simon , Sow Bazoumana D. , Ouema Adama , Bayili Koama , Belem Adrien Marie Gaston , Paré Léa Melanie , Dabiré Roch K. , Diabaté Abdoulaye 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThere is a global consensus that new intervention tools are needed to cross the last miles in malaria elimination/eradication. In a recent study in Burkina Faso, the Lehmann Funnel Entry Trap (LFET) have shown excellent promise in mosquito densities reducing even in area of high insecticide resistance up to 80%. It requires no chemicals and is self-operated. However, one of the issues of the LFET is the big size of the funnel occupying lot of space inside houses. Here we compared the performance of three new prototypes of LFET with reduced size that combine screening and killing effect on mosquitoes. MethodsThe study was carried out for three months during the rainy season both in low and high malaria vector density sites, Soumousso and Vallée du Kou respectively. The original LFET was modified and 3 new prototypes were produced locally and tested over 3 months (8 days/month) to evaluate their effectiveness in trapping and killing mosquitoes entering houses through the windows. ResultsIn both sites, an overall of 78,435 culicine mosquitoes collected in both traps and houses and most of them were mainly Anopheles gambiae s.l. n= 76,558 (98%) and other species represented n = 1,877 (2%). Of the culicine caught in the trial, n= 55,256 (72%) were collected in traps. The 3 new LFET prototypes reduced the indoor density of mosquitoes collected in the houses by a range of 36 to 73% and 69 to 70% in low vector density setting, Soumousso and high vector density area, Vallée du Kou respectively. The prototype 1 caught a greater number of mosquitoes than the prototype 2 whereas no difference was observed between other prototypes in VK3. In Soumousso, the prototypes 1 and 2 collected significantly higher number of mosquitoes compared to the prototypes 3 and 4. ConclusionThis study has shown that the new LFET prototypes are promising for malaria vector control and could enter in the malaria vector control toolbox in the coming years. Therefore, a large-scale study with one of the prototypes is needed on the practical ability and community acceptance of the LFET to control malaria vectors.