bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of comorbidities and prognosis in patients with COPD diagnosed with the fixed ratio and the lower limit of normal: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xiong Huaiyu , Huang Qiangru , Shuai Tiankui , Zhu Lei , Zhang Chuchu , Zhang Meng , Wang Yalei , Liu Jian 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Currently, the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not uniform, COPD guidelines recommend fixed ratio (FR), whereas ATS and ERS define airflow obstruction based on lower limit of normal (LLN). We aim to determine if there is difference between the two diagnostic criteria for morbidity, mortality, exacerbation.

Methods
Four databases and all relevant studies from the references were searched from inception to June 25, 2019, to find studies that described the rate of comorbidity, the exacerbation rates, mortality in COPD patients. Data analysis was performed using STATA/SE 14.0 and followed the standard of Cochrane Collaboration. A sensitivity analysis was performed to find the source of heterogeneity.

Results
Thirteen studies and 154,447 participants were finally included in this meta-analysis. The 11 cohort studies and 2 cross-sectional studies were all high-quality. Patients with airflow limitation according to either FR or LLN had higher mortality (HRFR+/LLN- = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.14–1.42; HRFR−/LLN+ = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.17–2.86) than those who met neither criteria. When compared with the FR−/LLN- criteria, those who met the FR criteria were more likely to exacerbate (HR FR+/LLN- = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.09–2.46; HR FR−/LLN+ = 1.58, 95% CI = 0.70–3.55). The meta-analysis for comorbidities showed no significant difference between patients who met neither criteria and those who met LLN or FR criteria.

Conclusion
The patients with airflow limitations according to FR were more likely to exacerbate than those with LLN only. Patients that met either FR or LLN were more likely to have higher mortality than FR−/LLN-. There was no difference between the FR+/LLN- and FR−/LLN+ groups for the occurrence of comorbidities.
Association between TERT gene polymorphisms and acute myeloid leukemia susceptibility in a Chinese population: a case–control study
Authors: Tong Yong , Xiang Yinzhou , Li Bao , Bao Shijie , Zhou Ying , Yuan Wen , Ling Yu , Hao Dan , Zhu Huamin , Sun Zhiqiang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene polymorphisms and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) susceptibility in a Chinese Han population.

Methods
A total of 102 AML patients and 108 healthy controls were enrolled in this case–control study. TERT gene rs2853669 and rs2736100 polymorphisms were genotyped via polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Chi-square test was applied to compare polymorphism distributions between case and control groups. The strength of the association between TERT gene polymorphisms and AML susceptibility was evaluated utilizing odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results
CC genotype and C allele of rs2736100 polymorphism were more frequent in AML patients (P < 0.05), and individuals carrying CC genotype showed higher risk of suffering from AML (OR = 2.632, 95% CI 1.129–6.133). But for rs2853669 polymorphism, no significant differences were detected in either genotype or allele distributions between groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions
This study suggested a positive association between TERT gene rs2736100 polymorphism and AML susceptibility in Chinese Han population.
Lipidomics profiling of skin surface lipids in senile pruritus
Authors: Ma Xiaolei , Lu Lulu , Zhao Zheng , Cai Mingru , Gao Na , Han Gangwen 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Senile pruritus is common, yet its etiology remains unknown. Aging-associated skin barrier defects and skin surface lipid (SSL) alterations have been postulated to play important roles in its occurrence. In the present study, the lipidomic profiles of SSLs in elderly patients were examined to better understand the potential causes of senile pruritus.

Methods
Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was evaluated to assess the skin barrier function. The Ameliorated Kawashima Itch Scale score was used to measure the pruritus severity. Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and multivariate data analysis were employed to investigate SSL alterations.

Results
The results showed that senile pruritus patients had higher TEWL values than control subjects (13.13 ± 4.28 versus 6.71 ± 2.45, p < 0.01). LC-MS/MS revealed significant differences in the lipidomic profiles and identified 81 species of SSLs that differed between the two groups. Compared with control subjects, senile pruritus patients had increased levels of ceramides (Cers), diacylglycerols, fatty acids, phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, phytosphingosines, sphingosines, diacylceryl-3-O-carboxyhydroxymethylcholine, diacylglyceryl trimethylhomoserine, and unsaturated free fatty acids, but decreased levels of triacylglycerol. Cer-EOS, Cer-NDS, and Cer-NS were positively correlated with TEWL value (p < 0.05). Pruritus severity score was positively correlated with sphingomyelin, Cer-NP, Cer-AS, Cer-NDS, and Cer-NS, but negatively correlated with Cer-BS, Cer-EODS, Cer-EOS, and Cer-AP.

Conclusions
The present study indicated that patients with senile pruritus have impaired skin barrier function and altered SSL composition. Certain SSL species identified in this study may be potential targets for future studies on the pathogenesis of senile pruritus.

Trial registration
Peking University International Hospital (Number: YN2018QN04; date: January 2019).
Knowledge and practice of induction of lactation in trans women among professionals working in trans health
Authors: Trautner Emily , McCool-Myers Megan , Joyner Andrea Braden 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Breastfeeding is emerging as an important reproductive rights issue in the care of trans and gender nonconforming people. This study sought to understand the tools available to professionals working in the field of trans health to help trans women induce lactation and explore the concept of unmet need.

Methods
In November 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional study which surveyed attendees at the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) symposium in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Eligible participants were 18 + years old, had professional experience with transgender populations, were able to complete a survey in English, and were conference attendees. Descriptive data were collected using a 14-item written survey encompassing demographic characteristics, experience in transgender health, and lactation induction in trans women.

Results
We surveyed 82 respondents (response rate 10.5%), the majority of whom were healthcare professionals (84%). Average age of respondents was 42.3 years old. They represented 11 countries and averaged 8.8 years of work at 21.3 h/week with trans populations. Healthcare professionals in this sample primarily specialized in general/internal medicine, psychology, endocrinology, and obstetrics/gynecology. One-third of respondents (34%) stated that they have met trans women who expressed interest in inducing lactation. Seventeen respondents (21%) knew of providers, clinics, or programs that facilitated the induction of lactation through medication or other means. Seven respondents (9%) have helped trans women induce lactation with an average of 1.9 trans women in the previous year. Two protocols for lactation induction were mentioned in free text responses and 91% believe there is a need for specialized protocols for trans women.

Conclusion
This exploratory study demonstrates healthcare professionals’ interest in breastfeeding protocols for lactation induction in trans women. Additional studies are needed to capture insights from breastfeeding specialists, e.g. lactation consultants and peripartum nurses, and to understand patients’ perspectives on this service.
Nociceptin is present in synovial fluid of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Verbeek Thomas A. , Jarbadan Nancy Ruth , Davis Charles , Caldwell Julia 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Osteoarthritis is a mechanical abnormality characterized by chronic joint pain associated with degeneration of the articular cartilage, synovitis, and local inflammation, leading to loss of function and pain. A connection exists between the peripheral nervous system and inflammatory joint degeneration. The process by which inflammation is influenced by the nervous system is known as neuroinflammation. One of the neuropeptides involved in peripheral neuroinflammation is nociceptin, a peptide related to the opioid class of substances. Nociceptin has both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects. Some studies show that nociceptin can be measured in synovial fluid, while other studies have not been able to detect it. The presence of nociceptin in synovial fluid could imply a molecular role for the neuropeptide in the joint, both physiologically as well as pathophysiologically. The goal of this pilot study was to determine whether nociceptin was present in the synovial fluid of osteoarthritic knees.

Methods
Patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty were enrolled after Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. Synovial fluid was aspirated from patients’ operative knee joints and blood samples were obtained. A commercially available enzyme Immunoassay kit was used to test for nociceptin. A linear mixed-effects model was developed to account for the repeated measurements and baseline covariates. Least squares (adjusted) means were derived from the model to compare the sample types and to compare subgroups.

Results
Twenty patients were included in this study. Nociceptin was detected in the synovial fluid and plasma of all patients. The mean concentration (± standard deviation) of nociceptin in synovial fluid was 28.7 ± 18.2 pg/ml. The mean concentration of nociceptin in plasma was 45.2 ± 24.3 pg/ml pre-procedure, and 40.1 ± 20.6 pg/ml post-tourniquet deflation. The nociceptin concentration in synovial fluid was significantly lower than the nociceptin concentration in plasma, both pre-procedure and post-tourniquet deflation (p = 0.002 and p = 0.016 respectively). The nociceptin concentration in both plasma and synovial fluid was significantly lower in females versus males (p = 0.012).

Conclusion
We demonstrated that nociceptin is present in synovial fluid and plasma of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. This implies a potential role for nociceptin in modulating inflammation in osteoarthritis.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02528916. Retrospectively registered on August 19, 2015,
Quality indicators for a geriatric emergency care (GeriQ-ED) – an evidence-based delphi consensus approach to improve the care of geriatric patients in the emergency department
Authors: Schuster Susanne , Singler Katrin , Lim Stephen , Machner Mareen , Döbler Klaus , Dormann Harald 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Introduction
In emergency care, geriatric requirements and risks are often not taken sufficiently into account. In addition, there are neither evidence-based recommendations nor scientifically developed quality indicators (QI) for geriatric emergency care in German emergency departments. As part of the GeriQ-ED© research project, quality indicators for geriatric emergency medicine in Germany have been developed using the QUALIFY-instruments.

Methods
Using a triangulation methodology, a) clinical experience-based quality aspects were identified and verified, b) research-based quality statements were formulated and assessed for relevance, and c) preliminary quality indicators were operationalized and evaluated in order to recommend a feasible set of final quality indicators.

Results
Initially, 41 quality statements were identified and assessed as relevant. Sixty-seven QI (33 process, 29 structure and 5 outcome indicators) were extrapolated and operationalised. In order to facilitate implementation into daily practice, the following five quality statements were defined as the GeriQ-ED© TOP 5: screening for delirium, taking a full medications history including an assessment of the indications, education of geriatric knowledge and skills to emergency staff, screening for patients with geriatric needs, and identification of patients with risk of falls/ recurrent falls.

Discussion
QIs are regarded as gold standard to measure, benchmark and improve emergency care. GeriQ-ED© QI focused on clinical experience- and research-based recommendations and describe for the first time a standard for geriatric emergency care in Germany. GeriQ-ED© TOP 5 should be implemented as a minimum standard in geriatric emergency care.
A trauma medical home, evaluating collaborative care for the older injured patient: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ortiz Damaris , Meagher Ashley D. , Lindroth Heidi , Holler Emma , Gao Sujuan , Khan Babar , Lasiter Sue , Boustani Malaz , Zarzaur Ben 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
It is estimated that 55 million adults will be 65 years and older in the USA by 2020. These older adults are at increased risk for injury and their recovery is multi-faceted. A collaborative care model may improve psychological and functional outcomes of the non-neurologically impaired older trauma patient and reduce health care costs.

Methods
This is a randomized controlled trial of 430 patients aged 50 and older who have suffered a non-neurologic injury and are admitted to a level one trauma center in Indianapolis, IN, or Madison, WI. Participants will be assigned to either the Trauma Medical Home (TMH) intervention or usual care. The TMH intervention is a collaborative care model that includes validated protocols addressing the multi-faceted needs of this population, with the help of care coordination software and a mobile office concept. The primary outcome is self-reported physical recovery at 6- and 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes include self-reported psychological recovery, acute health care utilization, and cost-effectiveness of the intervention at 6 and 12 months. The TMH collaborative care model will be delivered by a registered nurse care coordinator. The assessments will be completed by trained blinded research assistants.

Discussion
The proposed study will evaluate a collaborative care model to help maximize psychological and functional recovery for non-neurologically injured older patients at four level one trauma centers in the Midwest.

Trial registration
Clinical Trials. NCT03108820. Registered on 11 April 2017.
Protocol Version 6: Study # 1612690852. April 12, 2019.
Sponsor: Indiana University. Human subjects and IRB contact information: irb@iu.edu
Prospectively registered in the WHO ICTRP on 4 June 2017.
Semi-continuous pilot-scale microbial oil production with Metschnikowia pulcherrima on starch hydrolysate
Authors: Abeln Felix , Hicks Robert H. , Auta Hadiza , Moreno-Beltrán Mauro , Longanesi Luca , Henk Daniel A. , Chuck Christopher J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundHeterotrophic microbial oils are potentially a more sustainable alternative to vegetable or fossil oils for food and fuel applications. However, as almost all work in the area is conducted on the laboratory scale, such studies carry limited industrial relevance and do not give a clear indication of what is required to produce an actual industrial process.Metschnikowia pulcherrimais a non-pathogenic industrially promising oleaginous yeast which exhibits numerous advantages for cost-effective lipid production, including a wide substrate uptake, antimicrobial activity and fermentation inhibitor tolerance. In this study,M. pulcherrimawas fermented in stirred tank reactors of up to 350 L with 250-L working volume in both batch and semi-continuous operation to highlight the potential industrial relevance. Due to being food-grade, suitable for handling at scale and to demonstrate the oligosaccharide uptake capacity ofM. pulcherrima, enzyme-hydrolysed starch in the form of glucose syrup was selected as fermentation feedstock.ResultsIn batch fermentations on the 2-L scale, a lipid concentration of 14.6 g L−1and productivity of 0.11 g L−1 h−1were achieved, which was confirmed at 50 L (15.8 g L−1; 0.10 g L−1 h−1). The maximum lipid production rate was 0.33 g L−1 h−1(daily average), but the substrate uptake rate decreased with oligosaccharide chain length. To produce 1 kg of dry yeast biomass containing up to 43% (w/w) lipids, 5.2 kg of the glucose syrup was required, with a lipid yield of up to 0.21 g g−1consumed saccharides. In semi-continuous operation, for the first time, an oleaginous yeast was cultured for over 2 months with a relatively stable lipid production rate (around 0.08 g L−1 h−1) and fatty acid profile (degree of fatty acid saturation around 27.6% w/w), and without contamination. On the 250-L scale, comparable results were observed, culminating in the generation of nearly 10 kg lipids with a lipid productivity of 0.10 g L−1 h−1.ConclusionsThe results establish the importance ofM. pulcherrimafor industrial biotechnology and its suitability to commercially produce a food-grade oil. Further improvements in the productivity are required to makeM. pulcherrimalipid production industrial reality, particularly when longer-chain saccharides are involved.
Polygenic analysis of very high acetic acid tolerance in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae reveals a complex genetic background and several new causative alleles
Authors: Stojiljkovic Marija , Foulquié-Moreno María R. , Thevelein Johan M. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
High acetic acid tolerance is of major importance in industrial yeast strains used for second-generation bioethanol production, because of the high acetic acid content of lignocellulose hydrolysates. It is also important in first-generation starch hydrolysates and in sourdoughs containing significant acetic acid levels. We have previously identified snf4E269* as a causative allele in strain MS164 obtained after whole-genome (WG) transformation and selection for improved acetic acid tolerance.

Results
We have now performed polygenic analysis with the same WG transformant MS164 to identify novel causative alleles interacting with snf4E269* to further enhance acetic acid tolerance, from a range of 0.8–1.2% acetic acid at pH 4.7, to previously unmatched levels for Saccharomyces cerevisiae. For that purpose, we crossed the WG transformant with strain 16D, a previously identified strain displaying very high acetic acid tolerance. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping with pooled-segregant whole-genome sequence analysis identified four major and two minor QTLs. In addition to confirmation of snf4E269* in QTL1, we identified six other genes linked to very high acetic acid tolerance, TRT2, MET4, IRA2 and RTG1 and a combination of MSH2 and HAL9, some of which have never been connected previously to acetic acid tolerance. Several of these genes appear to be wild-type alleles that complement defective alleles present in the other parent strain.

Conclusions
The presence of several novel causative genes highlights the distinct genetic basis and the strong genetic background dependency of very high acetic acid tolerance. Our results suggest that elimination of inferior mutant alleles might be equally important for reaching very high acetic acid tolerance as introduction of rare superior alleles. The superior alleles of MET4 and RTG1 might be useful for further improvement of acetic acid tolerance in specific industrial yeast strains.
Gene–methylation interactions: discovering region-wise DNA methylation levels that modify SNP-associated disease risk
Authors: Romanowska Julia , Haaland Øystein A. , Jugessur Astanand , Gjerdevik Miriam , Xu Zongli , Taylor Jack , Wilcox Allen J. , Jonassen Inge , Lie Rolv T. , Gjessing Håkon K. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Current technology allows rapid assessment of DNA sequences and methylation levels at a single-site resolution for hundreds of thousands of sites in the human genome, in thousands of individuals simultaneously. This has led to an increase in epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) of complex traits, particularly those that are poorly explained by previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS). However, the genome and epigenome are intertwined, e.g., DNA methylation is known to affect gene expression through, for example, genomic imprinting. There is thus a need to go beyond single-omics data analyses and develop interaction models that allow a meaningful combination of information from EWAS and GWAS.

Results
We present two new methods for genetic association analyses that treat offspring DNA methylation levels as environmental exposure. Our approach searches for statistical interactions between SNP alleles and DNA methylation (G ×Me) and between parent-of-origin effects and DNA methylation (PoO ×Me), using case-parent triads or dyads. We use summarized methylation levels over nearby genomic region to ease biological interpretation. The methods were tested on a dataset of parent–offspring dyads, with EWAS data on the offspring. Our results showed that methylation levels around a SNP can significantly alter the estimated relative risk. Moreover, we show how a control dataset can identify false positives.

Conclusions
The new methods, G ×Me and PoO ×Me, integrate DNA methylation in the assessment of genetic relative risks and thus enable a more comprehensive biological interpretation of genome-wide scans. Moreover, our strategy of condensing DNA methylation levels within regions helps overcome specific disadvantages of using sparse chip-based measurements. The methods are implemented in the freely available R package Haplin (https://cran.r-project.org/package=Haplin), enabling fast scans of multi-omics datasets.
IGF1 gene is epigenetically activated in preterm infants with intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Kantake Masato , Ikeda Naho , Nakaoka Hirofumi , Ohkawa Natsuki , Tanaka Toshitaka , Miyabayashi Kazuki , Shoji Hiromichi , Shimizu Toshiaki 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
IGF1 is a key molecule in the regulation of growth and metabolism. Low IGF1 secretion is known to cause growth restriction in childhood, as well as deregulated lipid metabolism, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes in adulthood. The IGF1 gene P2 promoter is highly methylated, resulting in low secretion of IGF1 in small infants and children. However, it is unknown when this methylation occurs. The aim of study was to clarify the point when this epigenetic program occurs during intrauterine development.
We analyzed 56 preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestation, including 19 intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) infants whose birth weights were lower than − 2SD calculated by the Japanese datasets. We extracted genomic DNA from whole blood at birth; methylation of the six CpG sites in the IGF1 P2 promoter was analyzed by the bisulfite amplicon method using the MiSeq platform.

Results
In contrast to term infants and children, the methylation of all six CpG sites positively correlated with body weight and body length at birth. IGF1 P2 promoter methylation levels were significantly reduced in all six CpG sites in infants with IUGR.

Conclusions
These findings indicated that the IGF1 gene is epigenetically activated before 32 weeks of gestation in infants with IUGR and that the activated gene may become suppressed after this time point. This study may provide new insights to prevent the onset of adult diseases and to aid in nutritional management for preterm birth infants in neonatal intensive care units.