bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Symptoms of ocular surface disease in construction workers: comparative study with office workers.
Authors: Hernandez-Llamas Sergio , Paz-Ramos Ana Karen , Marcos-González Patricio , Amparo Francisco , Garza-Leon Manuel 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate and contrast the prevalence of dry eye symptoms in construction workers and office workers using the OSDI questionnaire.Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted using the OSDI questionnaire to evaluate dry eye symptoms and associated risk factors. Sampled size calculation with a power of 80% and a 95% degree of confidence suggested the inclusion of 298 participants. Results: We studied 304 subjects (149 construction workers and 155 office workers). More than half (55%) of the participants presented dry eye symptoms (OSDI > 12). The average OSDI score was 21.30 ± 22.20 points, being lower in the group of construction workers (12.45±17.50) than in-office workers (28.51±22.99) (p <0.001). Considering participants who had moderate and severe symptoms (23 to 100 points in OSDI), office workers presented dry eye symptoms 4.15 times more frequently than construction workers (OR 4.15, 95% CI 2.52, 6.85). Women presented statistical evidence of higher OSDI scores than men (32.47 ± 23.72 vs. 14.87 ± 18.48, respectively). Conclusions: construction workers have four times less risk of presenting dry eye symptoms than people working in the average office space. This highlights the pernicious effects on the ocular surface of the office environment, which poses a significant risk for the development or worsening of dry eye symptoms.
The presence of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and the ratios between different subsets serve as prognostic factors in advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Jie , Tian Shu , Sun Ji , Zhang Jiahao , Lin Lan , hu chunyan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Cancer cells induce the infiltration of various immune cells that are located or distributed in different sites and play multiple roles, which have recently been proposed to predict clinical outcomes. We therefore studied the prognostic significance of the presence of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and the ratios between different types of immune cells in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC). Methods: We retrospectively analysed 132 consecutive patients diagnosed with advanced HPSCC in 2013-2017. Tumoural parenchyma was immunohistochemically counted manually for the number of CD8, CD4 and Foxp3 cells. The ratios of CD8/Foxp3 and CD8/CD4 ratios were calculated for each specimen and analyzed with respect to patient clinicopathological variables and prognosis. Results: HPSCC patients with high levels of TILs showed evident correlations with well differentiated tumors (P < 0.05). Moreover, Foxp3+ TIL is also associated with overall staging group and T category (P =0.048 and P= 0.046, respectively). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that high CD8 and FoxP3 infiltration correlated with favourable overall survival (OS, P = 0.019 and P = 0.001), disease-free survival (DFS, P = 0.045 and P = 0.028) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS, P = 0.034 and P = 0.009), respectively, but only Foxp3 displayed prognostic significance for DMFS in multivariate analysis (MVA). In the lymphocyte ratio analysis, CD8/Foxp3 appeared to play a pivotal role, and patients with a high CD8/Foxp3 ratio had a superior 3-year DFS and DMFS compared with those a low CD8/Foxp3 ratio in both univariate analysis (UVA) and MVA (P = 0.015 and P=0.011). A high CD8/CD4 ratio was associated with better DFS and local relapse-free survival (LRFS) in UVA, and was an independent prognostic factor for improved LRFS in MVA (P = 0.040).Conclusion: Although high TILs levels were determined to be prognostically significant in advanced HPSCC, the ratios of these subsets may be more informative. Particularly, a higher ratio of CD8/Foxp3 accurately predicts prognosis for improved DFS and DMFS, and an increased CD8/CD4 ratio is an independent predictor for favourable LRFS.
A new view into the silica deposition vesicles of diatoms
Authors: Heintze Christoph , Formanek Petr , Pohl Darius , Hauptstein Jannes , Rellinghaus Bernd , Kröger Nils 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Diatoms are single-celled microalgae that produce silica-based cell walls with intricate nano- and micropatterns. Biogenesis of diatom biosilica is a bottom-up process that occurs in large intracellular compartments termed silica deposition vesicles (SDVs). Investigating the mechanism of silica morphogenesis has so far been severely limited by the lack of methods for imaging the entire volume of an SDV with high spatial resolution during all stages of development. Here we have developed a method that allows for rapid identification and electron microscopy imaging of many different, full sized SDVs that are in the process of producing biosilica valves. This enabled visualizing the development of characteristic morphological biosilica features with unprecedented spatio-temporal resolution. During early to mid-term development, valve SDVs contained ~20 nm sized particles that were primarily associated with the radially expanding rib-like biosilica structures. The results from electron dispersive X-ray analysis suggests that the immature biosilica patterns are silica-organic composites. This supports the hypothesis that silica morphogenesis is dependent on organic biomolecules inside the SDV lumen.
Consolidating strategic information to monitor progress against the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets: evaluating the operational feasibility of an electronic HIV testing register in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Jacob Nisha , Rice Brian , Kalk Emma , Heekes Alexa , Morgan Jennie , Brinkmann Samantha , Hargreaves James , Orgill Marsha , Boulle Andrew 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background HIV diagnosis in South Africa is based on a point-of-care testing (PoCT) algorithm with paper-based record-keeping. Aggregated testing data are reported routinely. To facilitate improved HIV case-based surveillance, the Western Cape Province implemented a unique pilot intervention to digitise PoCT results, at an individual level, and generate an electronic register using the newly developed Provincial Health Data Centre (PHDC). We describe the intervention (phased) and present an evaluation of the operational feasibility of the intervention. We also offer implementation insights into establishing electronic capture of individual level testing data. Cross-sectional analyses were conducted on records of all patients attending a local Community Health Centre who had an HIV-PoCT during the study period. Data from the intervention were linked to the PHDC using a unique identifier and compared with aggregate data from the paper-based register. Correlation coefficients were calculated to quantify the correlation between the two monthly datasets. To support an understanding of the findings, the Department of Health project management team generated reflections on the implementation process, which were then grouped thematically into implementation lessons. Results In total, 11 337 PoCT records were digitised (70% (7954) during Phase I; and 30% (3383) during Phase II). Linkage of forms to the PHDC was 96% in Phase I and 98% in Phase II. Comparison with aggregate data showed high correlation during Phase I, but notable divergence during Phase II. Divergence in Phase II was due to stringent data quality requirements and high clinical staff turnover. Factors supporting implementation success in Phase I included direct oversight of data capturing by a manager with clinical and operational insight. Implementation challenges included operational, health system, and high cost-related issues. Conclusions We demonstrate that rapid digitisation of HIV PoCT data, without compromising currently collected aggregate data, is operationally feasible, and can contribute to person-level longitudinal HIV case-based surveillance. To take to scale, we will need to improve PoCT platforms and clerical and administrative systems. Although we highlight challenges, we demonstrate that electronic HIV testing registers can successfully replace manual registers and improve efforts to monitor and evaluate HIV testing strategies.
Mitochondrial accumulation of Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Endonuclease 1 protein in early stages of hepatocellular carcinoma enhances mtDNA repair rate, contributing to cell proliferation and mitochondrial functionality.
Authors: Bazzani Veronica , Barchiesi Arianna , Radecka Dorota , Pravisani Riccardo , Guadagno Antonio , Loreto Carla Di , Baccarani Umberto , Vascotto Carlo 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of primary liver cancers. Surveillance of individuals at specific risk of developing HCC, early diagnostic markers, and new therapeutic approaches are essential to obtain a reduction in disease-related mortality. Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) expression levels and its cytoplasmic localization have been reported to correlate with a lower degree of differentiation and shorter survival rate. The aim of this study is to fully investigate, for the first time, the role of the mitochondrial form of APE1 in HCC.Methods: As a study model, we analyzed samples from a cohort of patients diagnosed with HCC who underwent surgical resection. Mitochondrial APE1 content, expression levels of the mitochondrial import protein Mia40, and mtDNA damage of tumor tissue and distal non-tumor liver of each patient were analyzed. In parallel, we generated a stable HeLa clone for inducible silencing of endogenous APE1 and re-expression of the recombinant shRNA resistant mitochondrially targeted APE1 form (MTS-APE1). We evaluated mtDNA damage, cell growth, and mitochondrial respiration.Results: APE1’s cytoplasmic positivity in Grades 1 and 2 HCC patients showed a significantly higher expression of mitochondrial APE1, which accounted for lower levels of mtDNA damage observed in the tumor tissue with respect to the distal area. In the contrast, the cytoplasmic positivity in Grade 3 was not associated with APE1’s mitochondrial accumulation even when accounting for the higher number of mtDNA lesions measured. Loss of APE1 expression negatively affected mitochondrial respiration, cell viability, and proliferation as well as levels of mtDNA damage. Remarkably, the phenotype was efficiently rescued in MTS-APE1 clone, where APE1 is present only within the mitochondrial matrix.Conclusions: Our study confirms the prominent role of the mitochondrial form of APE1 in the early stages of HCC development and the relevance of the non-nuclear fraction of APE1 in the disease progression. We have also confirmed overexpression of Mia40 and the role of the MIA pathway in the APE1 import process. Based on our data, inhibition of the APE1 transport by blocking the MIA pathway could represent a new therapeutic approach for reducing mitochondrial metabolism by preventing the efficient repair of mtDNA.
Identification of Prognosis-Related Genes and Construction of Multi-regulatory Networks in Pancreatic Cancer Microenvironment by Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Li Tong , Liu Qiaofei , Zhang Ronghua , Liao Quan , Zhao Yupei 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: As one of the most lethal cancers, pancreatic cancer has been characterized by abundant supportive tumor-stromal cell microenvironment. Although the advent of tumor-targeted immune checkpoint blockers has brought light to patients with other cancers, its clinical efficacy in pancreatic cancer has been greatly limited due to the protective stroma . Thus, it is urgent to find potential new targets and establish multi-regulatory networks to predict patient prognosis andimprove treatment. Methods: We followed a strategy based on mining the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and ESTIMATE algorithm to obtain the immune scores and stromal scores. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with poor overall survival of pancreatic cancer were screened from a TCGA cohort. By comparing global gene expression with high vs. low immune scores and subsequent Kaplan-Meier analysis, DEGs that significantly correlate with poor overall survival of pancreatic cancer in TCGA cohort were extracted. After constructing the protein-protein interaction network using STRING and limiting the genes within the above DEGs, we utilized RAID 2.0, TRRUST v2 database and degree and betweenness analysis to obtain non-coding RNA (ncRNA)-pivotal nodes and TF-pivotal nodes. Finally, multi-regulatory networks have been constructed and pivotal drugs with potential benefit for pancreatic cancer patients were obtained by screening in the DrugBank. Results: In this study, we obtained 246 DEGs that significantly correlate with poor overall survival of pancreatic cancer in the TCGA cohort. With the advent of 38 ncRNA-pivotal nodes and 7 TF-pivotal nodes, the multi-factor regulatory networks were constructed based on the above pivotal nodes. Prognosis-related genes and factors such as HCAR3, PPY, RFWD2, WSPAR and Amcinonide were screened and investigated. Conclusion: The multi-regulatory networks constructed in this study are not only beneficial to improve treatment and evaluate patient prognosis with pancreatic cancer, but also favorable for implementing early diagnosis and personalized treatment. It is suggested that these factors may play an essential role in the progression of pancreatic cancer.
Amorphous silica nanoparticles accelerated atherosclerotic lesion progression in ApoE-/- mice through endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated CD36 up-regulation in macrophage
Authors: Ma Ru , Qi Yi , Zhao Xinying , Li Xueyan , Sun Xuejing , Niu Piye , Li Yanbo , Guo Caixia , Chen Rui , Sun Zhiwei 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The biosafety concern of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) is rapidly expanding alongside with its mass production and extensive applications. The cardiovascular effects of SiNPs exposure have been confirmed. However, the interaction between SiNPs exposure and atherosclerosis, and the underlying mechanisms still remain unknown. Thereby, this study aimed to explore the effects of SiNPs on the progression of atherosclerosis, and to investigate related mechanisms. Results: We firstly investigated the in vivo effects of SiNPs exposure on atherosclerosis via intratracheal instillation of ApoE -/- mice fed a Western diet. Ultrasound microscopy showed a significant increase of pulse wave velocity (PWV) compared to the control group. Histopathological investigation reflected a greater plaque burden in the aortic root of SiNPs-exposed ApoE -/- mice. When compared to the control, serum levels of total triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were elevated after SiNPs exposure. Moreover, intensified macrophage infiltration and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was occurred in plaques after SiNPs exposure, as evidenced by the upregulated CD68 and CHOP expressions. Further in vitro , SiNPs was confirmed to activate ER stress and induce lipid accumulation in mouse macrophage, RAW264.7. Mechanistic analyses showed that 4-PBA (a classic ER stress inhibitor) pretreatment greatly alleviated SiNPs-induced macrophage lipid accumulation, and reversed the elevated CD36 expression by SiNPs. Conclusions: Our results firstly revealed the acceleratory effect of SiNPs on the progression of atherosclerosis in ApoE -/- mice, which was related to lipid accumulation caused by ER stress-mediated upregulation of CD36 expression in macrophage.
An observational study of initial HIV RNA decay following initiation of combination antiretroviral treatment during pregnancy
Authors: Alagaratnam Jasmini , Peters Helen , Francis Kate , Kay Natasha , Gilleece Yvonne , Finnerty Fionnuala P , Grimes Rosanna E , Parry Sarah , Portman Mags , Wait Brenton C , Shah Rimi , Roedling Sherie , Hawkins David A , Chitty Sarah , Sarner Liat , Marcus Rebecca , Hartley Anna , Nori Achyuta V , Rosenvinge Melanie , Taylor Graham P 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background In pregnancy, reduction of HIV plasma viral load (pVL) for the prevention of vertical transmission is time-constrained. The study primary objective is to investigate factors associated with faster initial HIV RNA half-life decay when combination antiretroviral treatment (cART) is initiated in pregnancy.Methods This was a multicentre, retrospective, observational study, conducted in south England, United Kingdom, between August 2001 and February 2018. Data were extracted from case notes of eligible women initiating cART during the index pregnancy. Anonymised data were collated and analysed centrally. Regression analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with faster HIV RNA half-life decay in the first 14 days after commencing cART (first-phase), and with achieving an undetectable maternal pVL by 36 weeks’ gestation. We then assessed whether HIV- and obstetric- related parameters differed by antiretroviral third agent class and whether the proportions of women with undetectable pVL at 36 weeks’ gestation and at delivery differed by antiretroviral third agent class.Results Baseline pVL was the only independent factor associated with faster first-phase HIV RNA half-life decay on commencing cART. Lower pVL on day 14 after starting cART was associated with an increased likelihood of achieving an undetectable pVL by 36 weeks’ gestation. Integrase inhibitor-based cART was associated with a faster first-phase HIV RNA half-life decay on commencing cART. Overall, 73% and 85% of women had an undetectable pVL at 36 weeks’ gestation and at delivery respectively, with no significant difference by antiretroviral third agent class. Conclusions Only high baseline pVL independently contributed to a faster rate of first-phase viral half-life decay. pVL at 14 days after initiating cART allows early identification of treatment failure. In the first 14 days after initiating cART in pregnancy, integrase inhibitor-based cART reduced maternal pVL faster than protease inhibitor- and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase-based cART. While our study findings support INSTI use when initiated in pregnancy especially when initiated at later gestations and in those with higher baseline pVL, other non-INSTI based cART with more data on safety in pregnancy also performed well.Trial registrationNot required.
Draft Genome Assembly of Passalora sequoiae a Needle Blight Pathogen on Leyland Cypress
Authors: Copes Warren , Caballero Jorge Ibarra , Babiker Ebrahiem , Stewart Jane , Orner Valerie , Windham Alan , Arias Renee 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective
Passalora sequoiae (family Mycosphaerellaceae) causes a twig blight on Leyland cypress that requires numerous fungicide applications annually to minimize economic losses for ornamental plant nursery and Christmas tree producers. The objective was to generate a high-quality draft assembly of the whole genome as a resource for primer development and to investigate genotype diversity.
Data description:
We report here the genome sequence of P. sequoiae 9LC2 that was isolated from Leyland cypress 'Leighton Green' in 2017 in southern Mississippi, USA. The draft genome was obtained using Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) SMRT and Illumina HiSeq 2500 sequencing. Illumina reads were mapped to PacBio assembled contigs to determine base call consistency. Based on a total of 44 contigs with 722 kilobase (kb) average length (range 9.4 kb to 3.4 Mb), the whole genome size was estimated at 31,768,716 bp. Mapping of Illumina reads to PacBio contigs resulted in a 1000 x coverage and were used to confirm accuracy of the consensus sequences.
Association Between Sitting Time and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in South Korean Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Joo Jae Hong , Kim Hwi Jun , Park Eun-Cheol , Jang Sung-In 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: To examine the association between sitting time and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among South Koreans aged ≥20 years. Methods: Data from the 2016–2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used for the analysis. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was diagnosed according to a hepatic steatosis index of >36. Sitting time was categorized into as < 5, 5 -7, 8 – 10, and > 10 hours. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between sitting time and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in South Korean population. Results: A total of 13,518 participants were enrolled. The odds for having NAFLD in 5 – 7, 8 – 10, and > 10 sitting hours were 1.04 (CI: 0.85-1.28), 1.23(CI: 1.01-1.51), and 1.33(CI: 1.10-1.62), respectively. The odds ratio increased in magnitude with longer hours of sitting time (test for trend: P-value = 0.0009). Conclusion: Advising physical exercises and discouraging sedentary activities may help to alleviate NAFLD among the South Korean population.
Development of the Houston-Apollo Model for the Older People Living in Remote Areas in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Kai Chieh , Hung Shou-Hung , Hsueh Sung-Ju , Chao Shiau-Fang , Huang Wei-Lieh , Chen Hsin-Shui , Jeng Yachung , Chen Hsiu-Hsi , Liou Horng-Huei 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Senior healthcare is challenging in remote areas, especially in an economically disadvantaged population with a high portion of elderly constituents. Guided by Andersen’s Behavior Model, this study examined whether a combined health care system (Houston-Apollo Model, HAM) will improve physical performance and foster medical care utilization of the local population. Methods: People aged ≥ 65 years who participated in congregate meal services (CMS) were recruited. Using concepts of telemedicine and community health records, participants received consultation from local clinics, which provided advices or arranged referral to National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch (NTUHYL). Physical parameters including blood pressure, body mass index, grip strength, walking speed, and five-time sit and stand test (FTSST) were recorded and timely transferred to NTUHYL, which in turn result in individualization of intervention strategies. Changes in physical parameters and utilization of healthcare facilities were measured in the beginning of recruitment and one year later to evaluate the effectiveness of the plan.Results: 470 people were recruited. In 1-year follow-up, the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) decreased from 137.4 to 133.3 (p = 0.019) and from 76.9 to 74.4 (p = 0.008), respectively. The mean time of FTSST (seconds) decreased from 11.3 to 10.4 (p = 0.011). The mean walking speed (m/s) increased from 0.71 to 0.74 (p = 0.039). The rate ratio (95%CI) of medical and dental outpatient clinic usage were 2 (1.1-3.64) and 1.14 (1.06-1.23), respectively. Conclusions: The HAM health care system could benefit the physical status of older adults, promote proactive and preventive health care utilization, and contribute to medical equality.