bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Derivation and Validation of the ED-SAS Score for Very Early Prediction of Mortality and Morbidity with Acute Pancreatitis: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Miller Joseph , Wu Yiyang , Safa Rawan , Marusca Georgiana , Bhatti Sandeep , Ahluwalia Guneet , Dandashi Jad , Acevedo Harold Gomez , Farook Naureen , Scott Ashley , Nair Vidhya , Adhami Angie , Dueweke Jeffrey , Hebbar Sudarshan , Ekstrom Leeland 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Existing scoring systems to predict mortality in acute pancreatitis may not be directly applicable to the emergency department (ED). The objective of this study was to derive and validate the ED-SAS, a simple scoring score using variables readily available in the ED to predict mortality in patients with acute pancreatitis. Methods: This retrospective observational study was performed based on patient level data collected from electronic health records across 2 independent health systems, one used for the derivation cohort and one for the validation cohort. Adult patients who were eligible presented to the ED, required hospital admission, and had a confirmed diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Patients with chronic or recurrent episodes of pancreatitis were excluded. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Analyses tested and derived candidate variables to establish a prediction score and that was subsequently applied to the validation cohort to assess odds ratio for the primary and secondary outcomes. Results: The derivation cohort included 599 patients, and the validation cohort 2011 patients. Thirty-day mortality was 4.2% and 3.9% respectively. From the derivation cohort, 3 variables were established for use in the predictive scoring score: ≥2 systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria, age >60 years, and SpO2 <96%. Summing the presence or absence of each variable yielded an ED-SAS score ranging from 0 to 3. In the validation cohort, the odds of 30-day mortality increased with each subsequent ED-SAS point: 4.4 (95% CI 1.8 – 10.8) for 1 point, 12.0 (95% CI 4.9 – 29.4) for 2 points, and 41.7 (95% CI 15.8 – 110.1) for 3 points (c-statistic = 0.77).Conclusion: An ED-SAS score that incorporates SpO2, age, and SIRS measurements provides a rapid method for predicting 30-day mortality in acute pancreatitis.
Bioinformatic Analysis Reveals VEGFA&nbsp;Promotes the Occurrence of PLA2R-associated Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy by Angiogenesis via PI3K/AKT&nbsp;Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ke Ben , Shen Wen , Duan Zhibing 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Backround: PLA2R-associated IMN covers 70% of IMN, which is one of the main types of chronic kidney disease in adults and one of the most common causes of end‑stage renal disease. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), a homodimeric vasoactive glycoprotein, is the key mediator of angiogenesis, which lead to numerous kidney diseases, including TSHD7A-associated IMN. However, the role of VEGFA in PLA2R-associated IMN is still poorly understood.Methods: We downloaded the microarray data GSE115857 from GEO. The DEGs were identified with R software, and the functional and pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed utilizing the DAVID and Cytoscape ClueGo plug-in. A comprehensive list of interacting DEGs was constructed using the STRING database and visualized by Cytoscape software. The Cytoscape MCODE and cytoHubba plug-in were used to identify clustered sub-networks, and hub genes from the protein-protein interaction network. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to identify signaling pathway in IMN. Results: There were 1422 genes (952 up-regulated genes and 470 down-regulated genes) were identified as DEGs in GSE115857. The BP of DEGs in GSE115857 was clustered in regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter, positive regulation of nuclear-transcribed mRNA poly(A) tail shortening, cell adhesion et al. The KEGG pathway of DEGs in GSE115857 was clustered in Rheumatoid arthritis, ABC transporters, PI3K/AKT signaling pathway et al. Then we got a huge PPI network from STRING. 6 modules were screen out to study the functional changes in IMN. The KEGG pathway of module 3 was enriched in soluble N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) interactions in vesicular transport. There were 3 hub genes screened out, namely, VEGFA, JUN,and FOS. Following the random walk, all genes were ranked and GSEA analysis showed that the signaling pathway of DEGs in GSE115857 was focused on angiogenesis, in which VEGFA acts as a core gene. CONCLUSION: In summary, this study reveals VEGFA promotes PLA2R-associated IMN by stimulating angiogenesis via PI3K/AKT signaling. Moreover, SNARE interactions in vesicular transport was involved in the development of PLA2R-associated IMN, which may offer a novel therapeutic strategy in treatment of IMN.
Therapeutic Prediction of HIV-1 DNA Decay: A Multicenter Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Yue Yongsong , Li Yijia , Cui Yizhi , Wang Nidan , Huang Yunda , Cao Wei , Han Yang , Zhu Ting , Lyu Wei , Xie Jing , Song Xiaojing , Li Yanling , Wang Tong , Zhu Tuofu , Li Taisheng 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Factors predicting peripheral blood total HIV-1 DNA size in chronically infected patients with successfully suppressed viremia remain unclear. Prognostic power of such factors are of clinical significance for making clinical decisions.Methods: Total HIV-1 DNA in blood at baseline, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 288 weeks after combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) initiation in 607 treatment-naïve patients with chronic HIV-1 infection were quantified. Generalized estimating equations and logistic regression methods were used to derive and validate a predictive model of total HIV-1 DNA after 96 weeks of cART.Results: The total HIV-1 DNA rapidly decreased from baseline [mean = 3.04 log10 copies/106 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)] to week 24 (mean = 2.51 log10 copies/106 PBMCs), and leveled off afterwards. Of the 490 patients who had successful HIV-1 RNA suppression by 96 w post-cART, 92 (18.8%) had a low total HIV-1 DNA count (<100 copies/106 PBMCs) at week 96. In the predictive model, lower baseline total HIV-1 DNA [risk ratio (RR) = 0.08, per 1 log10 copies/106 PBMCs, P < 0.001] and higher baseline CD4+ T cell count (RR = 1.72, per 100 cells/μL, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with a low total HIV-1 DNA count at week 96. In an independent cohort of 117 patients, this model achieved a sensitivity of 75.00% and specificity of 69.52%.Conclusions: The derived model based on baseline total HIV-1 DNA and CD4+ T cell count provides a useful prognostic tool in predicting HIV-1 DNA reservoir control during cART.
Effect and Mechanisms of Reproductive Tract Infection on Oxidative Stress Parameters, Sperm Dna Fragmentation, and Semen Quality in Infertile Males
Authors: Liu KangSheng , Mao Xiao-Dong , Pan Feng , Yang Xinyuan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Recent years have seen a rise incidence of male infertility, and mostly caused by the decline of sperm quality. The ratio of infertile males to infertile females has escalated from 3:7 in 2013 to today’s 5:5, which turning male infertility into the research focus of reproductive medicine. This study aimed to clarify the effect of reproductive tract infection by ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) and chlamydia trachomatis (CT) on the DNA integrity and routine semen parameters of infertile males. A retrospective study was performed. A total of 259 infertile males who were treated at the Andrological Laboratory Examination and Reproductive Medicine Center in our hospital were analyzed. qRT-PCR was used to examine the infection status of CT and UU. According to the eligibility criteria, we evaluated the semen parameters and biochemical data of 253 men. Based on the results of PCR, the subjects were divided into four groups: group I (CT positive, 63 cases), group II (UU positive, 60 cases), group III (CT positive and UU positive, 62 cases), and group IV (no infection, 68 cases). DNA fragmentation index (DFI), sperm count, vitality and morphology, elastinase level, seminal plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed. Compared to group IV, three groups (group I, group II and group III) showed difference in semen volume, proportion of sperm with normal morphology, sperm motility, progressive motility, and vitality (P<0.05). Compared to group IV, group II and group III showed difference in DFI (P<0.05). Compared to group IV, group II and group III showed difference in elastase level (P<0.05). VCL, VSL, VAP, WOB,ROS,TM, HDS showed differences between groups of abnormal/normal WBC (*P<0.01) UU infection significantly increased the level of seminal leukocytes only in group II, but not in the other three groups, indicating that UU is an factor to increase the level of seminal leukocytes. Compared with the normal leukocyte group, there were significant differences in total motility, forward motility and normal sperm ratio between the two groups. The proportion of sperm with abnormal morphology (mostly in the head) showed obvious difference between groups of high and normal seminal leukocytic level. At the same time, in this study, SCGE and SCD verified that leukocytes could damage sperm DNA by increasing ROS, which ultimately affects male fertility.
Induced Hyperglycemia in Mice is Controlled Following the Microfluidic System- Assisted Transplantation of Stem Cells-derived Insulin-producing Cells Transduced with miRNA
Authors: Soltani Adele , Soleimani Masoud , Ghiass Mohammad Adel , Enderami Seyed Ehsan , Rabbani Shahram , Jafarian Arefeh , Allameh Abdolamir 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCell-based therapy is a promising approach for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Identification of stem cells as progenitor stem cells with differentiation potential to Insulin-producing cells (IPCs) and their application is an emerging issue. Different strategies have been used to support the cell survival and their specific functions to control hyperglycemia condition. Novel technology systems using appropriate materials/fibres can improve the cell transplantation.MethodsIn the present study, glucose-sensitive insulin-producing cells (IPCs) were differentiated from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) transduced with miR-375 and anti-miR-7 to enhance the functions of the cells. The survival rate of the cells was also improved by using a microfluidic system prior to in vivo transplantation of the IPCs. The contribution of miR-375 with the anti-miR-7 in mature IPCs derived from ADSCs resulted in gaining the function of the cells as judged by insulin productionResultsAfter adopting a stable functional condition of the IPCs, the cells were used for in vivo grafting to diabetic mice which resulted in a substantial drop (5-folds) in blood glucose during four weeks of grafting. The pattern of blood glucose levels in the mice receiving fiber entrapped IPCs was similar to that of non-diabetic mice and blood glucose declined in animals treated with fiber-entrapped-IPCs. Blood insulin was elevated (2-folds) in diabetic mice received transplant of fiber-entrapped-IPCs carrying miR-375 and anti-miR-7 after five weeks of transplantation when compared to the untreated diabetic mice. For the first time, this study showed that the two-component microfluidic system is useful for supporting the Collagen-Alginate fiber-entrapped IPCs and the miRNAs-based cell therapy.ConclusionsOverall data show that the IPCs encapsulation by the microfluidic system can support the cells in terms of morphology and biological function and their efficiency for controlling the hyperglycemia condition in diabetic mice.
The Impact of Common Chronic Conditions on Health-Related Quality of Life: A General Population Survey in Iran Using EQ-5D-5L
Authors: Sari Ali Akbari , Karimi Fereshte , Emrani Zahra , Zeraati Hojjat , Olyaeemanesh Alireza , Daroudi Rajabali 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background:Diseases have undeniable effects on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Chronic diseases, in particular, limit the productive potentials and HRQoL of individuals. EQ-5D is a very popular generic instrument, which can be used to estimate HRQoL scores in any diseases. The current study investigates mean HRQoL scores in certain chronic diseases and examines the relationship between utility scores and chronic diseases in Iran. Method:This cross-sectional study was carried out among the general adult population of Tehran. 3060 individuals were chosen by a stratified probability sampling method. The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire was applied. The utility scores were estimated using the Iranian crosswalk-based value set. The effect of chronic diseases on the HRQoL scores was derived by the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method. Data was analyzed using Stata version 13 software.Results:The mean ± standard deviation utility and EQ-VAS scores were 0.86 ±0.14 and 77.50 ±16.14 in the participants without any chronic conditions. The scores were 0.69 ±0.17 and 61.61 ±20.39 in the participants with chronic conditions. The highest and lowest mean utility scores were related to thyroid disease (0.70) and Stroke (0.54), respectively. Common chronic conditions had significant negative effects on the HRQoL scores. Stroke (0.204) and cancer (0.177) caused the most reduction in the EQ-5D-5L utility scores. Lumbar disc hernia, digestive diseases, osteoarthritis, breathing problems, and anxiety/nerves cause 0.133, 0.109, 0.108, 0.087, and 0.078 reductions, respectively, in the EQ-5D-5L utility scores.Conclusion:This study provides insight into some common chronic conditions and their effects on the HRQoL. Policymakers and planners should pay attention to the effects of chronic conditions especially high prevalence one. They should adopt effective interventions to control this issue and increase health. The results of this study can also be beneficial in economic evaluation studies.
Quantitative Imagery Analysis of Spot Patterns for Haplogroup Classification of Triatoma Dimidiata (Latreille, 1811) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) an Important Vector of Chagas Disease
Authors: Flores Daryl David Cruz , Ávila Dennis Denis , Arellano Elizabeth , Ibarra-Cerdeña Carlos N. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Spots and coloring patterns evaluated quantitatively can be used to discrimination and identify possible cryptic species. Triatoma dimidiata (Reduviidae: Triatominae) is one of the main complexes of Chagas disease vector species. Phylogenetic studies have defined three haplogroups for Mexico and part of Central America. In this work, we evaluate the possibility of correctly discriminating among these T. dimidiata haplogroups using the pattern of dorsal spots.Methods: Digital images of the dorsal region of individuals from the three haplogroups were used. We used image processing to extract primary and secondary variables characterizing the dorsal spot pattern. The statistical analysis of the variables included descriptive statistics, non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis tests, Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA), and a neural classification network.Results: A distinctive spot pattern was found for each haplogroup. The most differentiated pattern was presented by haplogroup 2, mainly apparent in the notably larger central spots. Haplogroups 1 and 3 were more similar to each other, but there were consistent differences in the shape and orientation of the spots. Significant differences were found among haplogroups in almost all the variables analyzed, these differences being greater in relative spot area, mean relative area of central spots, central spots Feret diameters, lateral spots Feret diameters and aspect ratio. Both the DFA and the neural network had correct discrimination values above 90%. Conclusions: We conclude that the spot pattern can be reliably used to discriminate among haplogroups, and possibly among triatomine species.
Chemical Composition of Vegetables and Diet-dependent Intensity of Caries in Residents of Chervonograd (Ukraine) and Kraśnik (Poland)
Authors: Jarosz Zbigniew , Pitura Karolina Maria , Wolańska-Klimkiewicz Ewa , Hendzel Barbara , Samborski Dariusz , Shybinsky Volodymyr , Bachanek Teresa , Tymczyna-Borowicz Barbara 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundNutrition is one of the major determinants of human health. Consuming plant foods provides not only nutrients but also bioactive substances that reduce disease. The health of the oral cavity is determined by the quality of food, including vegetable food.ObjectiveTo study the effects of macro and microelements in vegetables on the status of mineralised dental tissues in relation to the hygiene and nutritional habits in 15-year-old adolescents living in Lublin Province and Lviv Oblast.MethodsThe chemical composition of plants was assessed (macro and microelements) of carrots and potatoes, vegetables consumed by 15-year-old inhabitants of Poland and Ukraine. The status of mineralised dental tissues was assessed based on caries severity expressed by the mean D3MFT number and the SIC index value. Another part of the study was a socio-medical survey focused on assessment of patients' eating habits.The respondents answered questions about the frequency of consumption of fruit and vegetables and fruit juices.ResultsThe chemical composition of plants depended on the species and place of cultivation. The present study showed higher caries frequency in the group of the 15-year-olds living in Kraśnik, i.e. 88% vs. 75% in the group from Chervonograd. The intensity of caries measured by the mean D3MFT value in the 15-year-old teenagers from Chervonograd who declared everyday consumption of fresh vegetables and fruit was 3.77, and from Krasnik 5.17.ConclusionThe present results show that carrots are a good source of microelements for humans, whereas potatoes provide potassium and calcium. The impact of the frequency of consuming plant products on the health of the oral cavity, which depended on the place of youth research.
Lung Mechanics in Type L CoVID-19 Pneumonia: A Pseudo-Normal ARDS.
Authors: Viola Lorenzo , Russo Emanuele , Benni Marco , Gamberini Emiliano , Circelli Alessandro , Bissoni Luca , Santonastaso Domenico Pietro , Scognamiglio Giovanni , Bolondi Giuliano , Mezzatesta Luca , Agnoletti Vanni 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background.
This study was conceived to provide systematic data about lung mechanics during early phases of CoVID-19 pneumonia, as long as to explore its variations during prone positioning.
Methods.
We enrolled four patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit of “M. Bufalini” hospital, Cesena (Italy); after the positioning of an esophageal balloon, we measured mechanical power, respiratory system and transpulmonary parameters and arterial blood gases every 6 hours, just before decubitus change and 1 hour after prono-supination.
Results.
Both respiratory system and transpulmonary compliance and driving pressure confirmed the pseudo-normal respiratory mechanics of early CoVID-19 pneumonia (respectively, CRS 40.8 ml/cmH2O and DPRS 9.7 cmH2O; CL 53.1 ml/cmH2O and DPL 7.9 cmH2O). Interestingly, prone positioning involved a worsening in respiratory mechanical properties (CRS,SUP 56.3 ml/cmH2O and CRS,PR 41.5 ml/cmH2O – P 0.37; CL,SUP 80.8 ml/cmH2O and CL,PR 53.2 ml/cmH2O – P 0.23).
Conclusions.
Despite the severe ARDS pattern, respiratory system and lung mechanical properties during CoVID-19 pneumonia are pseudo-normal and tend to worsen during pronation.
Trial registration.
Restrospectively registered.
The Swedish Gamble and the Battle to Combat the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from the Field
Authors: Hassan Mohammed Salah , Halbusi Hussam Al , Razali Asbah , Williams Kent A. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Governments around the world have issued movement restrictions and quarantine to combat the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the Swedish government has not implemented such measures but rather depended on individual responsibility. An important question regarding the extent to which individuals have been encouraged to trust in and be satisfied with government strategies and adopt personal health measures, such as social isolation, remains unanswered. This study aims to examine the direct effects of trust in the government and risk perception on self-efficacy. Most importantly, this study intends to explore whether satisfaction with government measures augments the relationships between trust in the government and self-efficacy and between risk perception and self-efficacy. Thus, we test our suggested hypotheses using survey data obtained from 403 Swedish citizens living in Sweden, and as predicted, the findings indicate that trust in the government and risk perception positively impact individual self-efficacy. Additionally, the findings reveal that satisfaction with government measures strengthens this relationship; more precisely, the impact of trust in the government and risk perception under a high level of individual satisfaction with government measures is much more positive than that under a low level of satisfaction. In practice, a focus on implementing successful policies or strategies and excellent individual self-efficacy are required to halt the pandemic, and the findings indicate that combining strictly attentive and adaptive individual strategies with government strategies can minimize the spread of infection.
Multi-omics data integration and network-based analysis drives a multiplex drug repurposing approach to a shortlist of candidate drugs against COVID-19
Authors: Tomazou Marios , Bourdakou Marilena , Minadakis George , Zachariou Margarita , Oulas Anastasis , Karatzas Evangelos , Loizidou Elena , Kakouri Andrea , Christodoulou Christiana , Savva Kyriaki , Zanti Maria , Onisiforou Anna , Afxenti Sotiroula , Richter Jan , Christodoulou Christina , Kyprianou Theodoros , Kolios George , Dietis Nikolas , Spyrou George 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is undeniably the most severe global health emergency since the 1918 Influenza outbreak. Depending on its evolutionary trajectory, the virus is expected to establish itself as an endemic infectious respiratory disease exhibiting seasonal flare-ups. Therefore, despite the unprecedented rally to reach a vaccine that can offer widespread immunization, it is equally important to reach effective prevention and treatment regimens for COVID-19. Contributing to this effort, we have curated and analyzed multi-source and multi-omics publicly available data from patients, cell lines and databases in order to fuel a multiplex computational drug repurposing approach. We devised a Network-based integration of multi-omic data to prioritize the most important genes related to COVID-19 and subsequently rerank the identified candidate drugs. We concluded to a highly informed integrated drug shortlist by combining structural diversity filtering along with experts’ curation and drug-target mapping on the depicted molecular pathways. In addition to the recently proposed drugs that are already generating promising results such as dexamethasone and remdesivir, our list includes inhibitors of Src Tyrosine Kinase (bosutinib, dasatinib, cytarabine and saracatinib) which appear to be involved in multiple COVID-19 pathophysiological mechanisms. In addition, we highlight specific immunomodulators and anti-inflamatory drugs like dactolisib and methotrexate and inhibitors of histone deacetylase like hydroquinone and vorinostat with potential beneficial effects in their mechanisms of action.