bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Type of discrepancy between glycosylated hemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose is associated with in-hospital outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome and diabetes: findings from the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China - Acute Coronary Syndrome (CCC-ACS) Project
Authors: Ye Nan , Yang Lijiao , Wang Guoqin , Bian Weijing , Xu Fengbo , Ma Changsheng , Zhao Dong , Liu Jing , Hao Yongchen , Liu Jun , Yang Na , Cheng Hong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background The discrepancy between glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in clinical practice may be related to factors such as acute stress, renal dysfunction, and anemia, and its relationship with in-hospital outcomes is uncertain. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between the type of discrepancy between HbA1c and FPG and in-hospital outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and diabetes. Methods The Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China - Acute Coronary Syndrome (CCC-ACS) project is a national, hospital-based quality improvement project with an ongoing database. Patients with ACS, diabetes and complete HbA1c and FPG values at admission were included. The consistent group included patients with HbA1c < 6.5% and FPG < 7.0 mmol/L or HbA1c ≥ 6.5% and FPG ≥ 7.0 mmol/L. The discrepancy group included patients with HbA1c ≥ 6.5% and FPG < 7.0 mmol/L (increased HbA1c group) or HbA1c < 6.5% and FPG ≥ 7.0 mmol/L (increased FBG group).Results A total of 7,762 patients were included in this study. The numbers of patients in the consistent group and discrepancy group were 5,490 and 2,272 respectively. In the discrepancy group, increased HbA1c accounted for 77.5% of discrepancies, and increased FPG accounted for 22.5% of discrepancies. After adjusting for confounders, patients in the increased FPG group had a 1.6-fold increased risk of heart failure (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.08-2.44), a 1.6-fold increased risk of composite cardiovascular death and heart failure (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.09-2.43), and a 1.6-fold increased risk of composite major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) and heart failure (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.08-2.24).Conclusions Patients with an increased FPG but normal HbA1c had a higher risk of in-hospital adverse outcomes than those with increased HbA1c but normal FPG. This result may indicate that when HbA1c and FPG are inconsistent in patients with ACS and diabetes, the increased FPG that may be caused by stress hyperglycemia may have a more substantial adverse effect than increased HbA1c, which may be caused by chronic hyperglycemia. These high-risk patients should be given more attention and closer monitoring in clinical practice.Trial registry: Clinicaltrial.gov, NCT02306616. Registered 29 November 2014, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02306616?term=NCT02306616&draw=2&rank=1
Patterns of pesticides usage in agriculture in rural Tanzania call for integrating agricultural and public health practices in managing insecticide-resistance in malaria vectors
Authors: Matowo Nancy S. , Tanner Marcel , Munhenga Givemore , Mapua Salum A. , Finda Marceline , Utzinger Jürg , Ngowi Vera , Okumu Fredros O. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Unrestricted use of pesticides in agriculture is likely to increase insecticide resistance in mosquito vectors. Unfortunately, strategies for managing insecticide resistance in agriculture and public health sectors lack integration. This study explored the types and usage of agricultural pesticides, and awareness and management practices among retailers and farmers in Ulanga and Kilombero districts in south-eastern Tanzania, where Anopheles mosquitoes are resistant to pyrethroids. Methods An exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach was employed. First, a survey to characterise pesticide stocks was conducted in agricultural and veterinary (agrovet) retail stores. Interviews to assess general knowledge and practices regarding agricultural pesticides were performed with 17 retailers and 30 farmers, followed by a survey involving 427 farmers. Concurrently, field observations were done to validate the results. Results Lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin (both pyrethroids) and imidacloprids (neonicotinoids) were the most common agricultural insecticides sold to farmers. The herbicide glyphosate (amino-phosphonates) (59.0%), and the fungicides dithiocarbamate and acylalanine (54.5%), and organochlorine (27.3%) were also readily available in the agrovet shops and widely used by farmers. Although both retailers and farmers had at least primary-level education and recognised pesticides by their trade names, they lacked knowledge on pest control or proper usage of these pesticides. Most of the farmers (54.4%, n=316) relied on instructions from pesticides dealers. Overall, 93.7% (400) farmers practised pesticides mixing in their farms, often in close proximity to water sources. One-third of the farmers disposed of their pesticide leftovers (30.0%, n=128) and most farmers discarded empty pesticide containers into rivers or nearby bushes (55.7%, n = 238). Conclusion Similarities of active ingredients used in agriculture and malaria vector control, poor pesticide management practices and low-levels of awareness among farmers and pesticides retailers might enhance the selection of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors. This study emphasises the need for improving awareness among retailers and farmers on proper usage and management of pesticides. The study also highlights the need for an integrated approach, including coordinated education on pesticide use, to improve the overall management of insecticide resistance in both agricultural and public health sectors.
Clinical Characteristics of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica Ophthalmic infections
Authors: LEUNG KAI CHING PETER , KO TAK CHUEN SIMON 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Elizabethkingia is a Gram-negative, obligate aerobic, oxidase positive bacillus that is known to cause a variety of nosocomial infections and has emerged as an important pathogen because of multiple anti-microbial resistance. We present the first case series of Elizabethkingia ophthalmic infections, with specific emphasis on its clinical spectrum, risk factors, treatment and outcome.Method: Microbiological specimens growing Elizabethkingia were reviewed retrospectively at a regional tertiary hospital from 2005-2019. Clinical manifestation, risk factors, treatment including types of antibiotics, treatment duration and clinical outcome were documented. Results: Ten cases of culture positive Elizabethkingia ophthalmic infection were identified, which all cultured E. meningoseptica. Four cases of keratitis, three cases of conjunctivitis, two cases of blepharitis and one case of blepharitis-conjunctivitis were observed. Four cases were found to be associated with contact lens use and were discovered to colonize E. meningoseptica. One case of blepharitis was associated with an ocular prosthesis (scleral shell) in an eviscerated eye. Fluoroquinolone and chloramphenicol were most commonly used topical antibiotics for treatment. The mean treatment duration for all infections were averaged at 6.5 weeks. Conclusion: E. meningoseptica is the predominant species that causes ophthalmological related Elizabethkingia infections and is found most frequently manifested on the ocular surface. Contact lens use and ocular prosthesis appears to be a risk factor for infection due to ocular surface barrier disruption and bacteria colonization. Combination of fluroquinolone and chloramphenicol is a safe and effective treatment against Elizabethkingia ocular infections. Further studies are required to determine the susceptibility of commonly used topical anti-microbial agents to Elizabethkingia species.
Effectiveness of Scoliosis-Specific Exercise for Alleviating Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fan Yunli , Ren Qing , TO Michael KT , Cheung Jason Pui Yin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common pediatric spinal deformity with reported complications including pain, mental health concern and respiratory dysfunction. The Scoliosis-specific exercise (SSE) is prescribed throughout pubertal growth to slow progression although effects are unclear. This review aims to establish the effectiveness of SSE in alleviating AIS in terms of reducing Cobb angle, improving trunk asymmetry and quality of life (QoL). Additionally, it aims to define the effects of age, skeletal maturity, curve magnitude and exercise compliance on the outcomes of SSE. Methods: A systematic reviewed was conducted to net SSE articles. Searched databases included PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, CINAHL and Google scholar. The quality of study was critically appraised according to the PEDro scale. Results: A total of ten trials with an average PEDro score of 6.9/10 were examined in this study. Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two clinical controlled trials suggested that SSE alone and with bracing or traditional exercise had clinical significance in reducing Cobb angle more than 5°. One RCT specifically implicated no comparable effects between bracing and SSE in prevention of curve progression for moderate scoliosis. Insufficient evidence demonstrated the positive effects of SSE in improving truck asymmetry (n=4) and QoL (n=3). Five studies evaluated the interaction effects of age (n=2), skeletal maturity (n=1) and curve magnitude (n=2) with SSE in reducing Cobb angle yet without drawing any firm conclusions. Conclusions: Insufficient evidence is available to prove that SSE with or without other conservative treatments can reduce Cobb angle, improve trunk balance and QoL. The interaction effects of age, skeletal maturity, curve magnitude, and exercise compliance with SSE in reducing Cobb angle are not proven. Future studies should investigate the relationship of influencing factors and SSE in treating AIS but not only testing its effectiveness.
Vital signs assessed in initial clinical encounters predict COVID-19 mortality in an NYC hospital system
Authors: Rechtman Elza , Curtin Paul , Navarro Esmeralda , Nirenberg Sharon , Horton Megan K 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Timely and effective clinical decision-making for COVID-19 requires rapid identification of risk factors for disease outcomes. Our objective was to identify characteristics available immediately upon first clinical evaluation related COVID-19 mortality. We conducted a retrospective study of 8770 laboratory-confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 from a network of 53 facilities in New-York City. We analysed 3 classes of variables; demographic, clinical, and comorbid factors, in a two-tiered analysis that included traditional regression strategies and machine learning. COVID-19 mortality was 12.7%. Logistic regression identified older age (OR, 1.69 [95%CI, 1.66-1.92]), male sex (OR, 1.57 [95%CI, 1.30-1.90]), higher BMI (OR, 1.03 [95%CI, 1.102-1.05]), higher heart rate (OR, 1.01 [95%CI, 1.00-1.01]), higher respiratory rate (OR, 1.05 [95%CI, 1.03-1.07]), lower oxygen saturation (OR, 0.94 [95%CI, 0.93-0.96]), and chronic kidney disease (OR, 1.53 [95%CI, 1.20-1.95]) were associated with COVID-19 mortality. Using gradient-boosting machine learning, these factors predicted COVID-19 related mortality (AUC=0.86) following cross-validation in a training set. Immediate, objective and culturally generalizable measures accessible upon clinical presentation are effective predictors of COVID-19 outcome. These findings may inform rapid response strategies to optimize health care delivery in parts of the world who have not yet confronted this epidemic, as well as in those forecasting a possible second outbreak.
Soft Tissue Facial Changes Among Adult Females Receiving Orthodontic Treatment: A Spatially Dense 3D Geometric Morphometric Study
Authors: Hou Si Yu , Zhou Wenwen , Dai Hongwei , Wong Hai Ming , Wen Yi Feng , Zhou Jianping 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate changes in facial morphology during the first six months of orthodontic treatment among adult females receiving orthodontic treatment.Methods: 18 adult females receiving orthodontic treatment were randomly recruited. 3D facial images were taken at baseline (T0), three months (T1), and six months (T2) after treatment initiation. Spatially dense facial landmarks were digitized to allow for sufficient details in characterization of facial features. 3D geometric morphometrics and multivariate statistics were used to investigate changes in mean and variance of facial shape and facial form associated with treatment.Results: We observed statistically significant changes in facial shape across the three treatment stages (p = 0.003). Pairwise comparisons suggested significant changes from T0 to T1 (p = 0.0059) and from T0 to T2 (p = 0.0098). Heatmap visualization indicated that the buccal and temporal region were invaginated while the labial region became protruded with treatment. The magnitude of shape change was 0.009, 0.004, and 0.010 from T0 to T1, T1 to T2, and T0 to T2, respectively, in unit of Procrustes distance. The average magnitude of change per-landmark was 1.31 mm, 0.22 mm, and 1.33 mm, respectively. Changes in mean facial shape were not statistically significant (p = 0.103). No changes in variance of facial shape were observed across treatment stages (p > 0.05).Conclusion: Rate of facial changes was twice as fast during the first three months as that during fourth to sixth month. Buccal and temporal region became invaginated while labial region became protruded with treatment.
Decrease in cell size and cell wall components under ectopic expression of the CaRLK1 gene
Authors: Lee Dong Ju , Kim Il-Chul , Jeong Seungwoo , Wi Seung Gon , Kim Suk Weon , Ahn Woo Seok 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe Capsicum annuum receptor-like kinase 1 (CaRLK1) gene encodes a transmembrane protein with a cytoplasmic kinase domain and an extracellular domain. It functions as a negative regulator of plant cell death. Ectopic expression of CaRLK1 showed the hypoxia-resistance and enhanced cell division and proliferation. In this study, it was investigated which genes were controlled by ectopic expression of CaRLK1 because it decreased its average cell size of transgenic RLK1ox cells compared with that of wild-type cells (BY-2). ResultsThe average diameter (AD) of the protoplast of RLK1ox cells was about 10 µm shorter than the AD of BY-2 cells. The diameter distribution of the circular protoplasts is mainly from 20 to 40 μm (71.7%) in RLK1ox cells, whereas from 30 to 50 μm (73.0%) in BY-2 cells. Furthermore, cell volume of RLK1ox cells is also 2.5-times smaller than that of BY-2 cells. Smaller cell size of the RLK1ox cells may be related with the inhibited cell expansion because expressions of 12 expansin A genes, 6 expansin-like B genes, 2 ACC synthase genes, and 5 ACC oxidase genes were suppressed, but expressions of 7 gibberellin 2-oxidase genes were induced. The cell walls between two RLK1ox cells are approximately 138.83±4.12 nm thick on average, while those between two BY-2 cells are approximately 156.58±4.54 nm thick. Furthermore, the total content of neutral sugars in the cell wall of RLK1ox cells is less than that of BY-2 cells (about 25%). The RLK1ox cells contained 30% less glucose content than did the BY-2 cells. Thinner cell wall of the RLK1ox cells is related with the decreased cellulose biosynthesis and hemicellulose biosynthesis. Expressions of 7 CESA genes, 5 sucrose synthase 1 genes, 3 mannose-1-phosphate guanyltransferase genes, and 6 glucomannan-4-beta-mannosyltransferase genes were suppressed. The suppressed expressions of 14 polygalacturonase genes may also contribute to make the cell wall of RLK1ox cell thinner than that of BY-2 cell. ConclusionOf special emphasis is its impact of CaRLK1 gene on cell size control and cell wall thickness. Smaller cell size of the RLK1ox cells correlates with the inhibited cell expansion.
Carbon-Involved Near-Surface Evolution of Cobalt Catalyst during Reaction: An in-situ Study
Authors: Yang Feng , Zhao Haofei , Wang Wu , Liu Qidong , Liu Xu , Hu Yuecong , Zhang Xinrui , He Dongsheng , Xu Yingying , He Jiaqing , Wang Rongming , Li Yan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
When carbon-containing species are involved in reactions catalyzed by transition metals at high temperature, the diffusion of carbon on/in catalysts dramatically influence the catalytic performance. Acquiring information on the carbon-diffusion-involved evolution of catalysts at atomic level is crucial for understanding the reaction mechanism yet also challenging. For the chemical vapor deposition process of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), we developed methodologies to record in-situ the near-surface structural and chemical evolution of Co catalysts with carbon permeation using an aberration-corrected environmental transmission electron microscope and the synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The nucleation and growth of SWCNTs were linked with the partial carbonization of catalysts and the alternating dissolvement-precipitation of carbon in catalysts. The dynamics of carbon atoms in catalysts brings deeper insight into the growth mechanism of SWCNTs and also sheds light on inferring mechanisms of more reactions. The methodologies developed here will find broad applications in studying catalytic and other processes.
Structural insights into TSC complex assembly and GAP activity on Rheb
Authors: Yang Huirong , Yu Zishuo , Chen Xizi , Li Jiabei , Li Ningning , Cheng Jiaxuan , Gao Ning , Yuan Hai-Xin , Ye Dan , Guan Kun-Liang , Xu Yanhui 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) integrates upstream stimuli and regulates cell growth by controlling the activity of mTORC1. TSC functions as a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) towards small GTPase Rheb and inhibits Rheb-mediated activation of mTORC1. Mutations in TSC genes cause tuberous sclerosis. In this study, the near-atomic resolution structure of human TSC complex reveals an arch-shaped architecture, with a 2:2:1 stoichiometry of TSC1, TSC2, and TBC1D7. This asymmetric complex consists of two interweaved TSC1 coiled-coil and one TBC1D7 that spans over the tail-to-tail TSC2 dimer. The two TSC2 GAP domains are symmetrically cradled within the core module formed by TSC2 dimerization domain and central coiled-coil of TSC1. Structural and biochemical analyses reveal TSC2 GAP-Rheb complimentary interactions and suggest a catalytic mechanism, by which an asparagine thumb (N1643) stabilizes γ-phosphate of GTP and accelerate GTP hydrolysis of Rheb. Our study reveals mechanisms of TSC assembly and GAP activity.
Triple null mutations in starch synthase SSIIa gene homoeologs lead to high amylose and resistant starch in hexaploid wheat
Authors: Schoen Adam , Joshi Anupama , Tiwari Vijay K , Gill Bikram S. , Rawat Nidhi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Lack of nutritionally appropriate foods is one of the leading causes of obesity in the US and worldwide. Wheat (Triticum aestivum) provides 20% of the calories consumed daily across the globe. The nutrients in the wheat kernel come primarily from the starch composed of amylose and amylopectin. Resistant starch content, which is known to have significant human health benefits, can be increased by modifying starch synthesis pathways. Starch synthase enzyme SSIIa, also known as starch granule proteins isoform-1 (SGP-1), is integral to the biosynthesis of the branched and readily digestible glucose polymer amylopectin. In this study, a triple knockout mutant genotype (ssiia ∆ ABD) at the SSIIa locus was developed in elite hard red winter wheat variety ‘Jagger’.
Results
Knock-out mutations in SSIIa in the three genomes of wheat variety ‘Jagger’ were identified using TILLING. Subsequently, these loss-of function mutations on A, B, and D genomes were genetically combined to generate a triple knockout mutant genotype ssiia ∆ ABD. The ssiia ∆ ABD had an amylose content of 35.70% compared to 31.15% in Jagger, leading to ~ 118% increase in resistant starch in the ssiia ∆ ABD genotype of Jagger wheat. The single individual genome mutations also had various effects on starch composition.
Conclusions
This marks the first time a full null ssiia knockout has been achieved in a single elite cultivar background and shows the potential for developing nutritionally superior foods in a non-GM approach. Since all the mutants have been developed in an elite wheat cultivar, their adoption in production and supply will be easy.
Scalable thermoelectric fibers for multifunctional textile-electronics
Authors: Ding Tianpeng , Chan Kwok Hoe , Zhou Yi , Wang Xiaoqiao , Cheng Yin , Li Tongtao , Ho Ghim Wei 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Textile electronics are poised to revolutionize future wearable applications due to their wearing comfort and programmable nature. Many promising thermoelectric (TE) wearables have been extensively investigated for green energy harvesting and pervasive sensors connectivity. However, the practical applications of the TE textile are still hindered by the current laborious p/n junctions assembly of limited scale and mechanical compliance. Here we develop a gelation extrusion strategy that demonstrates the viability of digitalized manufacturing of continuous p/n TE fibers at high scalability and process efficiency. With such alternating p/n-type TE fibers, multifunctional textiles are successfully woven to realize energy harvesting on curved surface, multi-pixel touch panel for writing and communication. Moreover, modularized TE garments are worn on a robotic arm to fulfill diverse active and localized tasks. Such scalable TE fiber fabrication not only brings new inspiration for flexible devices, but also sets the stage for a wide implementation of multifunctional textile-electronics.
Self-perception: Does Obesity Influence Quality of Life
Authors: Zalihic Amra , Barbaric Maja , Mabic Mirela , Palameta Marnela , Maric Ankica Mijic , Grubisic Ana Marija , Pivic Gordana , Markota Nina Pinjuh , Markotic Vedran 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background:The number of obese and overweight people around the world rapidly grows and takes on epidemic proportions. Obesity has become one of the leading causes of death although it can be prevented.The aim of this research is to determine the influence of body weight on quality of life and to investigate our patients' consciousness about their body weight and its impact on their quality of life. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing 1067 respondents, using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Results: Out of 1067 patients, 684 were females. 65.5 % of patients had BMI ≥25 kg/m2. 21.7 % of 699 patients who had BMI ≥25 kg/m2 think that their increased body weight doesn’t affect their health, 27.9 % of respondents think that their overweight is unrelated to physical activity, 41.8 % of respondents have no problems purchasing the clothes due to their weight and 31.6 % of respondents with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 think that it doesn’t affect their quality of life. Conclusion: Quality of life is significantly better in respondents with BMI <25 kg/m2. The alarming result is that slightly less than half of respondents think that overweight doesn’t affect their health and don’t understand the seriousness of the problem.