bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct oral anticoagulant therapy in patients with morbid obesity after intermediate- or high-risk pulmonary emboli
Authors: Lachant Daniel J. , Bach Christina , Fe Alexander , White R. James , Lachant Neil A. 
Published: November 2020

There is little reported on the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in morbid obesity after venous thromboembolism (VTE).In this observational study, patients were followed up after intermediate- or high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) at the University of Rochester Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic 2–4 months after the initial event. All patients had echocardiography and V/Q imaging regardless of symptoms. Outcomes of interest were the rates of recurrent VTE, thrombus resolution and development of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) in patients with morbid obesity treated with a DOAC compared to treatment with vitamin K antagonists and to non-morbidly obese patients after PE. Using the electronic medical record, recurrent events were assessed up to 12 months after the event.107 patients (body mass index (BMI)>40 kg·m−2, n=32; BMI 30–39.9 kg·m−2, n=39; BMI<30 kg·m−2, n=36) attended follow-up appointments after treatment for PE. A DOAC was used in 70 patients (BMI>40 kg·m−2, n=19; BMI 30–39.9 kg·m−2, n=27; BMI<30 kg·m−2, n=24). There were no recurrent events within the first 12 months of initial diagnosis based on symptoms and imaging in any patient. There was no difference in rate of residual unmatched perfusion defect with DOACs or conventional anticoagulation (49%versus49%). This finding remained in the subset of morbidly obese patients (47%versus50%). For the overall cohort, there was no difference in the rate of CTEPH development based on anticoagulation with a DOAC (5%versus8% with warfarin). There were no major bleeding complications with a DOAC.DOAC therapy appears to be effective and safe in morbid obesity even after intermediate- or high-risk PE. ​
Severe outcomes of COVID-19 among patients with COPD and asthma
Authors: Hansen Erik Soeren Halvard , Moeller Amalie Lykkemark , Backer Vibeke , Andersen Mikkel Porsborg , Kober Lars , Kragholm Kristian , Torp-Pedersen Christian 
Published: November 2020

IntroductionPatients with obstructive lung diseases are possibly at risk of developing severe outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the risk of severe outcomes of COVID-19 among patients with asthma and COPD.MethodsWe performed a nationwide cohort study of patients with COVID-19 from 1 February to 10 July 2020. All patients with COVID-19 registered in the Danish registers were included. Using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes and medication history, patients were divided into asthma, COPD or no asthma or COPD. Primary outcome was a combined outcome of severe COVID-19, intensive care or death.ResultsOut of 5104 patients with COVID-19 (median age 54.8 years (25–75th percentile 40.5 to 72.3); women, 53.0%), 354 had asthma and 432 COPD. The standardised absolute risk of the combined end-point was 21.2% (95% CI 18.8–23.6) in patients with COPD, 18.5% (95% CI 14.3–22.7) in patients with asthma and 17.2% (95% CI 16.1–18.3) in patients with no asthma or COPD. Patients with COPD had a slightly increased risk of the combined end-point compared with patients without asthma or COPD (risk difference 4.0%; 95% CI 1.3–6.6; p=0.003). In age standardised analyses, there were no differences between the disease groups. Low blood eosinophil counts (<0.3×109 cells·L−1) were associated with increased risk of severe outcomes among patients with COPD.ConclusionPatients with COPD have a slightly increased risk of developing severe outcomes of COVID-19 compared with patients without obstructive lung diseases. However, in age-standardised analysis, the risk difference disappears.
New Hybrid AD Methodology for Minimizing the Total Amount of Information Content: A Case Study of Rehabilitation Robot Design
Authors: Yang Tao , Gao Xueshan , Dai Fuquan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractConverting customer needs into specific forms and providing consumers with services are crucial in product design. Currently, conversion is no longer difficult due to the development of modern technology, and various measures can be applied for product realization, thus increasing the complexity of analysis and evaluation in the design process. The focus of the design process has thus shifted from problem solving to minimizing the total amount of information content. This paper presents a New Hybrid Axiomatic Design (AD) Methodology based on iteratively matching and merging design parameters that meet the independence axiom and attribute constraints by applying trimming technology, the ideal final results, and technology evolution theory. The proposed method minimizes the total amount of information content and improves the design quality. Finally, a case study of a rehabilitation robot design for hemiplegic patients is presented. The results indicate that the iterative matching and merging of related attributes can minimize the total amount of information content, reduce the cost, and improve design efficiency. Additionally, evolutionary technology prediction can ensure product novelty and improve market competitiveness. The methodology provides an excellent way to design a new (or improved) product.
hGC33-Modified and Sorafenib-Loaded Nanoparticles have a Synergistic Anti-Hepatoma Effect by Inhibiting Wnt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Shen Jing , Cai Wenpeng , Ma Yongfang , Xu Ruyue , Huo Zhen , Song Li , Qiu Xinyin , Zhang Yinci , Li Amin , Cao Weiya , Zhou Shuping , Tang Xiaolong 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDelivery of tumor-specific inhibitors is a challenge in cancer treatment. Antibody-modified nanoparticles can deliver their loaded drugs to tumor cells that overexpress specific tumor-associated antigens. Here, we constructed sorafenib-loaded polyethylene glycol-b-PLGA polymer nanoparticles modified with antibody hGC33 to glypican-3 (GPC3 +), a membrane protein overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma. We found that hGC33-modified NPs (hGC33-SFB-NP) targeted GPC3+ hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells by specifically binding to GPC3 on the surface of HCC cells, inhibited Wnt-induced signal transduction, and inhibited HCC cells in G0/1 by down-regulating cyclin D1 expression, thus attenuating HCC cell migration by inhibiting epithelial–mesenchymal transition. hGC33-SFB-NP inhibited the migration, cycle progression, and proliferation of HCC cells by inhibiting the Ras/Raf/MAPK pathway and the Wnt pathway in tandem with GPC3 molecules, respectively. hGC33-SFB-NP inhibited the growth of liver cancer in vivo and improved the survival rate of tumor-bearing mice. We conclude that hGC33 increases the targeting of SFB-NP to HCC cells. hGC33-SFB-NP synergistically inhibits the progression of HCC by blocking the Wnt pathway and the Ras/Raf/MAPK pathway.
Multitract percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the management of staghorn stones
Authors: Rashid Aso Omer , Mahmood Sarwar Noori , Amin Aram Karim , Bapir Rawa , Buchholz Noor 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundStaghorn stones are difficult to manage with a risk of significant renal impairment and urosepsis. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is the first-line treatment for staghorn stones. Often, multiple access tracts are needed to render the patient stone-free. PCNL has been combined with SWL, flexible URS (ECIRS), and mini-PCNL to access residual fragments without the need of additional tracts. However, in a country with limited access to technology and a restraint on resources, multitract PCNL still is the preferred option. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of multitract PCNL in such an environment.MethodsWe analyzed data on sixty-five patients with staghorn calculus who underwent multitract PCNL for a staghorn calculus. Data included demographics, stone parameters, intraoperative parameters, complications and clinical outcomes. Hb-drop and creatinine changes were assessed pre- and post-OP. Complications were graded according to the modified Clavien-Dindo classification.ResultsIn a total of 65 patients [47 males (72%)], 154 percutaneous access tracts were used in 66 renal units. The number of tracts varied between 2 and 4 in a single renal unit. The stone-free rate was 85%. 20% of patients developed grade I, 14% grade II, and 3% grade III b complications. There were no grade IV and V complications.ConclusionMultitract PCNL is safe and efficient, with a good stone-free rate and an acceptable complication rate. When auxiliary combination treatments are not available, multitract standard PCNL remains an option.
CGINet: graph convolutional network-based model for identifying chemical-gene interaction in an integrated multi-relational graph
Authors: Wang Wei , Yang Xi , Wu Chengkun , Yang Canqun 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Elucidation of interactive relation between chemicals and genes is of key relevance not only for discovering new drug leads in drug development but also for repositioning existing drugs to novel therapeutic targets. Recently, biological network-based approaches have been proven to be effective in predicting chemical-gene interactions.

Results
We present CGINet, a graph convolutional network-based method for identifying chemical-gene interactions in an integrated multi-relational graph containing three types of nodes: chemicals, genes, and pathways. We investigate two different perspectives on learning node embeddings. One is to view the graph as a whole, and the other is to adopt a subgraph view that initial node embeddings are learned from the binary association subgraphs and then transferred to the multi-interaction subgraph for more focused learning of higher-level target node representations. Besides, we reconstruct the topological structures of target nodes with the latent links captured by the designed substructures. CGINet adopts an end-to-end way that the encoder and the decoder are trained jointly with known chemical-gene interactions. We aim to predict unknown but potential associations between chemicals and genes as well as their interaction types.

Conclusions
We study three model implementations CGINet-1/2/3 with various components and compare them with baseline approaches. As the experimental results suggest, our models exhibit competitive performances on identifying chemical-gene interactions. Besides, the subgraph perspective and the latent link both play positive roles in learning much more informative node embeddings and can lead to improved prediction.
Visual adaptation of opsin genes to the aquatic environment in sea snakes
Authors: Seiko Takashi , Kishida Takushi , Toyama Mina , Hariyama Takahiko , Okitsu Takashi , Wada Akimori , Toda Mamoru , Satta Yoko , Terai Yohey 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundEvolutionary transitions from terrestrial to aquatic life history cause drastic changes in sensory systems. Indeed, the drastic changes in vision have been reported in many aquatic amniotes, convergently. Recently, the opsin genes of the full-aquatic sea snakes have been reported. However, those of the amphibious sea snakes have not been examined in detail.ResultsHere, we investigated opsin genes and visual pigments of sea snakes. We determined the sequences ofSWS1,LWS, andRH1genes from one terrestrial, three amphibious and four fully-aquatic elapids. Amino acid replacements at four and one spectra-tuning positions were found in LWS and RH1, respectively. We measured or predicted absorption of LWS and RH1 pigments with A1-derived retinal. During their evolution, blue shifts of LWS pigments have occurred stepwise in amphibious sea snakes and convergently in both amphibious and fully-aquatic species.ConclusionsBlue shifted LWS pigments may have adapted to deep water or open water environments dominated by blue light. The evolution of opsins differs between marine mammals (cetaceans and pinnipeds) and sea snakes in two fundamental ways: (1) pseudogenization of opsins in marine mammals; and (2) large blue shifts of LWS pigments in sea snakes. It may be possible to explain these two differences at the level of photoreceptor cell composition given that cone and rod cells both exist in mammals whereas only cone cells exist in fully-aquatic sea snakes. We hypothesize that the differences in photoreceptor cell compositions may have differentially affected the evolution of opsins in divergent amniote lineages.
Genetic analysis of rice seedling traits related to machine transplanting under different seeding densities
Authors: Zhu Dan , Zhang Yuping , Xiang Jing , Wang Yaliang , Zhu Defeng , Zhang Yikai , Chen Huizhe 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundDue to the diversity of rice varieties and cropping systems in China, the limitation of seeding density and seedling quality makes it hard to improve machine-transplanted efficiency. Previous studies have shown that indica and japonica varieties varied in machine transplanting efficiency and optimal seeding density. In this study, a RIL population derived from ‘9311’ and ‘Nipponbare’ were performed to explore the seedling traits variations and the genetic mechanism under three seeding densities.ResultsThe parents and RIL population exhibited similar trends as the seeding density increased, including seedling height and first leaf sheath length increases, shoot dry weight and root dry weight decreases. Among the 37 QTLs for six traits detected under the three seeding densities, 12 QTLs were detected in both three seeding densities. Five QTL hotspots identified clustered within genomic regions on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 6 and 11. Specific QTLs such asqRDW1.1andqFLSL5.1were detected under low and high seeding densities, respectively. Detailed analysis the QTL regions identified under specific seeding densities revealed several candidate genes involved in phytohormones signals and abiotic stress responses. Whole-genome additive effects showed that ‘9311’ contributed more loci enhancing trait performances than ‘Nipponbare’, indicating ‘9311’ was more sensitive to the seeding density than ‘Nipponbare’. The prevalence of negative epistasis effects indicated that the complementary two-locus homozygotes may not have marginal advantages over the means of the two parental genotypes.ConclusionsOur results revealed the differences between indica rice and japonica rice seedling traits in response to seeding density. Several QTL hotspots involved in different traits and specific QTLs (such asqRDW1.1andqFLSL5.1) in diverse seeding densities had been detected. Genome-wide additive and two-locus epistasis suggested a dynamic of the genetic control underlying different seeding densities. It was concluded that novel QTLs, additive and epistasis effects under specific seeding density would provide adequate information for rice seedling improvement during machine transplanting.
Genetic characterization of Addison’s disease in Bearded Collies
Authors: Gershony Liza C. , Belanger Janelle M. , Hytönen Marjo K. , Lohi Hannes , Famula Thomas R. , Oberbauer Anita M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundPrimary hypoadrenocorticism (or Addison’s disease, AD) is an autoimmune disease that results in destruction of the adrenal cortex and consequent adrenal insufficiency. The disease has been described in purebred and mixed breed dogs, although some breeds, including the Bearded Collie, are at increased risk for AD. Candidate gene approaches have yielded few associations that appear to be breed-specific. A single other genome-wide association study reported no significant regions of association for AD in Standard Poodles. The present study aimed to identify genomic regions of association for canine AD in Bearded Collies.ResultsOur study consists of the first genome-wide association analysis to identify a genome-wide significant region of association with canine AD (CFA18). Peaks of suggestive association were also noted on chromosomes 11, 16 and 29. Logistic regression analysis supported an additive effect of risk genotypes at these smaller effect loci on the probability of disease associated with carrying a risk genotype on CFA18. Potential candidate genes involved in adrenal steroidogenesis, regulation of immune responses and/or inflammation were identified within the associated regions of chromosomes 11 and 16. The gene-poor regions of chromosomes 18 and 29 may, however, harbor regulatory sequences that can modulate gene expression and contribute to disease susceptibility.ConclusionOur findings support the polygenic and complex nature of canine AD and identified a strongly associated locus on CFA18 that, when combined with three other smaller effect loci, was predictive of disease. The results offer progress in the identification of susceptibility loci for canine AD in the Bearded Collie. Further studies are needed to confirm association with the suggested candidate genes and identify actual causative mutations involved with AD susceptibility in this breed.
The elephant in the room: an exploratory study of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) management in Indonesian primary care settings
Authors: Ekawati Fitriana Murriya , Emilia Ova , Gunn Jane , Licqurish Sharon , Lau Phyllis 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Indonesia has the highest maternal mortality rate in South East Asia, that a third of the mortality is caused by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including preeclampsia and eclampsia. Research suggests that maternal deaths from HDP are avoidable with appropriate initial management in primary care. However, little is known regarding the exact way HDP management is conducted in Indonesian primary care. This research aims to explore the way HDP management is provided, including its barriers and facilitators in Indonesian primary care settings.

Methods
This research applied a practical qualitative methodology using interviews with a topic guide. It is guided by the implementation science framework of the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework and Practical Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM) to design and evaluate complex healthcare interventions. Primary care key stakeholders from Yogyakarta province were recruited from May–December 2018. The interviews were conducted in face-to-face, telephone, and teleconference interviews. Data from the interviews were analysed thematically using a mix of inductive and deductive approaches.

Results
A total of 24 participants were interviewed, consisting of four general practitioners, five midwives, three nurses, three obstetricians, a cardiologist, five policymakers and three women with a previous history of HDP. Referrals are the usual management performed for HDP women in primary care and the primary care providers’ practice is challenged by three identified themes: (i) providers’ limited confidence to perform HDP management, (ii) fragmented continuity of care, and (iii) community beliefs. Many participants also desired to have more focused guidance to improve HDP management in primary care practice.

Conclusion
Even though Indonesian antenatal care and referrals are generally accessible, there are many challenges and fragmentation of HDP management. The most prominent challenge is the primary care providers’ lack of confidence in performing the management and the ‘elephant’ of an urgent need of practice guidelines in primary care that has never been appropriately described in the literature. Further development of an evidence-based primary care-focused guidance will potentially improve primary care providers’ skills to perform optimal HDP management and provide appropriate education to their patients.
Age and pain score before gastrointestinal endoscopies in children are predictors for post procedure pain
Authors: Galai Tut , Yerushalmy-Feler Anat , Heller Nathan P. , Ben-Tov Amir , Weintraub Yael , Amir Achiya , Moran-Lev Hadar , Zac Lilach , Cohen Shlomi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Gastrointestinal endoscopy may be associated with pain and anxiety. Predictors for high pain scores after endoscopies in children are not known. The aim of our study was to identify risk factors for prolonged recovery and higher pain scores after gastrointestinal endoscopy in children.

Methods
All the children that were electively admitted for gastrointestinal endoscopies were included. We retrospectively collected demographic, clinical and endoscopic data as well as information on the recovery process. A numerical rating scale and the Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability Scale were used for pain scoring.

Results
During the study period (01/2016–10/2016), 284 children (median age 10.7 years, interquartile range 6.7–14.8) were recruited. In a univariate analysis, older age, higher pre-procedure pain scores, longer procedure durations, higher number of biopsies and longer recovery duration were associated with higher post-procedure pain scores. In a multivariate analysis higher pain scores before the procedure (OR 12.42, 95% CI 3.67–42, P < 0.001) and older age (OR 1.016, 95% CI 1.007–1.025, P < 0.001) were associated with higher pain scores after the procedure. Children with a higher pain score before the procedure also had a longer recovery period (OR 5.28, 95% CI (1.93–14.49), P = 0.001).

Conclusion
Older age and higher pain score before the procedure were identified as predictors for higher pain score after pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopies. Children with these risk factors should be identified before the procedure in order to personalize their post-procedure management.
Recurrence of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis after fecal microbiota transplantation treatment and the efficacy of re-FMT: a case series
Authors: Dang Xiao-Fei , Qing-Xi Wang  , Yin Zhao , Sun Lin , Yang Wei-Hua 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the pathogenesis of which is complicated, and it is difficult to treat. In recent years, the emerging fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has shown good effects in UC treatment and is therefore accepted by increasing numbers of patients. Our hospital has carried out FMT since 2017, and has achieved good results in UC treatment. We have found in our clinical work that the efficacy of re-FMT after recurrence decreased. This is difference from reported literatures. In order to attract clinical attention, here we selected typical cases for analysis.

Methods
Among all UC patients who received FMT in our hospital, 12 patients with moderate to severe UC were selected. They all received multiple FMT and were followed up for 52 weeks. Besides, none of them had other underlying diseases. Colonoscopy images of patients were presentated, SCCAI and UCDAI were used assess the effect of FMT.

Results
On the whole, FMT has a significant effect on moderate to severe UC. Of the 12 patients, 11 (91.7%) achieved a clinical response, 9 (75.0%) achieved clinical remission, and only one patient did not respond to FMT treatment. However, 6 patients relapsed within 52 weeks after remission, with a recurrence rate of 54.5%. Four of the six relapsed patients received FMT again, but the efficacy of FMT after relapse was significantly lower than that of the initial FMT. Fortunately, compared to before the initial FMT treatment, the severity of the disease after relapse was significantly reduced.

Conclusion
FMT has a good effect on the relief of moderate to severe UC. However, the effect of FMT treatment after relapse is reduced. For patients who relapse after remission, the efficacy of FMT reapplication requires more experiments to verify.