bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between nontraditional lipid profiles and peripheral arterial disease in Chinese adults with hypertension
Authors: Ding Congcong , Chen Yang , Shi Yumeng , Li Minghui , Hu Lihua , Zhou Wei , Wang Tao , Zhu Lingjuan , Huang Xiao , Bao Huihui , Cheng Xiaoshu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Data on the relationship between nontraditional lipid profiles [total cholesterol (TC)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio, triglyceride (TG)/HDL-C ratio, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/HDL-C ratio, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C)] and the risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD) are limited. The present study investigated the relationship of nontraditional lipid indices with PAD in hypertensive patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed among 10,900 adults with hypertension. Participants were diagnosed with PAD when their ankle-brachial index (ABI) was < 0.9. The association between nontraditional lipid profiles and PAD was examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis and the restricted cubic spline. Results: All nontraditional lipid indices were independently and positively associated with PAD in a dose-response fashion. After multivariable adjustment, the per SD increments of the TC/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C ratios and non-HDL-C were all significantly associated with 37%, 14%, 40%, and 24% higher risk for PAD, respectively. The adjusted ORs (95% CI) for PAD were 1.77 (1.31, 2.40), 1.71 (1.25, 2.34), 2.03 (1.50, 2.74), and 1.70 (1.25, 2.31) when comparing the highest tertile to the lowest tertile of the TC/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C ratios and non-HDL-C, respectively. Conclusions: Among Chinese hypertensive adults, all nontraditional lipid indices were positively associated with PAD, and the LDL-C/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C ratios were better than the other nontraditional lipid indices for predicting PAD. These findings may improve the risk stratification of cardiovascular disease and dyslipidemia management.
A comparison between manual and artificial intelligence-based automatic positioning in CT imaging for COVID-19 patients
Authors: Gang Yadong , Chen Xiongfeng , Li Huan , Wang Hanlun , Li Jianying , Guo Ying , Zeng Junjie , Hu Qiang , Hu Jinxiang , Xu Haibo 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Objective: To analyze and compare the imaging workflow, radiation dose and image quality for COVID-19 patients examined using either the conventional manual positioning (MP) method or an AI-based automatic positioning (AP) method. Materials and Methods: 127 adult COVID-19 patients underwent chest CT scans on a CT scanner using the same scan protocol except with the manual positioning (MP group) for the initial scan and an AI-based automatic positioning method (AP group) for the follow-up scan. Radiation dose, patient positioning time and off-center distance, of the two groups were recorded and compared. Image noise and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were assessed by three experienced radiologists and were compared between the two groups.Results: The AP operation was successful for all patients in the AP group and reduced the total positioning time by 28% compared with the MP group. Compared with the MP group, the AP group had significantly less patient off-center distance (AP:1.56cm±0.83 vs. MP: 4.05cm±2.40, p<0.001) and higher proportion of positioning accuracy (AP: 99% vs. MP: 92%), resulted in 16% radiation dose reduction (AP: 6.1mSv±1.3 vs. MP: 7.3mSv±1.2, p<0.001) and 9% image noise reduction in erector spinae and lower noise and higher SNR for lesions in the pulmonary peripheral areas.Conclusion: The AI-based automatic positioning and centering in CT imaging is a promising new technique for reducing radiation dose, optimizing imaging workflow and image quality in imaging the chest. This technique has important added clinical value in imaging COVID-19 patients to reduce the cross-infection risks.
Evolutionary history of Ku proteins: evidence of horizontal gene transfer from archaea to eukarya
Authors: Mainali Ashmita , Rijal Sadikshya , Bhattarai Hitesh Kumar 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background

The DNA end joining protein, Ku, is essential in Non-Homologous End Joining in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. It was first discovered in eukaryotes and later by PSI blast, was discovered in prokaryotes. While Ku in eukaryotes is often a multi domain protein functioning in DNA repair of physiological and pathological DNA double stranded breaks, Ku in prokaryotes is a single domain protein functioning in pathological DNA repair in spores or late stationary phase. In this paper we have attempted to systematically search for Ku protein in different phyla of bacteria and archaea as well as in different kingdoms of eukarya.
Result

From our search of 116 sequenced bacterial genomes, only 25 genomes yielded at least one Ku sequence. From a comprehensive search of all NCBI archaeal genomes, we received a positive hit in 7 specific archaea that possessed Ku. In eukarya, we found Ku protein in 27 out of 59 species. Since the entire genome of all eukaryotic species is not fully sequenced this number could go up. We then drew a phylogenetic maximum likelihood tree to determine the ancestral relationship between Ku70 and Ku80 in eukaryotes and Ku in prokaryotes. Out tree revealed a common node for some archaeal Ku, Ku70 and Ku80.
Conclusion

This led us to hypothesize that Ku from archaea transferred through horizontal gene transfer onto neozoa and then duplicated to form Ku70 and Ku80. Additionally, we analyzed the domains of the different eukaryotic species to demonstrate that fusion, fission, terminal addition, terminal deletion, single domain loss, single domain emergence events during evolution.
Longitudinal Analysis of Socioecological Obesogenic Factors in a National Sample of U.S. Children
Authors: Kim Taeeung , KWON JUNHYE , Lee Chung Gun , Jang Chang-Yong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Childhood obesity is a serious public health threat. Although many researchers conducted research on socioecological determinants of childhood obesity, their longitudinal effects remain inconclusive especially among young children. This study examined socioecological factors and associated transitions of children’s body mass index (BMI) status throughout children’s kindergarten to elementary school years, using data from a national longitudinal sample.Methods: The baseline sample of this study included 1,264 children (weighted N=379,297) extracted from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study (baseline mean age: 5.24 years). The socioecological framework guided selection of socioecological obesogenic variables (e.g., family activity and parental involvement). Longitudinal ordered logistic regressions were performed to determine the associations between socioecological obesogenic variables and unhealthy/healthy changes in BMI status that captured transitions between healthy and unhealthy weight status (i.e., overweight, obesity, and severe obesity).Results: Children with Hispanic ethnicity and nonwhite, less socioeconomic and environmental support, and living in households with fewer family members were more likely than their counterparts to have unhealthy BMI status changes over time (all ps<0.05). Over the study period, girls were less likely than boys to experience transitions to unhealthy BMI status (all ps<0.05).Conclusion: As hypothesized a priori, the findings of the current affirmed multiple dimensions of how sociological obesogenic factors may influence children’s BMI status changes in a longitudinal setting. In order to maintain children’s long-term healthy weight, more attention should be paid to socioeconomic obesogenic factors surrounding children as well as individual determinants of obesity (e.g., being physically active and having well-balanced nutrition).
Transcriptional expression of secondary resistance genes ccdB and repA2 is enhanced in presence of cephalosporin and carabapenem in Escherichia coli
Authors: Baishya Somorita , Deshamukhya Chandrayee , Wangkheimayum Jayalaxmi , Das Bhaskar Jyoti , Anbarasu Anand , Talukdar Anupam Das , Bhattacharjee Amitabha , Choudhury Manabendra Dutta 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The issue of carbapenem resistance in E.coli is very concerning and it is speculated that cumulative effect of both primary resistance genes and secondary resistance genes that act as helper to the primary resistance genes are the reason behind their aggravation. Therefore, here we attempted to find the role of two secondary resistance genes (SRG) ccdB and repA2 in carbapenem resistance in E. coli (CRE).Methods: Influential genes belonging to secondary resistome that act as helper to the primary resistance genes like blaNDM and blaCTX-M in aggravating β-lactam resistance were selected from an earlier reported in silico study. Transcriptional expression of the selected genes in clinical isolates of E.coli that were discretely harboring blaNDM-1, blaNDM-4, blaNDM-5, blaNDM-7 and blaCTX-M-15 with and without carbapenem and cephalosporin stress (2µg/ml) was determined by real time PCR. Cured mutants sets that were lacking (i) primary resistance genes, (ii) secondary resistance genes and (iii) both primary and secondary resistance genes were prepared by SDS treatment. These sets were then subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method.Results: Out of the 21 genes reported in the in silico study, 2 genes viz. repA2 and ccdB were selected for transcriptional expression analysis. repA2, coding replication regulatory protein, was downregulated in response to carbapenems and cephalosporins. ccdB, coding for plasmid maintenance protein, was also downregulated in response to carbapenems except imipenem and cephalosporins. Following plasmid elimination assay increase in diameter of zone of inhibition under stress of both antibiotics was observed as compared to uncured control hinting at the reversion of antibiotic susceptibility by the-then resistant bacteria. Conclusion: SRGs repA2 and ccdB help sustenance of blaNDM and blaCTX-M under carbapenem and cephalosporin stress.
Encephalitis Associated with COVID-19 in a Patient with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Moghadasi Abdorreza Naser 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
From the beginning of COVID-19 pandemics, the involvement of patient’s nervous system with this virus is increasingly reporting. Although various reports are published on affliction of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with SARS-CoV-2, no report has been published on brain involvement by this virus in MS patients so far. Herein, a 34-year-old patient with MS who experienced the decreased level of consciousness and encephalopathy following COVID-19 involvement has been reported.
Targeted suppression of microRNA-33 in lesional macrophages using pH low-insertion peptides (pHLIP) improves atherosclerotic plaque regression
Authors: Zhang Xinbo , Rotllan Noemi , Canfrán-Duque Alberto , Toczek Jakub , Moshnikova Anna , Malik Shipra , Price Nathan , Araldi Elisa , Zhong Wen , Sadeghi Mehran , Andreev Oleg , Bahal Raman , Reshetnyak Yana , Suarez Yajaira , Fernandez-Hernando Carlos 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Hypoxia and tissue acidification occur in the macrophage-rich regions of advanced atherosclerotic lesions due to the higher oxygen demand of activated immune cells and insufficient oxygen supply. Our group and others originally identified microRNA-33 (miR-33) as critical regulator of cellular lipid homeostasis and lipoprotein metabolism controlling the development of atherosclerosis. Our prior work has demonstrated that pH Low-Insertion Peptides (pHLIP) can be used to direct miR-33 inhibitors to acidic microenvironments and protect against kidney fibrosis. Here we utilize anti-miR-33 conjugated pHLIP constructs to target macrophages located in atherosclerosis plaques. The inhibition of miR-33 using pHLIP-directed targeting increased collagen content and decreased lesional lipid accumulation within atherosclerotic plaques in a murine model of atherosclerosis regression. Single cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed higher expression of fibrotic genes (Col2a1, Col3a1, Fn1, Dcn, etc) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (Timp3), and downregulation of matrix metallopeptidase 12 (Mmp12) in macrophages from atherosclerotic lesions targeted by pHLIP- anti-miR-33. These results suggest a potential application of pHLIP for treating advanced atherosclerosis via pharmacological inhibition of miR-33.
WITHDRAWN: The Drone delivery problem in disaster and pandemics
Authors: Hammouti Issam El , Lajjam Azza , Merouani Mohamed El 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Recently, the use of drone is growing in importance in several fields. Their capacity toavoid traffic jam and operate without a human pilot, make it the perfect method tohome delivery in natural disasters and pandemics. This paper addresses the dronedelivery problem inside Covid-19 outbreak area where quarantine status has beenapplied. This problem aims to minimize the time spent by a drone to complete thehome delivery of pharmaceutical products and other indispensable goods to a set ofresidents inside the quarantine area. We propose a new mathematical formulation forthe problem, and we develop a simulated annealing algorithm to solve large sizedinstances. To show the performance of our metaheuristic; extensive computationalexperience inspired by a real case of study in Morocco (Nador) are realized. Ourresults confirm that the proposed metaheuristic is a better alternative to solve the dronedelivery problem in disaster and pandemics than the commercial solver (CPLEX 12.7)
The ratio of negative lymph nodes count inside the thoracic cavity to the positive lymph count is a prognostic factor in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang jinling , Liu yan , Li hongyan , Li xinglan , Li luning , Yu lianling , Che fengyuan , Heng xueyuan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BACKROUND: It was reported that the number of positive lymph nodes (PLN) and negative lymph nodes (NLN) resected in lymphadenectomy were both independent prognostic factors in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, it is unclear which kind of combination of them would have a stronger impact on the prognosis of the ESCC patients. METHODS: A total of 229 patients with ESCC were retrospectively investigated. The Cox Proportional Hazards Model was used to investigate the relationship between the PLN or NLN and the overall survival of patients. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the survival difference between sub-groups were explored with log-rank tests. The cut-off number of the ratio of NLN count to PLN count resulted in an improved outcome for patients was investigated by a series of log-rank tests. RESULTSs: The numbers of PLN and NLN were both independent prognostic factors, supported by the results of Cox regression model analysis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.12, P<0.001 and HR, 0.97, P=0.024, respectively).The survival differences among sub-groups from N0 to N3 stage were statistically significant (P<0.001). Analysis using a Cox regression model revealed that the number of NLN inside the thoracic cavity had a stronger impact on the prognosis compared to the number of NLN outside the thoracic cavity (HR,0.959, P=0.042 vs.HR, 0.973, P=0.179). As a combination analysis consisting of the number of PLN and NLN, the log-rank test result demonstrated that patients with the ratio of NLN count inside thoracic cavity to the PLN count less than 8 could achieve a better survival.CONCLUSIONS: The ratio of NLN count inside thoracic cavity to the PLN count was a independent prognostic factor.
Needs and Resources of People With Type 2 Diabetes in Peri-urban Cochabamba, Bolivia: a People-centred Perspective
Authors: Leyns Christine , Couvreur Niek , Willems Sara , Hecke Ann Van 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes results in a worldwide public healthcare crisis, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with unprepared and overburdened health systems mainly focused on infectious diseases and maternal and child health. Studies regarding type 2 diabetes in LMICs describe specific interventions ignoring a comprehensive analysis of the local factors people see influential to their health. This study aims to meet this research gap by exploring what people with type 2 diabetes in Bolivia need to maintain or improve their health, how important they perceive those identified needs and to what extent these needs are met.Methods: From March until May 2019, 33 persons with type 2 diabetes from three periurban municipalities of the department of Cochabamba participated in this study. The concept mapping methodology by Trochim, a highly structured qualitative brainstorming method, was used to generate and structure a broad range of perspectives on what the participants consider instrumental for their health.Results: The brainstorming resulted in 156 original statements condensed into 72 conceptually different needs and resources, structured under nine conceptual clusters and four action domains. These domains illustrated with vital needs were: (1) self-management with use of plants and the possibility to measure sugar levels periodically; (2) healthcare providers with the need to trust and receive an uniform diagnose and treatment plan; (3) health system with opportune access to care and (4) community with community participation in health and safety, including removal of stray dogs.Conclusions: This study identifies mostly contextual factors like low literacy levels, linguistic problems in care, the need to articulate people's worldview and traditional use of natural remedies with the Bolivian health system and the lack of expertise on type 2 diabetes by primary health care providers. Understanding the needs and structuring them in different areas wherein action is required serves as a foundation for the planning and evaluation of an integrated people centred care program for people with type 2 diabetes. This participative method serves as a tool to implement the often theoretical concept of integrated people centred health care in health policy and program development.
Identification of Androgen Receptor Variant 7-related RNAs Affecting Abiraterone Efficacy in Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer Treatment by RNA-sequencing
Authors: Wang Shuo , Cao Yudong , Tang Xingxing , Yang Yong , Du Peng 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to identify androgen receptor variant 7 (AR-V7)-related RNAs affecting Abiraterone treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) using RNA-sequencing. Methods: To identify AR-V7-related RNAs affecting Abiraterone treatment of CRPC, a series of in vitro experiments were employed, including cell proliferation assay, cell apoptosis assay, Western blot analysis, and Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). After RNA-sequencing, the differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs and DE long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were screened and the lncRNA-mRNA pairs were identified. In addition, enrichment and Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses were performed. Finally, the mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) network was built, along with survival analysis. Results: A total of 1,387 AR-V7-related RNAs affecting Abiraterone treatment of CRPC were identified. The enrichment analysis showed that the target genes of DEmRNAs and DElncRNAs were primarily involved in cancer-related pathways, including the ErbB signaling pathway, pathways in cancer, and basal cell carcinoma. In addition, notch receptor 1 (NOTCH1), ionotropic NMDA glutamate receptor type subunit 1 (GRIN1), U-box containing protein 1 (STUB1), and mitogen-activated protein kinase 7 (MAP2K7) with high degrees in the PPI network. Moreover, MAP2K7 was regulated by hsa-miR-6825-5p, which in turn was regulated by MAFG-AS1 lncRNA in the ceRNA network. The survival analysis revealed that a total of four lncRNAs, including MAFG-AS1, and 17 mRNAs, including high muscle blind-like splicing regulator 2 (MBNL2), were associated with disease-free survival (RFS). Among them, only MBNL2 overexpression correlated with good survival outcome. The NOTCH1, GRIN1, STUB1, MBNL2, and ErbB signaling pathways are likely related to the efficacy of Abiraterone in CRPC treatment. Moreover, the MAFG-AS1-hsa-miR-6825-5p-MAP2K7 axis could be a therapeutic target for Abiraterone in CRPC treatment.Conclusions: NOTCH1, GRIN1, STUB1, MBNL2, and the ErbB signaling pathway may relate to the progression of CRPC. MAFG-AS1-hsa-miR-6825-5p-MAP2K7 axis might be a potential therapeutic target for Abiraterone in CRPC.
A Prediction Model Based on DNA&nbsp;Methylation Biomarkers and Radiological Characteristics for Identifying Malignant From Benign Pulmonary Nodules
Authors: Xing Wenqun , Sun Haibo , Yan Chi , Zhao Chengzhi , Wang Dongqing , Li Mingming , Ma Jie 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundLung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths across the world. Early detection of lung cancer by low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can reduce the mortality rate. However, making a definitive preoperative diagnosis of malignant pulmonary nodules (PNs) found by LDCT is a clinical challenge. This study aimed to develop a prediction model based on DNA methylation biomarkers and radiological characteristics for identifying malignant pulmonary nodules from benign PNs. MethodsWe assessed three DNA methylation biomarkers (PTGER4, RASSF1A, and SHOX2) in a training cohort of 110 individuals with PNs. Using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, we developed a prediction model based on the three DNA methylation biomarkers and one radiological characteristic for identifying malignant from benign PNs. The performance of the prediction model with that of the methylation biomarkers and the Mayo Clinic model were compared using the non-parametric approach of DeLong et al. with the area under a receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) analysis. ResultsThe developed prediction model achieved a sensitivity of 87.3% and a specificity of 95.7% with an AUC value of 0.951 in malignant PNs diagnosis, being significantly higher than the three DNA methylation biomarkers (84.1% sensitivity and 89.4% specificity, p=0.013) or clinical/radiological characteristics (76.2% sensitivity and 87.2% specificity, p=0.001) alone. Validation of the prediction model in the testing cohort of 100 subjects with PNs confirmed the diagnostic value.ConclusionWe have shown that integrating DNA methylation biomarkers and radiological characteristics could more accurately identify lung cancer in subjects with CT-found PNs. The prediction model developed in our study may provide clinical utility in combination with LDCT to improve the over-all diagnosis of lung cancer.