bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proper positioning of mice for Cobb angle radiographic measurements
Authors: Chen Zhe Yi , Luk Keith Dip Kei , Song You Qiang , Gao Bo , Cheung Jason Pui Yin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThere is no recommended standard for positioning of a mouse for radiographic assessment of the spine. This is necessary to have reproducible radiographic data and avoid false positive results. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of various postures on Cobb angle measurements and to set up a positioning standard for imaging mouse spines. MethodsThis study was conducted in three parts. Firstly, we identified the problem of lack of posture standardization for radiographs. We collected 77 C57BL/6J mice for spine radiographs and found a scoliosis prevalence of 28.6% with large variations in curve magnitude. Secondly, 24 C57BL/6J mice underwent 4 consecutive weekly radiographs and observed high variations (relative standard deviation: 125.3%) between radiographs. Thirdly, we collected another 82 C57BL/6J mice and designed 14 different postures that could take place during imaging. These postures were related to curling of the limbs, and head, pelvic and tail tilting. ResultsThe results showed that head and pelvic tilting significantly affects the curve magnitude with effect size (Glass’s delta) over 1.50. Avoiding these incorrect positions during radiographs is warranted. The standard recommended posture for mouse imaging entails positioning the snout, interorbital space, neck and whole spine in one line, and with the limbs placed symmetrical to the trunk, whilst avoiding stretching the body of the mouse. ConclusionsOur work exemplified the importance of standard protocol during imaging when using animal model in the scoliosis study. We recommend utilizing this standard in studying various disorders of the spine.
Joint Modeling in Detecting Predictors of Cd4 Cell Count and Status of Tuberculosis Among HIV&nbsp;Infected Patients Under HAART&nbsp;at Felege Hiwot Teaching and Specialized Hospital, North-west Ethiopia
Authors: Agegn Setegn Byabil , Tegegn Awoke seyoum 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Globally, the number of TB patients who had been diagnosed with HIV status reached 2.1 million, which is equivalent to 34 % of notified cases of TB. This research was conducted with the objective to identify potential predictors for the status of TB and CD4 cell count for adult HIV patients at Felege Hiwot Teaching and Specialized Hospital North-west Ethiopia.Methods: A retrospective repeated measures were taken from a sample of 226 HIV patients. Separate and joint models were conducted for data analysis of CD4 cell count and TB status of HIV infected patients. Results: The descriptive statistics indicates that among the HIV patients under HAART, 26.6% had additional TB cases. Hence, the expected number of CD4 cell count of HIV patients who were co-infected with TB was decreased by 2.34 as compared to HIV patients who were free from TB. In joint analysis, age, opportunistic infectious disease, adherence to medication, body mass index and social supports were significantly associated with CD4 cell count and TB status. In addition, one-way interaction terms (time * educational level) was also associated with both outcomes. As patients’ age increased by one year, the expected number of CD4 cell count was decreased by 0.025 cells per/mm3 keeping the other variables constant. The expected number of CD4 cell count for patients whose status were ambulatory was decreased by 3.95 as compared to working status. Both separate and joint modeling approach revealed consistent results for significant predictors. However, joint models were more adequate and efficient. Conclusions: Among the predictors of CD4 cell count and TB status, WHO stages, age of patients, functional status of patients, hemoglobin level and residence area were significant predictors for the variable of interests. More attention should be given for HIV/TB co- infected ambulatory and bedridden patients.
Trends in Suicide Mortality in Montenegro From 2000 to 2018
Authors: Stevović Lidija Injac , Repišti Selman , Radojičić Tamara , Injac Olivera 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: This is an ecological study that analyzes suicides committed in Montenegro during the 2000-2018 period, taking into account gender, age and methods of suicide. Methods: Suicide rates and trends up until 2009 were obtained from the official registers of Bureau of Statistics of Montenegro (MONSTAT) while the later data were obtained from the Department of Interior’s. MONSTAT also provided data on unemployment and average salary. As per statistical methods, descriptive and correlations were calculated. Results: The average crude suicide rate was 21.06, for males 29.93 and for females 12.42. Crude suicide rates were not associated with unemployment rate or average salary. However, the unemployment rate was significantly correlated with lethal methods of suicide, namely suicide by firearm and by hanging. Average net salary was negatively correlated with suicide by firearm. Conclusions: The ratio of males and females who committed suicide was 2.41. In the last three years, this ratio continues to rise in favor of males (reaching 4.29 in 2018). This could be explained by specific cultural features where males are expected to be the main financial contributors to the households. The labor market of Montenegro does not offer adequate opportunities to set and maintain a stable economic situation which puts additional pressure and stress on males.
Family Socioeconomic Position and Lung Cancer Risk: A Meta-analysis and a Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Wang Runchen , Li Caichen , Huo Zhenyu , Ge Fan , Zhong Ran , Jiang Yu , Wen Yaokai , Su Zixuan , Liang Hengrui , Cheng Bo , Li Jianfu , Xiong Shan , He Jianxing , Liang Wenhua 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundFamily socioeconomic position (SEP) in childhood is an important factor to predict some chronic diseases. However, the association between family SEP in childhood and the risk of lung cancer is not clear. MethodsA systematic search was performed to explore their relationship. We selected education level, socioeconomic positions of parents and childhood housing conditions to represent an individual family SEP. Hazard ratios (HRs) of lung cancer specific-mortality were synthesized using a random effects model. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was carried out with summary data from published genome-wide association studies of SEP to assess the possible causal relationship of SEP and risk of lung cancer. ResultsThrough meta-analysis of 13 studies, we observed that poorer SEP was associated with increased lung cancer risk (HR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.43). In addition, the dose-response analysis revealed a negative correlation between SEP in childhood and lung cancer in adulthood. Same conclusion was reached in MR [(education level) OR 0.50, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.63; P: <0.001]. ConclusionsThis study indicates that poor family SEP in childhood is a causal risk factor for lung cancer. We believe this population may receive greater benefit from lung cancer screening programs.Systematic review registrationProspero ID: 159082
A Study on the Standard Setting, Validity and Reliability of the Standardized Patient Performance Rating Scale – Student Version
Authors: Gonullu Ipek , Dogan Celal Deha , Erden Sengul 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundA standardized patient is a healthy person, trained to role-play a patient who gives feedback on the performance of the student. During the clinical skills training of students, the performance of a standardized patient is essential for the effectiveness of clinical education. MethodsIn this study, we have developed and determined the psychometric properties and standard-setting of the 9-item "Standardized Patient Performance Rating Scale – Student Version," which is designed for assessing the individual performance of standardized patients. For the scale development process, 702 medical students and seven educators participated in the study. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed. Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficient and split-half reliability coefficient were calculated. For the standard-setting study, the extended Angoff method was used. ResultsAs a result of the exploratory factor analysis, the scale had a single-factor structure as confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficient was calculated as 0.91. The score of a standardized patient at the borderline was 24.11 out of 45.Conclusions"Standardized Patient Performance Rating Scale – Student Version" is a valid and reliable scale for assessing standardized patients' performances, and can be used for the standardized patient selection and evaluation process in the health sciences.
tRNA-Derived Fragments in Seminal Plasma Exosomes Are Non-invasive Biomarkers for Diagnosis of Non-obstructive Azoospermia With Spermatogenic Failure
Authors: Zhu Zuobin , Han Xiaoxiao , Li Ying , Zhu Yao , Li Zhenbei , Zhang Qiang , Wang Liang , Chen Hongjin , Hao Lin , Hu Fangfang , Cao Yijuan , Han Conghui 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThere is lack of accurate and non-invasive preoperative evaluation for improving microdissection testicular sperm success rate. tRNA-derived small RNA (tsRNAs) perform a variety of physiological functions and are related to many physiological and pathological processes. This study sought to identify the potential of exosomal tsRNA as a novel non-invasive diagnostic biomarker for non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) with spermatogenic failure.MethodsSeminal plasma exosome tsRNA levels were used in a two-stage (screened by tsRNA sequencing on Illumina NextSeq instrument and validated by qRT-PCR) case-control designed study. The expression levels of the selected tsRNAs were further examined in the testicular tissues of NOA patients and obstructive azoospermia (OA) patients, and their underlying role in the pathogenesis of non-obstructive azoospermia was performed by bioinformatic analysis.ResultsIn this study, two tsRNAs (tRF-Val-AAC-010: AUC = 0.96, specificity = 80%, sensitivity = 95%; tRF-Pro-AGG-003: AUC = 0.96, specificity = 87%, sensitivity=95%) were found to have a good predictive accuracy which also showed differential expression in testicular tissue between NOA patients and OA patients. We also found that the combinations of tRF-Val-AAC-010 and tRF-pro -AGG-003 have a better discriminating ability between NOA patients and OA patients than single biomarkers. Finally, the bioinformatic analysis showed that the two selected tsRNAs were involved in spermatogenesis.ConclusionThis study first evaluated tsRNAs as potential biomarkers for NOA diagnosis and identified the exosomal tRF-Val-AAC-010 and tRF-pro-AGG-003 in seminal plasma valuable as biomarkers for NOA diagnosis.
Therapeutic Potential of Canine Glial Restricted Progenitors Transplanted in Mouse Model of Demyelinating Disease&nbsp;
Authors: Stanaszek Luiza , Majchrzak Malgorzata , Drela Katarzyna , Rogujski Piotr , Sanford Joanna , Fiedorowicz Michal , Gewartowska Magdalena , Frontczak-Baniewicz Malgorzata , Walczak Piotr , Lukomska Barbara , Janowski Miroslaw 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Dysfunction of glia contributes to the deterioration of the central nervous system in a wide array of neurological disorders, thus global replacement strategies of glia are very attractive. Human glial restricted precursors (hGRPs) transplanted intraventricularly into neonatal mice extensively migrated and rescued lifespan in half of studied mice, while mouse GRPs (mGRPs) presented no therapeutic benefit. We hypothesized that the intrinsic developmental program (IDP) might be one of the main drivers of cell behaviour after grafting, with long migration distance and late myelination for hGRPs, compared to limited migration and early myelination for mGRPs. We studied in the same experimental setting canine GRPs (cGRP) to determine whether their migration, myelination and subsequent therapeutic potential falls between hGRPs and mGRPs. Additional motivation for selection of cGRPs was a potential for use in veterinary medicine due to growing population of dogs as companion animals. Methods: cGRPs were extracted from the brain of dog foetuses. The cells transplanted (4x105 cells) into anterior or posterior aspect of the lateral ventricle (LV) of neonatal, immunodeficient, dysmyelinated mice (shiverer, MBPshi/shi, rag2-/-). Outcome measures included early cell biodistribution, animal survival and myelination assessed with MRI, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Results: Grafting of cGRP into posterior LV significantly extended animal survival, while no benefit was observed after anterior LV transplantation. In contrast, myelination of the corpus callosum was more prominent in anteriorly transplanted animals. Conclusions: The extended survival of animals after transplantation of cGRPs could be explained by the vicinity of transplant near the brain stem.
Sex Differences in Myocardial Injury After Non-Cardiac Surgery and Postoperative Mortality
Authors: Kwon Jihye , Park Jungchan , Lee Seunghwa , Hyun Cheol Won , Kim Jihoon , Yang Kwangmo , Min Jeong Jin , Lee Jong Hwan , Lee Sangmin Maria , Choi Jin-ho , Lee Sang-Chol , Gwon Hyeon-Cheol , Her Sukyoung , Kim Kyunga , Ahn Joonghyun 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMyocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery (MINS) has recently been accepted as a predictor of mortality. However, the impact of sex difference on the incidence and survival following MINS has not been fully understood. This study aimed to compare the incidence of MINS and mortality in male and female patients during the short and long term periods.MethodsFrom January 2010 to June 2019, consecutive patients with cardiac troponin (cTn) within 30 days after non-cardiac surgery were grouped according to sex. The incidence of MINS and the mortality of the patients with MINS were compared.ResultsOf the total of 33,311 patients, 18,546 (55.7%) patients were male and 14,765 (44.3%) were female. In multivariable analysis, females showed significantly lower incidence of MINS (17.9% vs. 14.2%; odds ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71-0.81; p < 0.001). In patients with MINS, propensity score-matched analysis showed that 30-day mortality did not differ according to sex, but the mortality in females was significantly lower during the overall follow-up (33.0% vs. 25.7%; hazard ratio, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.66-0.84; p < 0.001).ConclusionThe incidence of MINS appeared to be lower in female than male. In patients with MINS, female may be associated with survival benefit. A further study is needed to confirm this finding.
Integrated Analysis of Immune-Related Genes in High-Risk Neuroblastoma
Authors: Shao FengLing , Wang Zhenni , Wang Shan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundDue to the extremely high mortality rate of children with high-risk Neuroblastoma (NB), there is an urgent need for new indicators to further classify children in the high-risk group for more precise treatment. The purpose of our research is to explore the immune-related genes in NB in the high-risk group, and to further identify and develop a prognostic nomogram based on immune IRG signatures. MethodsThrough bioinformatics analysis to explore the abnormal expression of immune-related genes in the high-risk group. Cox regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis were conducted to identify the immune and overall survival (OS) related mRNA. The accuracy of the risk score is evaluated by Kaplan-Meier method and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, which is used to build a nomogram in combination with other clinical characteristics.. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to detect the accuracy of our results. ResultsA total of 127 common differentially expressed immune genes were found between the high-risk group and the non-high-risk group of the two data sets. Four immune-related genes (IRG) related to prognosis were identified and a risk score was established. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and time-dependent ROC analysis showed that the 4-IRG risk score has satisfactory predictive potential and achieved consistency in the verification of external data sets. Subsequently, the risk score combined with clinical characteristics draws a nomogram. The reliability of the results was verified on 29 cases of NB tissues by qRT-PCR. ConclusionsOverall, we have developed a powerful multi-gene classifier that can effectively classify NB patients into low- and high-risk groups with poor prognosis, and draw a nomogram for children in the high-risk group. This feature can help select high-risk patients who need more aggressive adjuvant target therapy or immunotherapy.
Rhabdomyolysis is Associated with Hospital Mortality in Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Geng Yan , Du Yong-sheng , Peng Na , Yang Ting , Zhang Shi-yu , Wu Feng-fu , Ma Qiang , Lin Hua-liang , Su Lei 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of rhabdomyolysis (RM) in patients with COVID-19. Method: A single center retrospective cohort study of 1,014 consecutive hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 at the Huoshenshan hospital in Wuhan, China, between February 17 and April 12, 2020. Results: The overall incidence of RM was 2.2%. Comparing with patients without RM, patients with RM tended to have a higher risk of deterioration, representing by higher ratio to be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) (90.9 % vs 5.3%, P<0.001), and to undergo mechanical ventilation (86.4 % vs 2.7% P<0.001). Compared with patients without RM, patients with RM had laboratory test abnormalities, including indicators of inflammation, coagulation activation and kidney injury. Patients with RM had a higher risk of hospital death (P < 0.001). Cox proportional hazard regression model confirmed that RM indicators, including peak creatine kinase (CK) >1000 IU/L (HR=6.46, 95% CI: 3.02-13.86), peak serum myoglobin (MYO) >1000 ng/mL (HR=9.85, 95% CI: 5.04-19.28) were independent risk factors for in-hospital death. Additionally, patients with COVID-19 that developed RM tended to have a delayed virus clearance.Conclusion: RM might be an important factor contributing to adverse outcomes of patients with COVID-19. Early detection and effective intervention of RM may help reduce deaths of patients with COVID-19.
ToAM: A Task-oriented Authentication Model for UAVs Based on Blockchain
Authors: Chen Aiguo , Peng Kun , Sha Zexin , Yang Zhen , Lu Guoming 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The pervasive collaboration of groups of UAVs has become vogue and popularized due to the reduced cost and widely adoption of these gadgets. It is believed that such collaboration will benefits numerous scenarios like the disaster monitoring and combat in battlefield. In these scenarios where UAVs collaborate to carry out tasks, the efficient and reliable authentication between UAVs is imperative. However, there are some major challenges hindering the authentication, including UAVs' resource limitation, joint using of cross-domain drones, and weakly connected task network environment. Therefore, a novel Task-oriented Authentication Model for UAVs Based on Blockchain (ToAM) is proposed. The framework takes advantage of the tamper-resistant properties of the blockchain, and uses smart contract to achieve decentralized identity authentication and reduce the computing cost of UAVs. Analyzing results demonstrates that the authentication model can achieve lightweight, offline secure identity authentication for UAVs.
Modeling of Forced Flow-thermal Gradient CVI: Effects of Control Parameters and Processing Schemes on a Densification
Authors: WANG Pengfei , Luo Shengfeng , ZHANG Hui , ZHANG Song , ZHENG Lili 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
A two-channel temperature-control infiltration reactor aiming at fabricating thicker and more uniform composites was designed. Unsteady numerical simulations containing hydrodynamics, mass transfer, heat transfer and pore structure evolution were carried out. By analyzing the effects of concentration, velocity and temperature on the porosity distribution, different densification schemes were proposed and compared. Results show that a preform of thickness 0.04 m and initial porosity 0.8 can be densified to a uniform and compact one with the maximum porosity of 0.1 within 300 hours through the three-step densification scheme. This scheme not only assures a low and uniform porosity over the whole preform but also avoids the huge pumping pressure which may cause the preform cracking.
A novel indicator, relative children’s lipid accumulation product (RCLAP) for metabolic syndrome
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhang Zizhe , Wang Bangxuan , Yuan Yongting , Sun Lili , Fu lianguo 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe children’s lipid accumulation product (CLAP) was associated with MS in Chinese children and adolescents. The study was to develop a more effective indicator, relative children’s lipid accumulation product （RCLAP）associated with MS reflect the density of lipid accumulation among Chinese children and adolescents. MethodsA stratified cluster sampling method was used to recruit 683 students aged 8-15 years in this study. The presence of MS was defined according to the NCEP-ATP III criteria. The t-test, chi-square test, logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations of SBMI, SWHtR, SlnCLAP, SRCLAP-H, SRCLAP-SH, RCLAP-W with MS. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves was used to evaluate the predictive efficiency of above indexes for predicting MS. ResultsThe overall prevalence of MS was 4.8% (boys 6.6%, girls 2.8%). In girls, after adjusting for sedentary activity time, WHtR, BMI, CLAP, RCLAP-H, RCLAP-SH and RCLAP-W significantly increased risk of MS (OR(95%CI):15.79 (3.15-79.21), 3.73 (0.87-15.95), Null, 96.13 (11.11-831.97), 96.13 (11.11-831.97), 18.28 (4.24-78.87), respectively). In boys, after adjusting for ages and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity time, WHtR, BMI, CLAP, RCLAP-H, RCLAP-SH and SRCLAP-W significantly increased risk of MS (OR(95%CI): 37.43(11.67-120.10), 68.33(18.51-252.20), 105.86(21.99-509.68), 171.75(33.60-878.00), 133.18(27.65-641.39), 50.13(15.48-162.37, respectively). The AUCs of RCLAP-H and RCLAP-SH for predicting MS were 0.950, 0.948 in girls, and 0.952, 0.952 in boys, which were higher than these of BMI, WHtR, CLAP and RCLAP-W.ConclusionThe relative children，s lipid accumulation products（RCLAP-H and RCLAP-SH ) were more effective indicators for predicting MS than BMI, WHtR and CLAP in Chinese children and adolescents.