bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preserving the Endothelium in Saphenous Vein Graft with Both Conventional and No-touch Preparation
Authors: Saito Toshiro , Kurazumi Hiroshi , Suzuki Ryo , Matsuno Yutaro , Mikamo Akihito , Hamano Kimikazu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Despite the inferior patency compared to arterial grafts, a saphenous vein graft (SVG) is widely used for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). A lower atherosclerosis rate and higher patency have been reported for SVG obtained via the no-touch technique (NT) than via conventional preparation (CV). Although CV-mediated endothelial dysfunction is implied, the precise mechanism underlying the higher patency with NT is poorly understood. Methods Human residual SVGs during CABG and SVG sections after autopsy were analyzed. The endothelial surface was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and blindly compared between CV and NT. The endothelial integrity was also analyzed with immunohistochemistry.Results Unexpectedly, the hyperfine structure on SEM was comparable between CV and NT before grafting, and microvillus, a characteristic of endothelium, was indistinguishable between them. von Willebrand Factor, an endothelial marker, was equally detected throughout the vascular wall in both groups from residual and postmortem sections.Conclusions The morphological integrity of the endothelium was successfully preserved in SVG with CV, even at an ultrastructural level. Although its functionality remains to be addressed, other factors than the endothelium may be involved in the high patency obtained by NT. The present findings suggest that the characteristics of NT and surgical methodology should be reconsidered.
Proteomic profiling reveals differentially expressed proteins associated with amylose accumulation during rice grain filling
Authors: Zhang Hengdong , Chen Jiana , Shah Shuanglü , Cao Fangbo , Chen Guanghui , Zou Yingbin , Huang Min , Abou-Elwafa Salah Fatouh 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Amylose accumulation in rice grains is controlled by genetic and environmental factors. Amylose content is a determinant factor of rice quality in terms of cooking and eating. Great variations in amylose content in indica rice cultivars have been observed. The current study was to identify differentially expressed proteins in starch and sucrose metabolism and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways and their relationships to amylose synthesis using two rice cultivars possess contrasting phenotypes in grain amylose content.Results Synthesis and accumulation of amylose in rice grains significantly affected the variations between rice cultivars in amylose contents. The high amylose content cultivar has three down-regulated differentially expressed proteins, i.e., LOC_Os01g62420.1, LOC_Os02g36600.1, and LOC_Os08g37380.2 in the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway, which limit the glycolytic process and decrease the glucose-1-phosphate consumption. In the starch and sucrose metabolic pathway, an up-regulated protein, i.e., LOC_Os06g04200.1 and two down-regulated proteins, i.e., LOC_Os05g32710.1 and LOC_Os04g43360.1 were identified (Figure 4). Glucose-1-phosphate is one of the first substrates in starch synthesis and glycolysis that are catalyzed to form adenosine diphosphate glucose (ADPG), then the ADPG is catalyzed by granule-bound starch synthase Ⅰ (GBSS I) to elongate amylose.Conclusions The results indicate that decreasing the consumption of glucose-1-phosphate in the glycolytic process is essential for the formation of ADPG and UDPG, which are substrates for amylose synthesis. In theory, amylose content in rice can be regulated by controlling the fate of glucose-1-phosphate.
Oxidative Stress, Trace and Toxic Metal Levels In Alzheimer’S Disease In Sub-Sahara Africa
Authors: OMOTOSHO ISHIAQ Olayinka , Ngwube Michael Roland , ABDUMALIK Jibril Omuya 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD), an age-related neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of memory has been attributed to oxidative stress induced by accumulation of Amyloid (Aβ) protein in the brain; environmental and genetic alterations have been implicated as the pathogenesis of the disease. This work investigated levels of selected trace (Iron, Zinc and Copper) and toxic (Cadmium and Lead) metals in AD patients.MethodIn this case-control study, a total of 38 participants (aged ≥ 60 years) consisting of 18 clinically diagnosed AD subjects and 20 apparently healthy age-matched adults were recruited from the University College Hospital Ibadan Geriatric Centre. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain demographic information, clinical history, lifestyle and dietary patterns from participants. Blood levels of iron, copper, zinc, lead and cadmium were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS); levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and total plasma peroxide (TPP) were determined spectrophotometrically, while oxidative stress index (OSI) and copper to zinc ratio (Cu:Zn) were calculated.ResultsMean plasma level of zinc was significantly lower in cases (86.04 ± 11.07 µg/dl) compared to controls (108.80 ± 12.47 µg/dl), while blood lead (13.85 ± 2.96 µg/dl, 8.32 ± 2.10 µg/dl) and cadmium (1.34 ± 0.71 µg/L, 0.71 ± 0.14 µg/L) levels were significantly higher in cases than in controls respectively. Although Fe and Cu levels were similar in cases and controls, Cu:Zn ratio was significantly elevated in cases compared to controls (p = 0.000). Though other OS markers were not significantly different in both groups, TPP was significantly higher in cases (64.96 ± 7.20 µmol/H2O2 vs. 55.41 ± 2.38 µmol/H2O2) while MDA correlated inversely with TAC in cases (r= − 0.477, p = 0.045).DiscussionThe low plasma Zn coupled with high blood Pb and Cd levels may precipitate the elevated TPP and Cu:Zn ratio in cases. The reduced metallothionine defense of the system as indicated by the elevated Cu:Zn ratio in cases may also exacerbate this problem.ConclusionThe damaging effect of increasing toxic metal levels may be accentuating development of oxidative stress facilitating the progression of AD.
Comparative effectiveness of dulaglutide versus liraglutide in Asian type 2 diabetes patients: a multi-institutional cohort study and meta-analysis
Authors: Chang Kai-Cheng , Shao Shih-Chieh , Kuo Shihchen , Yang Chen-Yi , Chen Hui-Yu , Chan Yuk-Ying , Ou Huang-tz 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Head-to-head comparison of clinical effectiveness between dulaglutide and liraglutide in Asia is limited. This study was aimed to assess the real-world comparative effectiveness of dulaglutide versus liraglutide. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study by utilizing multi-institutional electronic medical records to identify real-world type 2 diabetes patients treated with dulaglutide or liraglutide during 2016-2018 in Taiwan and followed up until 2019. Effectiveness outcomes were assessed at every three months in the one-year follow-up. Propensity score techniques were applied to enhance between-group comparability. Significant differences in changes of effectiveness outcomes between treatment groups during the follow-up were examined and further analyzed using mixed-model repeated-measures approaches. Results A total of 1,512 subjects receiving dulaglutide and 1,513 subjects receiving liraglutide were identified. At 12 months, significant HbA1c changes from baseline were found in both treatments (dulaglutide: -1.06%, p<0.001; liraglutide: -0.83%, p<0.001), with a significant between-group difference (-0.23%, 95% confidence interval: -0.38 to -0.08%, p<0.01). Both treatments yielded significant declines in weight, alanine aminotransferase level, and estimated glomerular filtration rate from baseline (dulaglutide: -1.14 kg, -3.08 U/L and -2.08 ml/min/1.73 m2, p<0.01; liraglutide: -1.64 kg, -3.65 U/L and -2.33 ml/min/1.73 m2, p<0.001), whereas only dulaglutide yielded a significant systolic blood pressure reduction (-2.47 mmHg, p<0.001). Between-group differences in changes of weight, blood pressure, and liver and renal functions at 12 months were not statistically significant. Conclusions In real-world T2D patients, dulaglutide versus liraglutide was associated with better glycemic control and comparable effects on changes of weight, blood pressure, and liver and renal functions.
Exploring the Effects of the Health Cloud Platform Management Service System Combined with the Grid Partition Grading Supervision for Controlling COVID-19 in the General Hospital
Authors: Qi Mengsha , liu shuyun , Wang Yuchan , Liu Jun , Wu Liguo , Liu Zhihui , Yu Xuehong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The study aimed to explores the effects that a new management method for prevention and control of COVID-19 in the general hospital.Methods: The study conducted empirical research to explores the effect of the service system and the supervision in the prevention and control of COVID-19 in the general hospital in China. Results: By comparing the efficiency, we can see that using the service system, combined with the grid partition grading supervision, can effectively prevent cross-infection in the hospital, protect the physical and mental health of medical staff. Conclutions: Constructing the health cloud platform management service system combined with the grid partition grading supervision has a significant effect in preventing cross-infection in the hospital and protecting the physical and mental health of medical staff during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak in Dental Service Utilization Reported by Patients Visiting a Tertiary Care Centre: Mixed Quantitative-qualitative Study
Authors: Shrestha Ashish , Bhagat Tarakant , Agrawal Santosh Kumari , Gautam Ujwal 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: COVID-19 poses a major public health calamity. Its wider impact on health service utilization is yet to be studied. The study aims to assess dental problems faced by patients during the COVID-19 outbreak and the possible reasons in failing to seek dental careMethods: A cross-sectional quantitative-qualitative design was employed to assess the outcomes among patients reporting to a tertiary care centre. Participants were selected by convenient sampling and interviewed using structured questionnaire. Responses were transcribed, translated and coded before analyzing for the themes by thematic analysis. Quantitative component of the study was analyzed by descriptive and inferential methods.Result: Mean age of the participants was 43.7 years (SD: 16.1). Most of them (63%) reported not having had an oral examination in the past year while 62% reported being unable to seek dental treatment during the pandemic. Pain, sequelae of pain and other self-perceived urgent causes were identified as the major problems faced by the participant. Similarly, the reasons for not being able to seek dental treatment were grouped as fear of transmission, lack of transportation and lockdown, unavailability of health services, misinformation, lack of communication from hospital regarding its services, and deferred treatment by the hospitals.Conclusion: Pain remains the ultimate trigger for care seeking behaviour. Dental service utilization was reported to be influenced by a number of factors during COVID-19. The pandemic seemed to add up to the already pre-existing dilemma in seeking dental care. A conceptual framework has been suggested to aid further researches in the future for looking into the impacts from such pandemics.
Identification of metabolism-associated genes and construction of a prognostic signature in bladder cancer
Authors: Shen Chengquan , Liu Jing , Wang Liping , Liang Zhijuan , Niu Haitao , Wang Yonghua 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Bladder cancer (BC) is a commonly diagnosed malignant tumor in the urinary system, with a high morbidity and recurrence rate. Current studies indicated that metabolism-associated genes (MAGs) having critical roles in the etiology of BC. The present study aims to identify differentially expressed MAGs and construct a MAGs based prognostic risk signature for BC by using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and proteomics data. Methods: RNA-sequence data from the TCGA database and proteomics data from our BC samples were used to identify differentially expressed MAGs and construct a MAGs based prognostic signature in BC. Subsequently, survival analysis and nomogram were used to evaluate the prognostic and predictive value of the MAGs based signature in BC. RNA isolation and reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was further perform to investigate the expression levels of MAGs in BC cells and explore the relationship between MAGs and M2 tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) secreted transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in BC cells.Results: A total of 23 differentially expressed MAGs were identified and five MAGs were finally used to construct a MAGs based signature. Survival analysis revealed that the MAGs based signature was closely correlated with the survival outcomes of patients with BC. A nomogram with the MAGs based signature risk score and clinical features also constructed to facilitate the individualized prediction of BC patients. RT-qPCR showed that five MAGs were significantly differentially expressed and the expression levels of three MAGs were positively correlated with M2 TAM secreted TGF-β1 in T24 cells.Conclusions: Our study identified novel prognostic MAGs and constructed a MAGs based signature, which can be used as an independent factor in evaluating the prognosis of patients with BC. Furthermore, M2 TAMs may promote the expression of MAGs via the TGF-β1 signaling pathway in the microenvironment of BC. Further clinical trials and experimental exploration are needed to validate our observations in BC.
Infant Processed Food Consumption and their Interaction to Breastfeeding and Growth in Children up to Six Months Old
Authors: Neves Renata Oliveira , Guimarães Luciano Santos Pinto , Bosa Vera Lúcia , Nunes Leandro Meirelles , Silva Clécio Homrich da , Goldani Marcelo Zubaran , Bernardi Juliana Rombaldi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Evidences suggest that early processed food consumption may cause harms to infant health. During the first six months of life, it is not known whether timing and quantity of this food group can impact in breastfeeding and growth. The aim was to analyze the interaction between infant processed food consumption and their relation to breastfeeding and infant growth up to six months old.
Methods
Longitudinal study with a sample of newborns in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Data were collected in six interviews, from birth to six months, in a sample of infants with adverse intrauterine environments. Processed food consumption was calculated by gravity score food (GSF) in relation to feeding supply quality and time. For the analysis, the scores were divided into tertiles, making scores severities: Null, Mild, Moderate and Severe. It was tested its interaction with breastfeeding (exclusive and nonexclusive) and growth (analyzed in Z-scores, by weight for height and body mass index for age).
Results
A total of 236 infants were included in the study. Greater GSF were associated with better rates of breastfeeding practices and higher growth indicators scores in the sixth month of infants. The adjusted analyzes for family income, maternal age and pre-gestational body mass index confirmed these findings.
Conclusion
The harms of eating processed foods are more evident the greater and earlier they are consumed, in relation to breastfeeding and infant growth. Future studies should explore interventions to reduce consumption of these foods to prevent adverse health outcomes in later life.
Screening and Referral is Not Enough: A Qualitative Exploration of Barriers to Access and Uptake of Mental Health Services in Patients With Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Collopy Catherine M , Cosh Suzanne M , Tully Phillip J 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are commonly comorbid with mental health disorders, portending poorer cardiac prognosis. Despite the high prevalence of depression and anxiety, and guidelines recommending routine depression screening and referral, uptake of mental healthcare in CVD populations remains low. Reasons for the underutilisation of mental health and psychological services for this population remain largely unknown.Methods: Thirteen CVD patients with clinically significant psychological symptoms (depression, anxiety and/or stress) participated in one-on-one in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.Results: Barriers to uptake included the timing of referral and screening, with patients reporting a need for longer term follow-up. A lack of information provision and understanding around mental health and services, especially following cardiac-events were further barriers. A reluctance to report mental health or engage in services was also identified, with patients indicating a preference for informal peer support networks. A range of practical barriers such as mobility, transport and cost were also reported. Conclusions: Longer term follow-up and routine mental health assessment may be beneficial to facilitate use of mental health services. Upskilling of practitioners around mental health may be a further avenue to promote information provision and enhance service use. Further focus on enhancing informal peer support may be a valuable initial approach for the CVD population. The implications for improving services and enhancing service use are discussed.
Adverse Reactions of Targeted Therapy in Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Study of Hospital Medical Data in China
Authors: Du Ruofei , Ma Lixia , Larcher Leon M. , Tang Han , Zhou Huiyue , Chen Changying , Wang Tao 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The adverse reactions (ADR) of targeted therapy were closely related to the treatment efficacy, quality of life (QoL) and prognosis of cancer patients. However, few studies analyzed the ADR of targeted therapy and their effects on cancer patients. This study was conducted to describe the incidence and characteristics of ADR in cancer patients with targeted therapy and outcomes associated with ADR based on hospital medical data.Methods: A retrospective secondary data analysis was conducted using ADR data in hospital medical record collected from a cohort (n=2,703 with targeted therapy) in three hospitals of Henan, China from January 2018 to December 2019. The type, classification, occurrence time and duration of ADR, medication compliance and drug application, QoL, disease progress and survival of patients were analyzed.Results: A total of 485 patients met the inclusion criteria. 296 (61.0%) patients had ADR during target therapy. The top five ADR in this study were damage to skin, fatigue, mucosal damage, hypertension and gastrointestinal discomfort. 62.1% of the ADR were mild to moderate, more than half of the ADR occurred within one month, 68.6% ADR lasted more than one month. Older patients (P=0.022) and patients with lower education level (P=0.036), more than 2 comorbidities (P=0.021), longer medication time (P=0.022), drug combination (P=0.033) and intravenous administration (P=0.019) were more likely to have ADR. Those who had ADR were more likely to stop taking (P=0.025), change (P=0.010), adjust (P=0.019), or not take the medicine on time (P=0.022), or undergo cancer recurrence (P=0.027) and show higher rates of metastasis (P=0.009) .Conclusion: The incidence of ADR in cancer patients during targeted therapy was high. Age, education level, comorbidity and medication strategy can affect ADR. Furthermore, ADR would affect the treatment and prognosis of patients. We should pay more attention to these ADRs and develop effective management strategies.
Dynamic Trends in Skin Barrier Function From Birth to Age 6 Months and Infantile Atopic Dermatitis: A Chinese Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ye Ying , Zhao Piaoping , Dou Limin , Zhang Yi , Ken Kaku , Gu Hongjian , Dou Yalan , Gao Wei , He Lingfeng , Chen Xiaotian , Huang Xiangyuan , Zhang Lei , Li Yun , Wang Liuhui , Yan Weili 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundSkin barrier functions develop after birth and may be related to skin disorders in infants. ObjectivesWe aimed to assess associations between dynamic trends of four skin barrier functional parameters in early life with infant atopic dermatitis (AD).MethodsBased on the prospective cohort MKNFOAD (NCT02889081), we examined transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), skin pH, and sebum content at five anatomical sites (cheek, forehead, forearm, abdomen, and lower leg) in 418 term infants at birth, 42 days, and 6 months. Trend differences by sex and association with AD at age 1 year were tested using variance analyses. Associations of the parameters with AD risk were tested using discrete time survival analysis, adjusting extensive covariates including parental history of allergy, infant’s sex, birth weight (kg), and delivery mode. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) were reported.ResultsOverall TEWL and SCH appeared trends of increase while skin surface pH and sebum content showed trends of decrease within the first 6 postnatal months. Sex differences were significant for sebum content only (p<0.001). After adjustment for parental and children covariates, cheek TEWL (OR=1.26, 95% CI 1.00–1.57, p=0.045) at birth and 42 days (OR=1.52, 95% CI 1.17–1.97, p=0.002) were significantly associated with increased AD risk. Associations were not observed between SCH, skin pH, and sebum content at birth or 42 days with AD. ConclusionsSkin barrier functions of Chinese term infants varied nonlinearly after birth. Higher postnatal TEWL levels in early life indicate higher risk of early-onset AD.
Mapping and Characterization QTLs for Phenological Traits in Seven Pedigree-connected Peach Families
Authors: Rawandoozi Zena , Hartmann Timothy , Carpenedo Silvia , Gasic Ksenija , Linge Cassia da Silva , Cai Lichun , de Weg Eric Van , Byrne David 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundEnvironmental adaptation and expanding harvest seasons are primary goals of most peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] breeding programs. Breeding perennial crops is a challenging task due to their long breeding cycles and large tree size. Pedigree-based analysis using pedigreed families followed by haplotype construction creates a platform for QTL and marker identification, validation, and the use of marker-assisted selection in breeding programs.ResultsPhenotypic data of seven F1 low to medium chill full-sib families were collected over two years at two locations and genotyped using the 9K SNP Illumina array. Three QTLs were discovered for bloom date (BD) and mapped on linkage group 1 (LG1) (172 – 182 cM), LG4 (48 – 54 cM), and LG7 (62 – 70 cM), explaining 17-54%, 11-55%, and 11-18% of the phenotypic variance, respectively. The QTL for ripening date (RD) and fruit development period (FDP) on LG4 was co-localized at the central part of LG4 (40 - 46 cM) and explained between 40-75% of the phenotypic variance. Haplotype analyses revealed SNP haplotypes and predictive SNP marker(s) associated with desired QTL alleles and the presence of multiple functional alleles with different effects for a single locus for RD and FDP.ConclusionsA multiple pedigree-linked families approach validated major QTLs for the three key phenological traits which were reported in previous studies across diverse materials, geographical distributions, and QTL mapping methods. Haplotype characterization of these genomic regions differentiates this study from the previous QTL studies. Our results will provide the peach breeder with the haplotypes for three BD QTLs and one RD/FDP QTL for the creation of predictive DNA-based molecular marker tests to select parents and/or seedlings that have desired QTL alleles and cull unwanted genotypes in early seedling stages.