bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chest CT imaging characteristics of COVID-19 pneumonia in preschool children: a retrospective study
Authors: Li Yang , Cao Jianghui , Zhang Xiaolong , Liu Guangzhi , Wu Xiaxia , Wu Baolin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Recently, the World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. So far, however, limited data are available for children. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the clinical and chest CT imaging characteristics of COVID-19 in preschool children.Methods: From January 26, 2020 to February 20, 2020, the clinical and initial chest CT imaging data of eight preschool children with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 from two hospitals were retrospectively collected. The chest CT imaging characteristics, including the distribution, shape, and density of lesions, and the pleural effusion, pleural changes, and enlarged lymph nodes were evaluated. Results: Two cases (25%) were classified as mild type, and they showed no obvious abnormal CT findings or minimal pleural thickening on the right side. Five cases (62.5%) were classified as moderate type. Among these patients, one case showed consolidation located in the subpleural region of the right upper lobe, with thickening in the adjacent pleura; one case showed multiple consolidation and ground-glass opacities with blurry margins; one case displayed bronchial pneumonia-like changes in the left upper lobe; and two cases displayed asthmatic bronchitis-like changes. One case (12.5%) was classified as critical type and showed bronchial pneumonia-like changes in the bilateral lungs, presenting blurred and messy bilateral lung markings and multiple patchy shadows scattered along the lung markings with blurry margins.Conclusions: The chest CT findings of COVID-19 in preschool children are atypical and various. Accurate diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation of epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and CT imaging data.
Circular RNA profiling of buffalo myoblasts reveals an abundant circPICALM that promotes myoblast differentiation
Authors: Song Mingming , Chen Mengjie , Huang Kongwei , Zhong Dandan , Chen Yaling , Fu Jiayuan , Jiang Mingsheng , Liu Qingyou , Shi Deshun , Li Hui 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Synthesis of two-dimensional lamellar porous carbon from fluorene for supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Xiaoting , Huang Fangfang , Zhang Chen , Yu Moxin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Lamellar porous carbons (LPCs) were prepared from fluorene with Mg(OH)2 as template precursors coupled with KOH activation. The as-prepared LPCs feature a large flaky structure containing a large number of micropores and mesopores. This unique structure have a big lateral size/thickness aspect ratio and a large specific surface area of 1879 m2 g− 1. As an electrode material, the LPC shows a high capacitance of 231 F g− 1 at 0.05 A g− 1, excellent rate performance of 173 F g− 1 at 100 A g− 1, and good cycle stability with 95.93% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles in 6 M KOH electrolyte.
An innovative strategy to address shortages of healthcare personnel
Authors: Gumede Dumsani Mandla , Taylor Myra , Kvalsvig Jane 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background In order to improve health in low- and middle- income countries the basic health infrastructure needs to be upgraded. Part of the problem is the shortage of skilled healthcare professionals (HCP) particularly in rural areas. The Umthombo Youth Development Foundation (UYDF) is a non-profit organisation (NPO) established in 1999 to assist in addressing shortage of HCPs in rural areas. The aim of this study is to measure the success of the UYDF bursary scheme in achieving this goal by calculating the cost of supporting rural students and estimating the benefits in relieving the shortage in terms of the financial return on investment.Methods The sources of the data were the UYDF organisational records (finance, human resources and procurement), supplemented by the published and unpublished UYDF reports. The return on investment was estimated through the use of an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) calculation.Results The UYDF database of beneficiaries showed that by the year 2017 a total of 337 HCPs had graduated and a further 254 were still studying. An average of R17 million was spent every year on the students or R102 015 per student per year. The IRR was 63% higher than interest rates on commercial loans. These graduates are expected to generate an estimated R15 billion in lifetime earnings, which would be equal to R4 billion at current prices.Conclusion The UYDF scheme relieved the shortage of HCPs in rural hospitals, and the hospitals were able to retain the service of many of the locally sourced HCPs. The costs of implementing the bursary scheme were outweighed by the income generated from salaries, and taxes contributed to the country’s economic development.
Contribution of obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with cardiovascular disease: A population based cohort study
Authors: Bakhtiyari Mahmood , Kazemian Elham , Kabir Kourosh , Hadaegh Farzad , Mardi Parham , Ghahfarokhi Nooshin Taherzadeh , Ghanbari Ali , Mansournia Mohamad Ali , Azizi Freidoun 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

The mechanisms linking adiposity to associated clinical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and related metabolic and inflammatory disturbances. are poorly understood.This study aimed to identify sex-specific direct and indirect effects of central and general adiposity on cardiovascular disease, mediated by cardiometabolic risk factors and how much is independent of these factors.
Methods

We analyzed data from the TLGS cohort study with 6280 participants aged ≥ 30 years, free of cardiovascular disease at baseline with a median follow-up of 13.9 years. The total effects were broken down into natural direct and indirect effects using a 2-stage regression model in the context of the survival model. We also calculated the proportion mediated by systolic blood pressure, total serum cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose as mediators.
Results

There was no interaction between BMI and its mediators in the multiplicative scale (P > 0.05 for all). Blood pressure was the most important mediator for general (HRNIE: 1.11, 95% CI:1.17–1.24) and central obesity (HRNIE: 1.11, 95% CI:1.07–1.15) with proportion mediated of 60% and 36% respectively in the total population. The percentage mediated through all three metabolic risk factors together was 46% (95% confidence interval = 31%-75%) for overweight, 66% (45%-100%) for general obesity and 52% (39%-87%) for central obesity. Blood pressure was the most important mediator for overweight and central adiposity in male population with 29% and 36% proportion mediated respectively while in female population percentage mediated through all three metabolic risk factors together was 23% (95% confidence interval = 13%-50%) for overweight, 36% (21%-64%) for general obesity and 52% (39%-87%) for central obesity.
Conclusions

Metabolic mediators explain more than 60% of the adverse effects of high BMI on CVD in the male population. Also, managing these metabolic mediators in women does not effectively contribute to reducing CVD risks without decreasing weight.
A comparison of Attitudes Toward Schizophrenia among Psychiatric Staff, Psychiatrists, Physicians, Medical Students, and Non-medical Workers
Authors: Kataoka Mariko , Ohira Tetsuya , Tsuboi Satoshi , Miura Itaru , Yabe Hirooki 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Today, schizophrenia remains stigmatized all over the world, and for patients with schizophrenia, the experience of stigma makes improving their lives difficult. Changing of attitudes toward schizophrenia is an important theme not only for medical professionals but also medical students. We therefore invested investigate negative attitudes toward schizophrenia among psychiatric staff, psychiatrists, physicians, medical students, and non-medical workers. Methods: Participants in this study included 490 medical students, 25 psychiatric staff, 13 psychiatrists, 48 physicians, and 222 non-medical workers in Fukushima Medical University, in Japan. We conducted an internet-based questionnaire survey, using a web-based survey tool. We used an 18-item questionnaire on attitudes toward schizophrenia that comprised three factors: stigma, underestimation of patients’ abilities, and skepticism regarding treatment. To compare the scores for each of these factors among the five participant groups, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to adjust for age and sex. Results: Psychiatrists’ “stigma” and “underestimation of patients’ abilities” scores were significantly lower than those of non-medical workers, physicians, and medical students. The “skepticism regarding treatment” scores were not significantly different among the five groups. For medical students, hoping to become a psychiatrist in the future had the great impact on improving attitudes toward schizophrenia. Conclusion: Medical students had more negative attitudes toward schizophrenia than psychiatrists, but equally negative attitudes compared with physicians and non-medical workers.
Retrospective analysis for the LNM risk factors and effect of chemotherapy for the early colorectal cancer: A Chinese multicenter study
Authors: Zeng Chunyan , Xiong Dandan , Cheng Fei , Luo Qingtian , Wang Qiang , Huang Jun , Lan Guilian , Zhong Huan , Chen Youxiang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Estimating the risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM) is crucial for determining subsequent treatments following curative resection of early colorectal cancer (ECC). This multicenter study analyzed the risk factors for LNM and the effectiveness of postoperative chemotherapy in patients with ECC.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the data of 473 patients with ECC who underwent general surgery in five hospitals between January, 2007 and October, 2018. The correlations between LNM and gender, age, tumor size, tumor location, endoscopic morphology, Pathology, depth of invasion and tumor budding (TB), were estimated directly based on postoperative pathology results. We also observed the overall survivals (OS) and recurrences between ECC patients with and without LNM after the base-line being matched.Results There were 473 ECC patients observed, 288 patients of them were enrolled, 17 patients had LNM (5.90%). Univariate analysis revealed that tumor size, pathology, lympho-vascular invasion were associated with LNM in ECC (P = 0.026, 0.000, 0.000, respectively), and multivariate logistic regression confirmed that tumor size, pathology, lympho-vascular invasion were risk factors for LNM (P = 0.021, 0.023, 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences for the OS and recurrence between the ECC patients with and without LNM whose base-lines were matched (P = 0.158,0.346, respectively), neither no significant difference between chemotherapy and no chemotherapy ECC patients without LNM after surgery (P = 0.729,0.052).Conclusion Tumor size, pathology, lympho-vascular invasion were risk factors for predicting LNM in ECC patients. Adjuvant chemotherapy could improve the overall survival and recurrence in patients with LNM, but no necessary for the ECC patients without LNM.
Association of the plasma xanthine oxidoreductase activity with the metabolic parameters and vascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study in a hospital setting
Authors: Okuyama Tomoko , Shirakawa Jun , Nakamura Takashi , Murase Takayo , Miyashita Daisuke , Inoue Ryota , Kyohara Mayu , Togashi Yu , Terauchi Yasuo 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) is a rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of hypoxanthine to xanthine, and of xanthine to uric acid. XOR also enhances the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and causes endothelial dysfunction. To explore the association of XOR and its substrate with the vascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (hereafter simply, diabetes), we measured the plasma XOR activity and plasma levels of xanthine and hypoxanthine in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Materials and Methods

Plasma XOR activity and the plasma levels of xanthine and hypoxanthine were measured, and their associations with the clinical parameters and vascular complications were investigated in 94 Japanese inpatients with type 2 diabetes.
Results

Both the plasma XOR activity and plasma xanthine levels were correlated with the serum uric acid level. The plasma XOR activity was correlated with the plasma xanthine level, but not the plasma hypoxanthine level. The plasma XOR activity and plasma xanthine levels were positively correlated with the body mass index (BMI), serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum γ-GTP, fasting plasma insulin, and the homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and negatively correlated with the serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (HDL-C). The plasma XOR activity also showed a positive correlation with the serum triglyceride (TG) levels. Plasma xanthine was positively correlated with the Fib4-index. Multivariate analyses identified AST, ALT, fasting plasma insulin and HOMA-IR as being independently associated with the plasma XOR activity. In addition, a negative correlation was observed between the plasma XOR activity and the duration of diabetes, and positive correlations were observed between the plasma XOR activity and the coefficient of variation of the R-R interval (CVR-R) and sensory nerve conduction velocity (SCV). Furthermore, the plasma XOR activity was found to be significantly decreased in patients with coronary artery disease.
Conclusions

The plasma XOR activity might be a surrogate marker for the development of vascular complications, as well as liver dysfunction and insulin resistance, in patients with type 2 diabetes
C1q/TNF–Related Protein-3 attenuates endothelial dysfunction in diabetic retinopathy via the Nitric Oxide signaling pathway
Authors: Yan Zheyi , Cao Xiaoming , Wang Chunfang , Liu Sha , Gan Lu , Yan Wenjun , Guo Rui , Zhao Dajun , Liu Jing , Gao Jia , Xu Yong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Clinical characteristics and predictors of pneumonia in patients presenting fever or respiratory symptoms with normal or low leukocyte counts: a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Chunting , Liu Jihai , Li Yan , Wang Jiangshan , Xu Shengyong , Xu Jun , Li Yi , Yu Xuezhong , Zhu Huadong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Many patients went to the hospital presenting with acute fever, or respiratory symptoms, most of whom have a normal or low leukocyte counts. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and predictors of pneumonia in those patients.
Methods

In this retrospective study, adult patients (≥ 18 years old) presenting with acute fever or respiratory symptoms with normal or low leukocyte counts (≤ 9.5 × 109/L) in Peking Union Medical College Hospital between 26 January 2020 and 10 March 2020 were included. Patients were categorized into groups with pneumonia or upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) according to chest CT scans. Logistic regression was used to explore predictors of pneumonia.
Results

A total of 195 patients were included, 63 of whom were diagnosed with pneumonia. The median maximum body temperature was 38.5 °C (38.0-38.8 °C) in patients with pneumonia and 37.5 °C (37.4–37.8 °C) in the other group. There was a significant difference in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels between the two groups (0.21 (0-3.74) versus 33.4 (15.5–75.5) mg/L, p < 0.001). Multivariable regression showed that the predictive values of pneumonia were older age (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02–1.10, p = 0.004), cough (OR 0.18, 95%CI 0.06–0.56; p = 0.003), higher temperature (OR 3.36, 95%CI 1.16–9.71; p = 0.025) and higher hsCRP level (OR 1.05, 95%CI 1.02–1.09; p = 0.003). The optimal cutoff values based on the ROC curve analysis were a temperature of 37.8 °C and a hsCRP level of 1.64 mg/L.
Conclusions

Patients with older age, cough, higher temperature and higher hsCRP level were more inclined to have pneumonia. Temperatures higher than 37.8 °C were a potential predictor of pneumonia in patients with normal or low leukocyte counts in the early stage. However, a hsCRP level less than 1.64 mg/L could rule out most cases of pneumonia.
Lotus Leaf Extract Inhibits the Cell Migration and Metastasis of ER- Breast Cancer
Authors: Tong Yuelin , Li Zhongwei , Wu Yikuan , Zhu Shenglong , Lu Keke , He Zhao 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Patients with estrogen receptor negative (ER-) breast cancer have poor prognosis because of their high rates of metastasis. However, there is no effective treatment and drugs for ER− breast cancer metastasis. Our purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect and mechanism of lotus leaf alcohol extract (LAE) on the cell migration and metastasis of ER- breast cancer.Methods: The anti-migratory effect and mechanism of LAE were analysed in ER- breast cancer cells including SK-BR-3, MDA-MB-231 and HCC1806. Cell viability assay, wound-healing assay, RNA-sequence analysis and immunoblotting assay were applied in examining the cytotoxicity, anti-migratory effect and its possible pathways of LAE. To further investigate the inhibitory effect of LAE on metastasis in vivo, subcutaneous xenograft nude mice model and intravenous injection nude mice model were established. Lung and liver tissues were analysed by the Hematoxylin & eosin staining and immunoblotting assay.Results: We found that lotus leaf alcohol extract (LAE), not nuciferine, inhibited cell migration significantly in SK-BR-3, MDA-MB-231 and HCC1806 breast cancer cells, and did not change viability of breast cancer cells. The anti-migratory effect of LAE was dependent on TGF-β1 signaling, while independent of Wnt signaling and autophagy influx. Intracellular H2O2 participated in the TGF-β1-related inhibition of cell migration. LAE inhibited significantly the breast cancer cells metastasis in mice models. RNA-sequence analysis showed that extracellular matrix signaling pathways are associated with LAE-suppressed cell migration.Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that lotus leaf alcohol extract inhibits the cell migration and metastasis of ER- breast cancer via TGF-β1/Erk1/2 and TGF-β1/SMAD3 signaling, which provides a potential therapeutic strategy for ER- breast cancer.
Distinct Microbial Assemblages Associated with Genetic Selection for High- and Low- Muscle Yield in Rainbow Trout
Authors: Chapagain Pratima , Walker Donald , Leeds Tim , Cleveland Beth M , Salem Mohamed 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Fish gut microbial assemblages play a crucial role in the growth rate, metabolism, and immunity of the host. We hypothesized that the gut microbiota of rainbow trout was correlated with breeding program based genetic selection for muscle yield. To test this hypothesis, fecal samples from 19 fish representing an F2 high-muscle genetic line (ARS-FY-H) and 20 fish representing an F1 low-muscle yield genetic line (ARS-FY-L) were chosen for microbiota profiling using the 16srRNA gene. Significant differences in microbial population between these two genetic lines might represent the effect of host genetic selection in structuring the gut microbiota of the host.Results Tukey’s transformed inverse Simpson indices indicated that ARS-FY-H samples have higher microbial diversity compared to those of the ARS-FY-L (LMM, χ2(1) = 14.11, p < 0.05). The fecal samples showed distinct clusters with significant differences in microbial assemblages between the genetic lines (F1,36= 4.7, p < 0.05, R2 = 11.9%). Further, Tax4Fun analyses predicted characteristic functional capabilities of the microbial communities in the ARS-FY-H and ARS-FY-L samples.Conclusion The significant differences of the microbial assemblages between ARS-FY-H and ARS-FY-L indicate an effect of genetic selection on the microbial diversity of the host. The functional composition of taxa demonstrates correlation of the function in improving the muscle accretion in the host, probably, by producing various metabolites and enzymes that might aid in digestion. Further research is required to elucidate the mechanisms involved in shaping the microbial community through host genetic selection.
Identification of circular RNA hsa_circ_0044556 and its effect on the development and progression of colorectal cancer
Authors: Jing Liang , Wu Junhui , Tang Xiaocheng , Ma Min , Long Fei , Tian Buning , Lin Changwei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of noncoding RNAs. Increasing evidence indicates that circRNAs play an important role in the occurrence and development of tumors. However, the role of circRNAs in the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear.
Methods
First, we searched for differentially expressed circRNAs using a circRNA microarray in paired CRC and adjacent normal tissues. The circRNA hsa_circ_0044556 was screened out from the existing CRC circRNA microarray in the Gene Expression Omnibus database and our microarray. The clinical significance of hsa_circ_0044556 expression level in CRC patients was then investigated. Finally, the functions of the targets of this circRNA were determined in CRC cell lines.
Results
hsa_circ_0044556 was highly expressed in CRC patients and was positively correlated with tumor stage and lymph node metastasis. In CRC cell lines, the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells were inhibited by knocking down hsa_circ_0044556 expression.
Conclusion
hsa_circ_0044556 promoted the development and progression of CRC. It is possible that hsa_circ_0044556 will become a novel biomarker or therapeutic target for CRC.
Mitochondrion-mediated iron accumulation promotes carcinogenesis and Warburg effect through reactive oxygen species in osteosarcoma
Authors: Ni Shuo , Kuang Yanbin , Yuan Yin , Yu Baoqing 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Iron metabolism disorder is associated with cancer, however its underlying mechanisms of the carcinogenesis and energy metabolism in osteosarcoma is yet unknown.
Methods
In this study, depletion of mitoferrin 1 (SLC25A37) and mitoferrin 2 (SLC25A28) were generated by shRNA. The carcinogenesis, migration and invasion were detected by soft agar formation, transwell and wound healing assay. The xenograft tumor mouse model was used to evaluate the role of iron in vivo. Seahorse metabolic analyser was used to assess the metabolism of SAOS-2 and U2OS cells. Iron assay kit was used to detect the level of iron in vitro. Expression of Warburg key genes were measured by Western blot. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA).
Results
We demonstrated that mitochondrion-mediated iron accumulation promoted the carcinogenesis and Warburg effect through reactive oxygen species (ROS) in osteosarcoma cell lines. Knock-out of mitoferrin rescued the iron-mediated ROS production. Iron-mediated ROS affected osteosarcoma cells metabolism via down-regulating AMPK signaling pathway, which increased mTORC1 activity. Furthermore, we found that iron chelator could reduce the tumorigenicity in vivo and in vitro.
Conclusions
Mitochondrion iron accumulation contributes to the development of cancer, and deprivation of iron might be a novel effective strategy in osteosarcoma.