bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative differences between common occupational health risk assessment models
Authors: Xu Qiuliang , Yu Fang , Li Fei , Zhou Hua , Zheng Kang , Zhang Meibian 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Methodological studies on occupational health risk assessment (OHRA) models are rarely reported. This study aimed to explore the quantitative differences between common OHRA models.

Methods
The risk ratios (RRs) in five typical industries (leather, wooden furniture manufacturing, printing and dyeing, printing, and garment manufacturing) were investigated using six OHRA models, namely the models from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Singapore, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), Australia, Romania, and International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM). The consistency, correlation, and reliability were evaluated for quantitative differences between the models.

Results
The order of the RRs obtained from the EPA, Singaporean, and COSHH models in the five industries was consistent with the order of the inherent risk levels in those industries. The EPA and Singaporean models could effectively distinguish the inherent risk levels of risk factors like xylene and ethyl acetate. The order of RR between the six models was: RR EPA &gt; RR COSHH &gt; RR Singaporean &gt; RR Australian &gt; RR Romanian and RR ICMM (P &lt; .05). The EPA model had the weakest correlations with other models. The Singaporean model had positive correlations in RRs with the other models (P&lt;0.01).

Conclusions
The EPA and Singaporean models exhibited good reliability since they could distinguish the inherent risk of the industry or risk factor and tended to get higher risk levels. The EPA model was independent and the Singaporean model had a good correlation with other models. More studies on OHRA methodology are needed.
Subjective employment perspective among older workers with and without migrant background in Germany—Results of the lidA cohort study
Authors: Schröder Chloé Charlotte , Hasselhorn Hans Martin , du Prel Jean-Baptist , Breckenkamp Jürgen 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to investigate the subjective employment perspective in higher working age for different employee groups with migrant background (EMB) and without (non-EMB), meaning willing, being able, and planning to work until the individual state pension age (iSPA).

Methods
A representative sample of socially insured employees born in 1959 or 1965 was surveyed in 2011, 2014, and 2018 with computer-assisted personal interviews. The current cross-sectional analysis is based on data from the third study wave (n = 3286) of the lidA cohort study. EMB were differentiated via generation (first generation, G1, vs second generation, G2) or nationality (German vs foreign). Applying bivariate statistics with the tests of independence and block-wise logistic regressions, group differences were investigated. Sex, age, educational level, net household income, health, and work factors were considered as covariates.

Results
When comparing subgroups of EMB, significant differences appeared in bivariate analyses for willing and planning to work. G1 were to a higher degree planning to work longer than G2 and those with foreign nationality were more willing and planning than those with German nationality. Multivariate analyses revealed significant differences of G1 and non-EMB for planning, being significant in the fully adjusted model, but not for willing.

Conclusion
The findings underline the need for differentiation of migrant groups in social research and policy. When it comes to extended working lives, the first-generation migrant group, as well as foreigners may constitute risk groups and require increased attention from a work, health, and economic point of view.
CircFNDC3B sequestrates miR‐937‐5p to derepress TIMP3 and inhibit colorectal cancer progression
Authors: Zeng Wei , Liu Yi , Li Wen‐Ting , Li Yi , Zhu Jin‐Feng 
Published: September 2020

Circular RNA (circRNA) are single‐stranded RNA with covalently closed 3′ and 5′ ends, with many recognized to be involved in human diseases as gene regulators, typically by interacting with other RNA. CircFNDC3B is a circRNA formed by back‐splicing of exons 5 and 6 of the FNDC3B gene. CircFNDC3B was recently implicated in renal carcinoma, gastric and bladder cancer. However, the expression levels of circFNDC3B and its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear. Expression of circFNDC3B and TIMP3 levels in CRC tissues and cell lines were found to be low, whereas microRNA (miR)‐937‐5p expression was high in CRC. MicroRNA‐937‐5p downregulated TIMP3, thereby promoting tumor cell proliferation, invasion, migration and angiogenesis. Moreover, CircFNDC3B was shown to bind to miR‐937‐5p. CircFNDC3B and circFNDC3B‐enriched exosomes inhibited tumorigenic, metastatic and angiogenic properties of CRC, and miR‐937‐5p overexpression or TIMP3 knockdown could reverse these effects. In vivo CRC tumor growth, angiogenesis and liver metastasis were suppressed by circFNDC3B overexpression, circFNDC3B‐enriched exosomes or miR‐937‐5p knockdown. In conclusion, our work reports a tumor‐suppressing role for the circFNDC3B–miR‐97‐5p–TIMP3 pathway and suggests that circFNDC3B‐enriched exosomes can inhibit angiogenesis and CRC progression.
Defining the dimensions of circulating tumor cells in a large series of breast, prostate, colon, and bladder cancer patients
Authors: Mendelaar Pauline A. J. , Kraan Jaco , Van Mai , Zeune Leonie L. , Terstappen Leon W. M. M. , Oomen‐de Hoop Esther , Martens John W. M. , Sleijfer Stefan 
Published: September 2020

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood of cancer patients are of high clinical relevance. Since detection and isolation of CTCs often rely on cell dimensions, knowledge of their size is key. We analyzed the median CTC size in a large cohort of breast (BC), prostate (PC), colorectal (CRC), and bladder (BLC) cancer patients. Images of patient‐derived CTCs acquired on cartridges of the FDA‐cleared CellSearch® method were retrospectively collected and automatically re‐analyzed using the accept software package. The median CTC diameter (μm) was computed per tumor type. The size differences between the different tumor types and references (tumor cell lines and leukocytes) were nonparametrically tested. A total of 1962 CellSearch® cartridges containing 71 612 CTCs were included. In BC, the median computed diameter (CD) of patient‐derived CTCs was 12.4 μm vs 18.4 μm for cultured cell line cells. For PC, CDs were 10.3 μm for CTCs vs 20.7 μm for cultured cell line cells. CDs for CTCs of CRC and BLC were 7.5 μm and 8.6 μm, respectively. Finally, leukocytes were 9.4 μm. CTC size differed statistically significantly between the four tumor types and between CTCs and the reference data. CTC size differences between tumor types are striking and CTCs are smaller than cell line tumor cells, whose size is often used as reference when developing CTC analysis methods. Based on our data, we suggest that the size of CTCs matters and should be kept in mind when designing and optimizing size‐based isolation methods.
Dominant mutations in ITPR3 cause Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease
Authors: Rönkkö Julius , Molchanova Svetlana , Revah‐Politi Anya , Pereira Elaine M. , Auranen Mari , Toppila Jussi , Kvist Jouni , Ludwig Anastasia , Neumann Julika , Bultynck Geert , Humblet‐Baron Stéphanie , Liston Adrian , Paetau Anders , Rivera Claudio , Harms Matthew B. , Tyynismaa Henna , Ylikallio Emil 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveITPR3, encoding inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor type 3, was previously reported as a potential candidate disease gene for Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth neuropathy. Here, we present genetic and functional evidence that ITPR3 is a Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease gene.MethodsWhole‐exome sequencing of four affected individuals in an autosomal dominant family and one individual who was the only affected individual in his family was used to identify disease‐causing variants. Skin fibroblasts from two individuals of the autosomal dominant family were analyzed functionally by western blotting, quantitative reverse transcription PCR, and Ca2+ imaging.ResultsAffected individuals in the autosomal dominant family had onset of symmetrical neuropathy with demyelinating and secondary axonal features at around age 30, showing signs of gradual progression with severe distal leg weakness and hand involvement in the proband at age 64. Exome sequencing identified a heterozygous ITPR3 p.Val615Met variant segregating with the disease. The individual who was the only affected in his family had disease onset at age 4 with demyelinating neuropathy. His condition was progressive, leading to severe muscle atrophy below knees and atrophy of proximal leg and hand muscles by age 16. Trio exome sequencing identified a de novo ITPR3 variant p.Arg2524Cys. Altered Ca2+‐transients in p.Val615Met patient fibroblasts suggested that the variant has a dominant‐negative effect on inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor type 3 function.InterpretationTogether with two previously identified variants, our report adds further evidence that ITPR3 is a disease‐causing gene for CMT and indicates altered Ca2+ homeostasis in disease pathogenesis.
Discordant Alzheimer's neurodegenerative biomarkers and their clinical outcomes
Authors: Guo Yu , Li Hong‐Qi , Tan Lin , Chen Shi‐Dong , Yang Yu‐Xiang , Ma Ya‐Hui , Zuo Chuan‐Tao , Dong Qiang , Tan Lan , Yu Jin‐Tai ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveIn the 2018 ATN framework, Alzheimer's neurodegenerative biomarkers comprised cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) total tau, 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography, and brain atrophy. We aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of having discordant Alzheimer's neurodegenerative biomarkers.MethodsA total of 721 non‐demented individuals from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database were included and then further categorized into concordant‐negative, discordant, and concordant‐positive groups. Demographic distributions of the groups were compared. Longitudinal changes in clinical outcomes and risk of conversion were assessed using linear mixed‐effects models and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models, respectively.ResultsDiscordant group was intermediate to concordant‐negative and concordant‐positive groups in terms of APOE ε4 positivity, CSF amyloid‐beta, and phosphorylated tau. Compared with concordant‐negative group, discordant group deteriorated faster in cognitive scores (Mini‐Mental State Examination, the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale‐Sum of Boxes, and the Functional Activities Questionnaire) and demonstrated greater rates of atrophy in brain structures (hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and whole brain), and concordant‐positive group performed worse over time than discordant group. Moreover, the risk of cognitive decline increased from concordant‐negative to discordant to concordant‐positive. The results from longitudinal analyses were validated in A+T+, cognitively normal, and mild cognitive impairment individuals, and were also validated by applying different cutoffs and neurodegenerative biomarkers.InterpretationDiscordant neurodegenerative status denotes a stage of cognitive function which is intermediate between concordant‐negative and concordant‐positive. Identification of discordant cases would provide insights into intervention and new therapy approaches, particularly in A+T+ individuals. Moreover, this work may be a complement to the ATN scheme.
Associations of sleep characteristics with alpha‐synuclein in cerebrospinal fluid in older adults
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Tong , Liu Feng‐Tao , Bi Yan‐Lin , Shen Xue‐Ning , Xu Wei , Wang Jian , Tan Lan , Yu Jin‐Tai 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveSleep disorders as a preclinical symptom of synucleinopathies become more prevalent in older adults. Synucleinopathies might be caused by the abnormal aggregation of alpha‐synuclein in the brain, which was indicated by alpha‐synuclein levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We aimed to investigate associations of sleep characteristics with CSF alpha‐synuclein in older adults.MethodsOur study recruited 536 cognitively intact individuals (aged between 40 and 90 years old) from the Chinese Alzheimer’s Biomarker and Lifestyle study. Sleep behaviors were assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and total alpha‐synuclein in CSF was measured by enzyme‐linked immune‐sorbent assay. We used multiple linear and non‐linear regression models for research.ResultsSignificant non‐linear associations of CSF alpha‐synuclein with sleep time and duration were revealed. Individuals who went to bed and fell asleep too early or late tended to have lower CSF alpha‐synuclein (reflection point for time to bed and fall asleep were 10:26 p.m. and 10:40 p.m.). Lower CSF alpha‐synuclein was also observed in individuals with either excessive or insufficient sleep duration (reflection point: 7.24 hours). Besides, overall poor sleep quality (β = −0.0621; P = 0.0242), longer sleep latency (β = −0.0415; P = 0.0174) and lower sleep efficiency (β = 0.0036; P = 0.0017) showed linear associations with lower CSF alpha‐synuclein. Sleep disturbances and daytime dysfunction were not significantly associated with CSF alpha‐synuclein.InterpretationPoor sleep was associated with lower levels of CSF alpha‐synuclein in older adults, which may provide new insight into the prevention of synucleinopathies.
Organocatalytic Enantioselective [3+2] Cycloaddition of Azomethine Ylides with 2,4‐Dienals: Construction of Remote Stereogenic Centers via 1,6‐Addition Reaction
Authors: Jiang Hui , Zhou Leijie , Mao Biming , Yuan Chunhao , Wang Wei , Wu Yongjun , Zhang Cheng , Guo Hongchao 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA regio‐ and stereoselective [3+2] cycloaddition of phthalazinium dicyanomethanides with 2,4‐dienals was achieved with the use of a commercially available MacMillan's calalyst via LUMO‐lowering activation. The reaction proceeds through 1,6‐additon to linear 2,4‐dienals with remote control over stereochemistry, affording the cycloadducts having three stereogenic centers.magnified image
Recent Advances in Squaramide‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Mannich Reactions
Authors: Hou Xi‐Qiang , Du Da‐Ming 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBifunctional squaramides as a branch of organo‐catalysts showed powerful strategies in the art of asymmetric synthesis, and they have been proved to be highly efficient and versatile catalysts for constructing complex molecular structures and chiral biologically active compounds. In this review, we summarized recent advances in bifunctional squaramide‐catalyzed asymmetric Mannich reactions.magnified image
Semi‐Synthetic Sialic Acid Probes for Challenging the Substrate Promiscuity of Enzymes in the Sialoconjugation Pathway
Authors: Mertsch Alexander , Poschenrieder Silvan , Fessner Wolf‐Dieter 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA series of unusual sialic acid analogs were prepared using a semi‐synthetic strategy. Truncation of natural N‐acetylneuraminic acid was followed by diastereoselective carbon backbone reconstruction using Barbier‐type carboligations as well as different functional group interconversions, which provided access to a variety of functional motifs in the terminal carbon backbone, including examples of saturated and unsaturated, linear and branched alkyl chains, partially deoxygenated sialic acids, sialic diacids and a first truncated legionaminic acid analog. The synthetic sialic acid probes were studied for nucleotide activation by the CMP‐sialic acid synthetase from Neisseria meningitidis using a universal pH‐shift assay for kinetic analysis. One‐pot enzymatic nucleotide activation and sialyltransfer to lactose was performed using a selection of five probes together with an engineered α2,3‐sialyltransferase from Photobacterium phosphoreum to furnish five new‐to‐nature analogs of the GM3 trisaccharide, which were finally utilized to test the substrate tolerance of two bacterial sialidases. The obtained set of sialic acid analogs and neo‐sialocojugates provides interesting opportunities for further glycobiology studies.magnified image
High production of glutathione by in vitro enzymatic cascade after thermostability enhancement
Authors: Cui Xiangwei , Li Zhimin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe cell free system has been paid more attention due to its potential of facilitating efficient catalysis of multistep reactions. In this study, an efficient enzymatic cascade of glutathione (GSH) production was developed through the evolution of bifunctional glutathione synthetase (GshF), coupled with polyphosphate kinase (PPK). First, the stability and activity of GshF were enhanced by loop interchange and site‐directed mutagenesis. As a result, the GshF half‐value period increased 163.32‐fold, and its activity raised 18.16%. PPK from Jhaorihella thermophile (PPKJT) was characterized and used to regenerate ATP in the GSH synthesis, with hexametaphosphate (PolyP (6)) as the phosphate donor. After the process optimization, 99.92 mM GSH and 7.61 mM oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were produced within 2 hr. The molar yield was 0.96 mol/mol based on the amino acid added, while the productivities of GSH achieved 49.95 mM/hr, which were the highest yield and productivity ever reported about GSH synthesis.
Experimental measurement of bubble breakup in a jet bubbling reactor
Authors: Shuai Yun , Wang Xinyan , Huang Zhengliang , Sun Jingyuan , Yang Yao , Liao Zuwei , Wang Jingdai , Yang Yongrong 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe bubble breakups in a jet bubbling reactor are captured using a high‐speed camera and the velocity field is measured by particle image velocimetry. Two typical breakup patterns, jet breakup and jet‐vortex breakup are observed. The breakup time interval of the jet‐vortex breakup is two orders of magnitude higher than the jet breakup. The probability of the jet‐vortex breakup and the jet breakup accounting in the total breakup events increases and decreases with the jet velocity and the mother bubble size, respectively. The bubble breakup region increases with the jet velocity. The bubble breakup frequency increases with the turbulent dissipation rate and the mother bubble size. The average number of daughter bubbles increases with the Weber number. An L‐shaped daughter bubble size distribution is observed. Empirical correlations are established for the bubble breakup frequency, the average number of daughter bubbles and daughter bubble size distribution, and fitted well with the experimental results.
Blepharophimosis‐ptosis‐intellectual disability syndrome: A report of nine Egyptian patients with further expansion of phenotypic and mutational spectrum
Authors: Zaki Maha S. , Otaify Ghada A. , Ismail Samira , Issa Mahmoud Y. , El‐Ruby Mona O. , Sadek Abdelrahim A. , Ashaat Engy A. , El Saeidi Sonia A. , Aglan Mona S. , Temtamy Samia , Abdel‐Hamid Mohamed S. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBlepharophimosis‐ptosis‐intellectual disability syndrome (BPID) is an extremely rare recognizable blepharophimosis intellectual disability syndrome (BID). It is caused by biallelic variants in the UBE3B gene with only 24 patients described worldwide. Herein, we report on the clinical, brain imaging and molecular findings of additional nine patients from six unrelated Egyptian families. Patients presented with the characteristic features of the syndrome including blepharophimosis, ptosis, upslanted palpebral fissures with epicanthic folds, hypertelorism, long philtrum, high arched palate, micrognathia, microcephaly, and intellectual disability. Other findings were congenital heart disease (5 patients), talipes equinovarus (5 patients), genital anomalies (5 patients), autistic features (4 patients), cleft palate (2 patients), hearing loss (2 patients), and renal anomalies (1 patient). New or rarely reported findings were spherophakia, subvalvular aortic stenosis and hypoplastic nails, and terminal phalanges. Brain MRI, performed for 7 patients, showed hypogenesis or almost complete agenesis of corpus callosum. Genetic studies revealed five novel homozygous UBE3B variants. Of them, the c.1076G>A (p.W359*) was found in three patients from two unrelated families who shared similar haplotype suggesting a likely founder effect. Our results strengthen the clinical, dysmorphic, and brain imaging characteristic of this unique type of BID and extend the mutational spectrum associated with the disorder.
46,XY DSD and limb abnormalities in a female with a de novo LHX9 missense mutation
Authors: Kunitomo Mia , Khokhar Aditi , Kresge Christina , Edobor‐Osula Folorunsho , Pletcher Beth A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDifferences in sex development (DSD) are a group of rare conditions involving genes, hormones and reproductive organs, including genitals. Although these disorders are common, information about the molecular causes remain limited. Many genes have been identified in association with DSD but in many cases the causative gene could not be identified. The Lhx9 gene has been studied in mice and birds, and biallelic mutations in this gene have been found to cause 46,XY DSD and limb abnormalities. So far two variants of LHX9 have been identified in 46,XY individuals with testicular regression, micropenis and hypospadias. We report a de novo heterozygous missense variant in LHX9 in a girl with 46,XY DSD and finger and toe abnormalities. It was previously predicted that a mutation in LHX9 would not cause extragenital anomalies in light of prior animal studies, but our report adds to the limited knowledge of the phenotype observed in humans with a variant in LHX9. To the best of our knowledge this is the first reported case with this combination of abnormalities.
Clinical characteristics and prediction of the asymptomatic phenotype of pneumatosis intestinalis in critically ill patients: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Sato Takeaki , Ohbe Hiroyuki , Fujita Motoo , Kushimoto Shigeki 
Published: September 2020

AimThe differences in clinical characteristics between benign asymptomatic and symptomatic pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) remain unknown. This study aimed to reveal the clinical characteristics of PI in critically ill patients.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study undertaken between 2013 and 2017 in a single facility. Patients with PI were enrolled. Pneumatosis intestinalis was diagnosed using computed tomography, and clinical data were collected. Pathologic PI refers to PI with bowel ischemia. Asymptomatic PI refers to PI with a benign etiology.ResultsThere were 17 patients with pathologic PI and 31 with asymptomatic PI. Pathologic PI was detected at day 4 of hospital stay, and asymptomatic PI was detected at day 30 of hospital stay (P < 0.01). The symptoms that were different between pathologic and asymptomatic PI were acute diarrhea (18% and 65%, P = 0.01), C‐reactive protein level elevation (9.9 and 2.1 mg/dL, P = 0.01), and systemic inflammatory reaction syndrome (100% and 13%, P < 0.01). Computed tomography findings showed a difference in the occurrence of ascites collection (94% versus 23%, P < 0.01) and PI of the ascending colon (47% versus 80%, P = 0.02). Hospital mortality of pathologic PI was 88%, whereas all patients with benign PI survived. The positive likelihood ratio of acute diarrhea with PI of the ascending colon to diagnose benign PI was 7.33 (1.11–48.5).ConclusionsPneumatosis intestinalis of the ascending colon that occurs in the post‐intensive care phase with a poor inflammatory reaction, acute diarrhea, and no ascites collection could be benign. In other cases, bowel ischemia should be promptly ruled out.