bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between social trust and the risk of cardiovascular disease in Korean adults aged 50 years or older: a nationwide retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hwang Seo Eun , Choi Seulggie , Kim Kyuwoong , Lee Jong-Koo , Oh Juhwan , Park Sang Min 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Although social capital has been shown to be one of the important social determinants of health, the association between social trust and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is not clear yet. We aimed to investigate the association of social trust with CVD risk using a large Korean population.
Methods
The study data was derived from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Community-level social trust was determined from the Koran Community Health Survey. The study population consisted of 2,156,829 participations. According to social trust index measured in the area of residence during 2011, participants were followed-up from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2016. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used to determine the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CVD risk according to quintiles of social trust.
Results
Compared to participants with the lowest quintile of social trust, those within the highest quintile had lower risk for CVD (aHR 0.91, 95% CI = 0.89 to 0.93), CHD (aHR 0.92, 95% CI = 0.89 to 0.95), and stroke (aHR 0.90, 95% CI = 0.87 to 0.93). The risk-reducing association of high social trust on CVD risk was preserved after additional adjustments for lifestyle behaviors including smoking, alcohol intake, and physical activity.
Conclusion
Higher social trust was associated with reduced risk of CVD even after considering lifestyle behaviors. Social trust in a community level is an important determinant of CVD and enhancing social trust may lead to reduced risk of CVD.
Seedling growth, root development and nutrient use efficiency of Cypress clones in response to calcium fertilizer
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Jin Guoqing , Zhou Zhichun 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background:
Cypress (Cupressus funebris Endl.) is an important tree species in the subtropics of China, it is also a major tree species for afforestation and forest land restoration under infertile site conditions. Cypress is considered to be a calcicolous tree, whose there are growth and development can be promoted significantly by exchangeable Calcium (Ca2+) in the soil. However, most of the subtropical regions have infertile acidic soils, in which Ca2+ gradually becomes a limiting element for cypress growth.
Results:
In this study, different concentrations of Ca2+ fertilizer were added under fertile and infertile soil conditions. Cypress clones responded differently to Ca2+ addition in different soil conditions. In the infertile soil, the addition of 3 g•kg− 1 Ca2+ advanced and prolonged the fast-growing period of seedling height growth, increased plant height and dry biomass, promoted the development of fine roots ≤ 1.5 mm in diameter, and improved accumulation efficiencies of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and Ca by the roots in cypress clones; however, the addition of 6 g•kg− 1 Ca2+ inhibited height growth and root development of cypress. In the fertile soil, Ca2+ addition delayed and shortened the fast-growing period for cypress height growth, but plant height and dry biomass did not differ significantly between treatments; Ca2+ addition also inhibited the development of fine roots. The clone with fast height growth had a larger proportion of roots with a diameter ≤ 1.5 mm and achieved higher N accumulation efficiency, while Ca accumulation efficiency showed genotypic differences only in the fertile soil.
Conclusions:
An appropriate level of Ca2+ can be added to infertile soil to promote cypress seedling growth, and clones with fast height growth and developed fine roots can be selected for cultivation and promotion in the fertile soil without Ca2+ application.
Effect of mesenchymal stem cells combined with chondroitin sulfate in osteoarthritis
Authors: Pérez-Castrillo Saúl , González-Fernández María Luisa , Álvarez-Suárez Jessica , Sánchez-Lázaro Jaime , Esteban-Blanco Marta , Gutiérrez-Velasco Laura , González-Cubero Elsa , VILLAR-SUÁREZ VEGA 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease affecting the whole joint structure. Many authors have focused on the factors responsible for the development of inflammatory processes involved in OA. Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) represent a promising alternative of cell-based therapy strategy in the treatment of OA which could be combined with any drugs. Chondroitin sulfate plays a protective role in the joint based on the decrease of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thus having an important role in the activation and inhibition of metabolic pathways in chondrocytes.Aims: In this study, the effectiveness of chondroitin sulfate and ASCs in the treatment of knee OA have also been evaluated.Materials: Cytokines and factors which are involved in OA as well as specific cartilage gene expression after adding ASCs and chondroitin sulfate have been discussed in detail.Results: Our results show a decrease in the expression of all genes related to the pro-inflammatory cytokines analysed. Although there was no increase in the expression of the specific genes of the cartilage matrix, such as collagen type II and aggrecan.Conclusions: This study show the effectiveness of association of ASCs and chondroitin sulfate for the treatment of OA.
PLAC8 promotes adriamycin resistance via blocking autophagy in breast cancer
Authors: chen yongxia , jia yunlu , mao misha , Gu Yifeng , Xu Chenpu , Yang Jingjing , Hu Wenxian , Shen Jun , Hu Dengdi , Chen Cong , Li Zhaoqing , Chen Lini , Ruan Jian , Shen Peng , zhou jichun , wei qun , wang linbo 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Adriamycin (ADM) is currently one of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents in breast cancer treatment. However, growing resistance to ADM can lead to treatment failure and poor outcome. The underlying molecular mechanisms in ADM resistance in breast cancer remains unclear. PLAC8 is reported as a novel highly-conserved protein and functions as an oncogene or tumor suppressor in various tumors.
Methods
Here, we analyzed the expression profile of PLAC8 in breast cancer tissues and breast cancer cell lines, and explored the correlation of PLAC8 expression levels with patients’ outcomes and ADM response. One ADM resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cell (MCF-7/ADM) and its parental cell was used as in vitro models to identify the underlying mechanism of PLAC8 and ADM resistance. Breast cancer cells were transfected with PLAC8 knockdown and overexpression vectors, and MTT and colony formation assays were performed to test the cell response to ADM. Then, we tested the effect of PLAC8 on autophagy pathway by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence analysis, and the change of main autophagy-correlated factors expressions: LC3 and p62. Next, combining treatment of autophagy inhibitor/inducer and PLAC8 downregulation/upregulation revealed the participation of PLAC8 in autophagy pathway to synergistically regulate ADM resistance in breast cancer.
Results
Here, higher PLAC8 expression was correlated with poorer outcome and aggressive phenotype in breast cancer, and breast cancer patients with higher PLAC8 expression showed potential ADM resistance. PLAC8 expression level was also significantly elevated in ADM resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cells (MCF-7/ADM), compared to parental MCF-7 cells. In vitro experiments further confirmed that PLAC8 inhibition by siRNA or enforced overexpression by infecting pcDNA3.1(C)-PLAC8 plasmid correspondingly decreased or increased the ADM resistance. Subsequently, we demonstrated that ectopic PLAC8 expression in MCF-7/ADM cell blocked the accumulation of the autophagy-associated protein LC3II, and resulted in cellular accumulation of p62. Rapamycin-triggered autophagy significantly increased cell response to ADM, while the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA enhanced ADM resistance. Actually, 3-MA and PLAC8 could synergistically enhance ADM resistance via blocking the autophagy process. Additionally, the downregulation of p62 by siRNA attenuated the activation of autophagy and PLAC8 expression in breast cancer cells.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that PLAC8, through participation of p62, inhibits autophagy and consequently results in ADM resistance in breast cancer. PLAC8/p62/autophagy pathway may act as novel therapeutic targets in breast cancer treatment and has potential clinical application in overcoming ADM resistance.
Comparative clinical characteristics among different age group of adult COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Peng Yating , Zhou Aiyuan , Liao Xin , Deng Dingding , Huang Peng , Liu Wenlong , Jiang Mingyan , Xiang Xudong , Shuang Qingcui , Cai Shan , Chen Ping , Liao Xucai 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a global infectious disease with a large burden of illness and high healthcare costs.Objectives: This study aimed to compare clinical features among adult COVID-19 patients in different age groups.Methods: Laboratory-confirmed adult COVID-19 infection cases between Dec 31, 2019 to March 8, 2020 obtained from Neighboring Cities. Patients were divided into five age groups: age＜30, 30-40, 40-50, 50-65, ≥65 y (elderly). Age, sex, history of chronic disease and epidemiology, symptoms, laboratory tests, and outcomes were compared among different age groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate associated factors for severe or critical type.Results: We studied 299 cases. Median (IQR) age was 44 (34,54) and 158 (53%) were male. Percent of bilateral involvement on chest radiographs was increased significantly with older age (p = 0.005). 53.3% of 30-40 years, 50% of 40-50 years, 36.6% of ＜30 years and 36.2% of 50-60 years were imported case, none of the elderly were imported case. Among all the observed symptoms, only symptom of dyspnea was significantly different between the elderly group and other groups (p < 0.001). Proportion of severe or critical type was 2.4%, 5.3%, 9.5%, 14.5%, and 35% in patients with age＜30, 30-40, 40-50, 50-65, ≥65 (p < 0.001), respectively. At this point, ICU admission rate, ARDS and shock rate and on medical treatment rate was increased especially in patients ≥65 years. 285 patients (95.3%) were cured and discharged, 12 patients (4.0%) were still on medical treatment in hospital. There were 2 (0.67%) deaths; these occurred among persons ≥65 y (p < 0.001). Old age, high HR on admission, high respiratory rate on admission, and history of chronic heart disease were independently associated with severe or critical .Conclusions: Proportion of severe or critical type increased with old age groups. Adults with old age and high HR, R rate in admission and history of chronic heart disease were associated with severe or critical type in COVID-19.
Rate and Neonatal Outcomes Among Instrument Assisted Vaginal Birth in 12 Public Hospitals in Nepal
Authors: Thakur Nishant , Sunny Avinash K , Gurung Rejina , Basnet Omkar , Litorp Helena , KC Ashish 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Instrument assisted vaginal birth (IVB) is an effective intervention for deliveries complicated by prolonged labour or fetal distress, but its use is declining in many low-resource settings. In this paper, we examined intra-hospital rates of IVB, factors associated, and neonatal outcomes after IVB in Nepal. Methods This is a prospective cohort study of all deliveries conducted in 12 public hospitals (4 high volume, 4 medium volume and 4 low volume) across Nepal for 18 months . We calculated the rate of IVB and used logistic regression to assess the association between IVB and neonatal morbidity (Apgar score < 7 at 5 minutes, shoulder dystocia) and mortality. Results A total of 81,581 deliveries were included in the study, of which 3001 (3.4%) were IVBs., while rates in high volume, medium volume, and small volume hospitals were 3.6%, 3.7% and 1.2% respectively. The odds of Apgar score < 7 at 5 minutes was almost three-fold (aOR 2.92, 95% CI, 2.49-3.42) with IVB compared to spontaneous vaginal birth (SVB). The odds of shoulder dystocia was three-fold (aOR 3.04, 95% CI, 2.19-4.22) with IVB compared to SVB. The odds of first day mortality was lower in medium volume (aOR-0.57, 95% CI, 0.42-0.78) hospitals compared to high volume hospitals. Conclusions The rate of IVB varied by volume of hospital. The neonatal outcome were poor among the babies born to IVB, and neonatal outcomes were worse after IVB at high-volume hospitals. Further studies to explore factors determining the rate of IVB and better neonatal outcomes.
Impact of health literacy and self-care behaviors on health-related quality of life in Iranians with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gaffari-fam Saber , Lotfi Yosef , Daemi Amin , Babazadeh Towhid , Sarbazi Ehsan , Abbasabad Ghader Darghahi , Abri Hamed 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Regarding the importance of health literacy as a key factor in self-care, appropriate understanding of health information by patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is fundamental for better management of risk factors, which can also benefit their quality of life. This study aimed to describe the relationship between health literacy (HL), and self-care behaviors with health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with T2DM.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was done in Iran in 2019. Patients were recruited randomly from health centers by medical records (n = 192, 55.2% male, mean age 58.12 years). The data collection included demographic form, health literacy questionnaire, diabetes self-care behavior questionnaire, and world health organization’s Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). Analyses were adjusted for confounders using hierarchical regression analysis.
Results
HL as predictor variables explained 47.5% of variance in overall HRQL (p-value < 0.001), reading health information was the strongest HL dimension (β = 0.478). Self-care behaviors explained an additional 13.6% of the HRQL variance. In total, 65.5% of the variation in the HRQL is explained by the HL, self-care behavior, and the demographic variables.
Conclusions
We found that more almost two-third of the HRQL explained by the HL and self-care behaviors. Given the importance of health literacy and self-care behaviors in the quality of life in patients with T2DM, adoption of health-promoting behaviors and increasing health literacy can be beneficial for promoting quality of life among these patients.
Stigmasterol Sensitizes Endometrial Cancer Cells to Chemotherapy By repressing Nrf2 Signal Pathway
Authors: Liao Hong , Bai Mingzhu , Zhu Dan , Chen Huifen , Yan Shihuan , Yu Jing , Zhu Huiting , Zheng Wenxin , Fan Guorong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Chemoresistance reduces the 5-year survival rate of endometrial cancer patient, which is the current major obstacle for cancer therapy. Increasing evidence state that Nrf2 contributes to chemoresistance in several kinds of cancer. However, its role in endometrial cancer cells need further study.Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of Nrf2 in healthy patient and endometrial cancer patient. Nrf2 overexpressed stable transfection cell line was established to evaluated its role in chemoresistance. Dot blot assays were used to assess global hydroxymethylation levels after stigmasterol treatment. Cellular growth activation was detected by CCK8 assay. Western blot was used to evaluate the changes of the target molecules after various treatments.Results: Nrf2 is overexpressed in endometrial cancer tissues compared with the normal endometrium. Overexpression of Nrf2 resulted in decrease sensitivity to cisplatin. In addition, a novel Nrf2 inhibitor, stigmasterol, has been identified, which enhanced the sensitivity to cisplatin, and the mechanism is that stigmasterol declines the Nrf2 protein level.Conclusions: Our data identify stigmasterol as a novel potential inhibitor of Nrf2 and highlight a critical role of stigmasterol in inhibiting chemoresistance in cisplatin combination therapy.
Exploring the Feasibility of using a four-day Training Program to Change the Culture of Disrespect and Abuse in Maternity Care in Ghana
Authors: Dzomeku Millicent Veronica , Mensah Adwoa Bemah Boamah , Nakua Emmanuel Kweku , Lomotey Alberta , Agbadi Pascal , Donkor Peter , Lori Jody R. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Objectives To improve childbirth experiences for childbearing women in healthcare facilities in low-and-middle-income countries, it is important to implement a cost-effective intervention to change the culture of disrespect and abuse in maternity care. Thus, we explored the feasibility of using four Respectful Maternity Care Modules in a training program to change the culture of disrespect and abuse in maternity care in a teaching hospital in Kumasi, Ghana.Results Midwives were trained on respect and dignity in childbirth, effective communication, focused antenatal care, and the use of alternative birthing positions for delivery. The statistical test revealed a statistically significant increase in knowledge of RMC following participation in the RMC-M training, z = − 3.43, p = 0.001, with a large effect size (r = 0.63). The median score on the self-developed Respectful Maternity Care Questionnaire increased from pre-program (Md = 10) to post-program (Md = 15). The experts remarked that the content of the training was adequate to enhance midwives’ knowledge, skills, and attitude to provide respectful maternal care. They recommended the inclusion of teaching methods that engages the adult learner in an interactive mode.
Combustion synthesis of NiAl/TiC composite from mechanically activated elemental powders
Authors: Mehrizi Majid Zarezadeh 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The aim of this study was the synthesis of a homogenous distributed NiAl/TiC composite by combustion synthesis of elemental powders. The effect of the mechanical activation process was evaluated. The phase characterization and evaluation of the microstructure during milling and combustion synthesis were carried on by XRD and SEM-EDS and TEM-EDS, respectively. The XRD result of as-mixed powder compact after combustion synthesis showed that in addition to TiC0.75 and NiAl, some undesired phases like Ni3Al and Ni2Al­3 formed. While after combustion synthesis of 3h mechanically activated powder compact, only AlNi and TiC formed. The microstructural evaluations by SEM-EDS and TEM-EDS analysis confirmed the synthesis of truly homogenized NiAl/TiC composite. The mechanism of NiAl/TiC formation consists of dissolution of nickel, titanium, and graphite in molten aluminum and precipitation of TiC primarily and then the formation of NiAl. The value of microhardness of synthesized NiAl/TiC was 1070±12 HV. The main reason for this result is a uniform distribution of spherical TiC reinforcement in the NiAl matrix. Therefore, the mechanical activation process facilitated the reactions and improved the mechanical properties of the final composite.
Effect of octahedron tilt on structure and magnetic properties of bismuth ferrite
Authors: Hong Yang , Li Jun , Bai Han , Song Zhenjia , Wang Ming , Zhou Zhongxiang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Multiferroic trivalent ions doped BiFeO3 ceramics were synthesized using the rapid liquid state method. The trivalent ions (Sm3+, Gd3+, Y3+) doping causes structural distortion without changing the rhombohedral structure. Raman analysis shows that the effect of doping on E modes is greater than A1 modes, and FeO6 octahedron is regulated by ions doping. M-H hysteresis loops show A-site trivalent ions doped samples exhibit improved magnetism compared with pure BiFeO3 since the suppressed spiral spin structure. Doped samples exhibited natural resonance around 16~17 GHz due to the changes in dielectric loss caused by the tilt of the FeO6 octahedron.
Targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP): Next generation PET radiotracers using squaramide coupled bifunctional DOTA and DATA5m chelators
Authors: Moon Euy Sung , Elvas Filipe , Vliegen Gwendolyn , De Lombaerde Stef , Vangestel Christel , De Bruycker Sven , Bracke An , Eppard Elisabeth , Greifenstein Lukas , Klasen Benedikt , Kramer Vasko , Staelens Steven , De Meester Ingrid , Veken Pieter Van der , Roesch Frank 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a proline selective serine protease that is overexpressed in tumor stroma and in lesions of many other diseases that are characterized by tissue remodeling. In 2014, a most potent FAP-inhibitor (referred to as UAMC1110) with low nanomolar FAP-affinity and high selectivity toward related enzymes such as prolyl oligopeptidase (PREP) and the dipeptidyl-peptidases (DPPs): DPP4, DPP8/9 and DPP2 were developed. This inhibitor has been adopted recently by other groups to create radiopharmaceuticals by coupling bifunctional chelator-linker systems. Here, we report squaric acid containing bifunctional DATA5m and DOTA chelators relied on UAMC1110.
Results
The radiopharmaceuticals DOTA.SA.FAPi and DATA5m.SA.FAPi were synthesized, labeled with gallium-68 and further characterized for in vitro stability, inhibitory efficiency, in vivo targeting properties and ex vivo biodistribution. [68Ga]Ga-DOTA.SA.FAPi and [68Ga]Ga-DATA5m.SA.FAPi showed high complexation after already 10 minutes and high stability over a period of 2 h. Affinity to FAP of DOTA.SA.FAPi and its natGa and natLu-labeled derivatives were in low nanomolar range. Comparable results were obtained for DATA5m.SA.FAPi and its natGa analogue. Additionally, all five compounds showed low affinity for the related protease PREP (high µM range). First proof-of-principle in vivo PET-imaging animal studies of the [68Ga]Ga-DOTA.SA.FAPi precursor in a HT-29 human colorectal cancer xenograft mouse model indicated promising results with high accumulation in tumor and low background signal. Ex vivo biodistribution showed high tumor uptake at 60 min post injection with overall low uptake in healthy tissues.
Conclusion
In this work, novel PET radiotracers targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP) were synthesized and biochemically investigated. Critical substructures of the novel compounds are a squaramide linker unit derived from the basic motif of squaric acid, DOTA and DATA5m bifunctional chelators and a FAP-targeting moiety. In conclusion, these new FAP-ligands appear promising, both for further research and development as well as for first human application.
miR-20b-5p Functions as Tumor Suppressor microRNA by targeting CyclinD1 in Colon Cancer
Authors: Yang Hui , Lin Jian , Jiang Jinling , Ji Jun , Wang Chao , ZHANG JUN 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
MicroRNA functions as an oncogenic regulator or tumor suppressor in various human tumors. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that miRNA-20b is related to the tumorigenesis, however, the function of miRNA-20b in colon cancer is still not clear.
Methods
Apoptosis, cell cycle, expression of CCND1/CDK/FOXM1 axis in HCT116 cells were examined by flow cytometry, western blot, and Immunohistochemistry. Wound-healing migration assay and transwell assay were performed to test the migration and invasion of tumor cells. Bioinformatics and microarray analysis was performed for further mechanical research. Subcutaneous xenograft mouse models was to verify the function of miR-20b-5p in vivo.
Results
We found that miRNA-20b-5p inhibited the cell cycle, migration and invasion of CC cells, but had no effect on cell apoptosis. CyclinD1(CCND1) was identified as a direct target of miR-20b-5p. Overexpression of miRNA-20b-5p downregulated CCND1 level in HCT-116 cells. Mechanistically, the inhibiton of cell cycle, migration and invasion of CC cells by miRNA-20b-5p is through regulating the CCND1/CDK4/FOXM1 axis. Additionally, we found that miRNA-20b-5p could inhibit the tumorigenesis in murine CC xenograft models in Balb/c nude mice.
Conclusion
Therefore, our findings demonstrated that miR-20b-5p may serve as a tumor suppressor in CC by negatively regulating CCND1 and that miR-20b-5p may be a potential therapeutic target for the management and treatment of colon cancer.