bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Roles of Lumbar load thresholds in lifetime cumulative lifting exposure to predict disk protrusion in an Asian Population
Authors: Hung Isabella Yu-Ju , Shih Tiffany Ting-Fang , Chen Bang-Bin , Ho Ing-Kang , Liou Saou-Hsing , Guo Yue Leon 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a specific threshold per lifting movement, the accumulation above which best predicts lumbar disk protrusion, exists or the total lifting load should be considered.
Methods: This was a retrospective study. Subjects with various lifting exposures were recruited. Disk protrusion was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. The cumulative lifting load was defined as the sum of the time-weighed lumbar load for each job and was calculated using a biomechanical software system. The effectiveness of accumulation above different thresholds in predicting disk protrusion were compared using four statistical methods.
Results: A total of 252 men and 301 women were included in the final analysis. For the men, 3000 Newtons for each lifting task was the optimal threshold for predicting L4-S1 disk protrusion, whereas for the women, 2800 Newtons was optimal.
Conclusions Our findings suggested that for cumulative lifting exposure, including the total lifting load without defining a minimal exposure limit might not be the optimal method for predicting disk protrusion. The NIOSH 3400 Newton recommended limits do not appear to be the optimal thresholds for preventing disk protrusion. Different lifting thresholds might be needed for men and women in the workplace for their safety.

Keywords: Cumulative, Lifting load, Cross-sectional study, Threshold,
Disk protrusion
Skin transcriptome reveals the periodic changes in genes underlying cashmere (ground hair) follicle transition in Cashmere goats
Authors: Yang Feng , Liu Zhihong , Zhao Meng , Mu Qing , Che Tianyu , Xie Yuchun , Ma Lina , Mi Lu , Zhao hong Yan , Li Jinquan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Cashmere goats make an outstanding contribution to the livestock textile industry and their cashmere is famous for its slenderness and softness and has been extensively studied. However, there are few reports on the molecular regulatory mechanisms of the secondary hair follicle growth cycle in cashmere goats. In order to explore the regular transition through the follicle cycle and the role of key genes in this cycle, we used a transcriptome sequencing technique to sequence the skin of Inner Mongolian cashmere goats during different months. We analyzed the variation and difference in genes throughout the whole hair follicle cycle. We then verified the regulatory mechanism of the cashmere goat secondary hair follicle growth cycle using fluorescence quantitative PCR. Results: The growth cycle of cashmere hair could be divided into three distinct periods: a growth period (March–September), a regression period (September–December), and a resting period (December–March). The results of differential gene analyses showed that March was the most significant month. Cluster analysis of gene expression throughout the whole growth cycle further supported the key nodes of the three periods of cashmere growth, and the differential gene expression of keratin corresponding to the ground haircashmere growth cycle further supported the results from tissue slices. Quantitative fluorescence analysis showed that KAP3-1, KRTAP 8-1, and KRTAP 24-1 genes had close positive correlation with the cashmere growth cycle, and their regulation was consistent with the growth cycle of cashmere. Conclusion: The growth cycle of cashmere cashmere could be divided into three distinct periods: a growth period (March–September), a regression period (September–December) and a resting period (December–March). March was considered to be the beginning of the cycle. KAP and KRTAP showed close positive correlation with the growth cycle of secondary hair follicle cashmere growth, and their regulation was consistent with the cashmere growth cycle. But hair follicle development-related genes are expressed earlier than cashmere growth, indicating that cycle regulation could alter the temporal growth of cashmere. This study laid a theoretical foundation for the study of the cashmere development cycle and provided evidence for key genes during transition through the cashmere cycle. Our study provides a theoretical basis for cashmere goat breeding.
Functional Outcomes and Complications of Intramedullary Fixation Devices for Midshaft Clavicle Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Authors: Hoogervorst Paul , Dam Tess van , Verdonschot Nico , Hannink Gerjon 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackground:An alternative to the current gold standard in operative treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures using plate osteosynthesis, is internal fixation by means of an intramedullary fixation device. These devices differ considerably in their specifications and characteristics and an adequate evaluation of their clinical results is warranted.Methods:A systematic review was conducted to identify all papers reporting functional outcomes, union rates and/or complications using an intramedullary fixation device for the management of midshaft clavicle fractures. Multiple databases and trial registries were searched from inception until February 2020. Meta-analysis was conducted based on functional outcomes and type of complication per type of intramedullary fixation device. Pooled estimates of functional outcomes scores and incidence of complications were calculated using a random effects model. Risk of bias and quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias and ROBINS-I tools. The confidence in estimates were rated and described according to the recommendations of the GRADE working group.Results:Sixty-seven studies were included in this systematic review. The majority of studies report on the use of Titanium Elastic Nails (TEN). At 12 months follow up the Titanium Elastic Nail and Sonoma CRx report an average Constant-Murley score of 94.4 (95%CI 93-95) and 94.0 (95%CI 92-95) respectively. The most common reported complications after intramedullary fixation are implant-related and implant-specific. For the TEN, hardware irritation and protrusion, telescoping or migration, with a reported pooled incidence 20% (95%CI 14-26) and 12% (95%CI 8-18), are major contributors to the total complication rate. For the Rockwood/Hagie Pin, hardware irritation is identified as the most common complication with 22% (95%CI 13-35). The most common complication for the Sonoma CRx was cosmetic dissatisfaction in 6% (95%CI 2-17) of cases.Conclusion:Although most studies were of low quality, in general, good functional results and union rates irrespective of the type of device are found in the reviewed literature. However, there are clear device-related and device-specific complications for each. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis can help guide surgeons in choosing the appropriate operative strategy, implant and informing their patient.Level of EvidenceIV
Elevated glycosylated hemoglobin levels and their interactive effects on hypertension risk in nondiabetic Chinese population: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: song jian , wei nana , zhao yingying , jiang yuhong , wu xuesen , gao huaiquan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Abnormal glucose metabolism has been suggested to be involved in the development of hypertension. This study investigated the effect of the association and potential interaction of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and other factors on the risk of hypertension among Chinese nondiabetic adults. Methods : As a cross-sectional survey, the current work deployed a questionnaire survey, anthropometric tests, and biochemical measures for each of the eligible participants. The HbA1c levels were quantified and grouped by quartiles. Correlations between HbA1c and hypertension, isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), and isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH) risk in nondiabetics were investigated by univariate and multivariate logistic analyses. For evaluating the interactive effects, the parameters of relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable proportion due to interaction (AP), and synergy index (SI) were calculated, respectively. Results : In the current study, 1,462 nondiabetic subjects were enrolled. In total, the prevalence rates of hypertension, ISH and IDH were 22.4%, 9.6% and 4.5%, respectively. When HbA1c levels were grouped by quartile, it was revealed that the prevalence rates of hypertension and ISH were substantially elevated across groups (Pfor trend<0.001). In the multivariable logistic regression analyses, in comparison with the first quartile of HbA1c, the normalized OR for hypertension risk was 1.90 (95% CI: 1.28-2.80) for the highest quartile. Also, the risk of ISH was significantly increased with HbA1c level in the highest quartile relative to in the bottom quartile (OR: 2.23,95% CI:1.47-3.71). However, no significant relationship between the HbA1c level and IDH risk was observed (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 0.82-3.84). Eventually, it was demonstrated from the interactive effect analysis that HbA1c significantly interacted with abdominal obesity(RERI: 1.48, 95% CI: 0.38-2.58; AP: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.14-0.60 and SI: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.06-3.62) and family history of hypertension(AP: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.05-0.70) in influencing the risk of hypertension in nondiabetic participants.Conclusion: Higher HbA1c levels were associated with an increased risk of hypertension and ISH, but not IDH among Chinese nondiabetic adults. Moreover, the risk of hypertension was also aggravated by the upregulated HbA1c in a synergistic manner alongside abdominal obesity and family history of hypertension.
The CD4 cell count at which to initiate HIV-associated cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening and pre-emptive antifungal treatment among CrAg positive persons may need to be raised to 200 cells/μL. Evidence based on a meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yao , Huang Xiaojie , Chen Hui , Qin Yuanyuan , Hou Jianhua , Li Aixin , Wu Hao , Yan Xiaofeng , Chen Yaokai 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Current WHO guidelines (2018) recommend screening for cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) in HIV-infected persons with CD4<100 cells/μL, followed by pre-emptive antifungal therapy among CrAg positive (CrAg+) persons, to prevent Cryptococcal meningitis related deaths. The strategy may also be considered for those persons with a CD4 count of<200 cells/uL according the WHO guidelines. However, there remains little evidence for doing so in those HIV-infected persons with this CD4 cell count. Objective: We aimed to assess the necessity of CrAg screening and the efficacy of pre-emptive antifungal therapy in CrAg+ persons with CD4<200 cells/µL. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis using data obtained from randomized controlled studies (RCTs) and cohort studies found in Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and EMBASE/MEDLINE. Results: The pooled prevalence of CrAg positivity in HIV-infected persons with CD4<200 cells/µL was 5% (95%CI: 3-6). The incidence of CM in CrAg+ persons was 7- fold (7%, 95%CI: 4-10) that of CrAg negative (CrAg-) persons (1%, 95%CI: 0-1). Among CrAg+ persons who did not receive any treatment or only received placebo, the incidence of CM was 9% (95%CI: 5-13), whereas the incidence of CM among those who received antifungal therapy was 2% (95%CI: 0-3), a highly statistically significant reduction of 78% (RR: 6.03, 95%CI: 2.74-13.24, p<0.00001). Conclusions: In our meta-analysis, the incidence of CM in CrAg+ persons were significantly higher than in CrAg- persons with CD4<200 cells/µL. Furthermore, the incidence of CM was significantly reduced by pre-emptive antifungal therapy in CrAg+ persons with CD4<200 cells/µL.
Phenolics and related in vitro functional activities of different varieties of fresh waxy corn: a whole grain
Authors: Chen Lirong , Guo Yuqiu , Li Xiaoyue , Gong Kuijie , Liu Kaichang 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The polyphenol distribution in fresh waxy corns of different color varieties and their functional activities, which may be useful for treating various chronic diseases, were investigated. The in vitro antioxidant activity, and hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effects of the free and bound corn phenolics were determined to evaluate the edible value of fresh waxy corn. The colored varieties contained more phenols than the common varieties (white and/or yellow). The total free phenolic acid content of the six varieties was 6637.73 μg/g DW (dry weight), which was slightly higher (P >0.05) than that of the total bound form (6276.65 μg/g DW). The total free flavonoid content was 5850.09 μg/g DW, which was higher (P < 0.05) than that of the total bound form (4874.51μg/g DW). No bound anthocyanin was detected in the methanol extracts of the tested varieties. For all the varieties, free polyphenols contributed 86-100% and 70-78% of the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radical scavenging abilities, respectively, and 100% of the ferric reducing capacity. The free phenolics in fresh waxy corn showed significantly better (P < 0.05) hypoglycemic effect than the bound form in terms of inhibition of α-amylase activity, whereas the bound phenolics of most varieties showed higher α-glucosidase inhibitory activity than the free forms. The free phenolics showed significantly better (P < 0.05) glycocholesterol binding than the bound form for all varieties. The bound polyphenols showed better sodium cholate and taurocholate binding than the free form for most varieties. In conclusion, the difference between free and bound polyphenol content and functional activities indicates that fresh waxy corn can be potentially used for the development of functional food.Keywords: fresh waxy corn; polyphenol; antioxidant activity; hypoglycemic; hypocholesterol
Luteal blood flow as a predictive factor for methotrexate treatment outcomes in women with unruptured tubal pregnancy
Authors: Wang Li , Pei Meili , Yang Ting , Zhao Juan , Yang Xiaofeng 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Blood flow in the corpus luteum is associated with luteal function. However, the impact of luteal blood flow on methotrexate (MTX) treatment in women with unruptured tubal pregnancy has not been reported. The aim of the present study was to observe the impact of luteal blood flow on the therapeutic effect of MTX in women with unruptured tubal pregnancy. Methods: A prospective observational study recruited 129 women with unruptured tubal pregnancy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University from September 2016 to June 2018. One hundred and fifteen women were treated successfully with MTX, and women were divided into 2 groups according to luteal blood flow: the poor luteal blood flow group and the abundant luteal blood flow group. The therapeutic effects were compared between the two groups. Results: Women in the abundant luteal blood flow group had a significantly higher serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) level 4 days, 1 week and 2 weeks after MTX treatment compared with women in the poor luteal blood flow group ( P <0.05). The average diameter of the ectopic mass 1 week, 2 weeks and 3 weeks after MTX treatment in women with abundant luteal blood flow was significantly larger ( P <0.05), and the time of serum β-hCG clearance and ectopic mass disappearance were significantly longer compared with those in women in the poor luteal blood flow group ( P <0.05). Conclusions: Luteal blood flow might be a predictive factor for MTX treatment outcomes in women with unruptured tubal pregnancy, and those with abundant luteal blood flow need a longer recovery time.
Impact of Spring Freshet Flooding and Summer Rainfall Flooding on the Water Quality of an Alpine Barrier Lake
Authors: LI Chun-hua , Ye Chun , LI Ji-xuan , WEI Wei-wei , ZHENG Ye , KONG Ming , WANG Hao 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Barrier lakes, formed by river interception, are particularly influenced by the upstream river. As such, spring freshet flooding and summer rainfall flooding due to wet precipitation (e.g. snow and rainfall) may sharply increase the concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorous and carbon compounds in barrier lakes. Too much nutrients will lead to lake eutrophication. In this study, we used Lake Jingpo, the world’s second largest alpine barrier lake, to examine the impact of spring freshet flooding and summer rainfall flooding on its water quality by building a hydrodynamic water-quality model with MIKE 21. Results:The MIKE 21 HD hydrodynamic model and MIKE 21 AD convection and diffusion module were calibrated using meteorological data, hydrological data, and water quality data collected in 2018. All errors were in the acceptable range. According to model simulation results, the flow velocity in Lake Jingpo is generally weak (mostly lower than 0.015 m/s), but it increases to 0.045 m/s and above during spring freshet flooding (April–May) and summer rainfall flooding (August–September), which is much higher than in other months. The flow volume of its largest inflowing river reaches 4.81×108 m3, 29.77×108 m3, and 58.4×108 m3 during spring freshet flooding, summer rainfall flooding, and 30-year frequency rainfall flooding period, respectively. The longest diffusion distances from the lake mouth to the downstream way are 16.3 km, 33.1 km, and 43.6 km during the spring freshet flooding, summer rainfall flooding, and 30-year frequency rainfall flooding period, respectively. A larger amount of precipitation leads to longer diffusion distances and increased concentrations of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorous (TP), chemical oxygen demand (CODMn), and ammonia-nitrogen (NH4-N) in the lake. Conclusions: The sudden increase in water volume during spring flooding and summer rainfall flooding led to the rapid spread of nutrients and pollutants carried by the water into the barrier lake, resulting in a deterioration of lake water quality. In addition to pollution source control measures, ecological restoration and the construction of a buffer system in the catchment are very important measures to effectively improve the buffer capacity of barrier lakes in light of spring freshet flooding and summer rainfall flooding.
Trehalose itself plays a critical role on lipid metabolism: Trehalose increases jejunum cytoplasmic lipid droplets which negatively correlated with mesenteric adipocyte size in both HFD-fed trehalase KO and WT mice
Authors: Arai Chikako , Suyama Aki , Arai Shigeyuki , Arai Norie , Yoshizane Chiyo , Koya-Miyata Satomi , Mizote Akiko , Endo Shin , Ariyasu Toshio , Mitsuzumi Hitoshi , Ushio Shimpei 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Trehalose is a functional disaccharide that has anti-metabolic activities such as suppression of adipocyte hypertrophy in mice and alleviation of impaired glucose tolerance in humans. Trehalase hydrolyzes trehalose in the small intestine into two glucose molecules. In this study, we investigated whether trehalose can suppress adipocyte hypertrophy in mice in the presence or absence of trehalase. Methods: Trehalase knockout (KO) mice and wild-type (WT) mice were fed a high fat diet (HFD) and administered water with 0.3% (w/v) or without trehalose for 8 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, mesenteric adipose tissues and the small intestine were collected and the adipocyte size and proportion of cytoplasmic lipid droplets (CLDs, %) in jejunum epithelium were measured by image analysis. Results: Trehalose treatment was associated with suppressed adipocyte hypertrophy in both trehalase KO and WT mice. The rate of CLDs in the jejunal epithelium was increased in both trehalase KO and WT mice given water containing trehalose relative to untreated control mice. There was a negative correlation between jejunal epithelial lipid droplet volume and mesenteric adipocyte size. Chylomicron-TG tended to be decreased in both trehalose-treated trehalase KO and WT mice. Addition of trehalose to differentiated Caco-2 cellsin vitro increased intracytoplasmic lipid droplets and decreased secretion of the chylomicron marker ApoB-48. Moreover, the jejunal epithelium containing lipid droplets falled into the intestinal lumen, and triglyceride (TG) levels in feces tended to be higher in the KO/HFD/Tre group than in the KO/HFD/Water group. Since then, the accumulation of CLDs has been reported to suppress CM secretion, and along with our results, the effect of trehalose to increase jejunum CLDs may induce adipocyte hypertrophy. Conclusions: The suppression of adipocyte hypertrophy in the presence and absence of trehalase indicates that trehalose mediates effects prior to being hydrolyzed into glucose. In both trehalase KO and WT mice, trehalose treatment increased the rate of CLDs in jejunal epithelium, reduced chylomicron migration from the intestinal epithelium to the periphery, and suppressed adipocyte hypertrophy. Thus, trehalose ingestion could prevent metabolic syndrome by trapping fat droplets in the intestinal epithelium and suppressing rapid increases in chylomicrons.
Heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) modulates adiponectin signaling by stabilizing adiponectin receptor
Authors: Zhang Deling , Liu Hua , Zhang Yemin , Li Junfeng , Fu Yalin , Zheng Yuyang , Wu Jie , Ma Mingke , Wen Zhongyuan , Wang Changhua 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Adiponectin, an adipokine produced and secreted by adipocytes, is involved in regulating the development and progression of insulin resistance, diabetes, and diabetic complications. Heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) is a molecular chaperone, most commonly presenting in mitochondria and participating in the maintenance of protein homeostasis. Accumulating studies have demonstrated that the elevated circulating HSP60 and the decreased intracellular HSP60 are closely associated with diabetic complications such as diabetic cardiomyopathy. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. In the present study, we reported that HSP60 interacted directly with adiponectin receptors. Its abundance was positively associated with adiponectin action. Furthermore, HSP60 depletion markedly mitigated the protective impacts of adiponectin on high glucose-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in rat cardiac H9c2 cells. In addition, HSP60 knockdown significantly enhanced proteasome activity leading to the degradation of adiponectin receptor 1. Taken together, we showed for the first time that HSP60 interacted with adiponectin receptors and mediated adiponectin signaling through stabilizing adiponectin receptor. This in vitro study also provides an alternative explanation for mechanism by which adiponectin exerts its action.