bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Host susceptibility to severe COVID-19: a retrospective analysis of 487 case outside Wuhan
Authors: Shi Yu , Yu Xia , Zhao Hong , Wang Hao , Zhao Ruihong , Cai Qun , Sun Shanshan , Fang Hong , Wang Yijie , Hu Zhangmin , Duan Jinnan , Lin Xiaoman , Tu Huilan , Tu Sheng , sheng jifang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The recent outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infection results in a considerable morbidity and mortality, mainly in China. The study is to investigate the intrinstic features of infected patients that associated with severe type of this disease. Method: A total of 487 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients were included in analysis. The demographic and epidemiological of patients representing as mild and severe at admission were compared. A step-wise multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify significant risk factors associated with severe COVID-19 . A score systemc incorporating risk factors was established for risk stratification and validated in a small cohort during in-hospital follow-up. Results: Of all patients, 49 (10.1%) cases are severe at admission. Severe cases are elder [56(17) vs. 45(19), P<0.001), with more male (73.5% vs. 50.9%, P=0.003). They have a higher incidence of hypertension (53.1% vs. 16.7%, P<0.001), diabetes (14.3% vs. 5.0%, P=0.009), cardiovascular diseases (8.2% vs. 1.6%, P=0.003) and malignancy (4.1% vs. 0.7%, P=0.025), and less exposure to epidemic area (49.0% vs. 65.1%, P=0.027), but more infected familiy members(P=0.031). On multivariate analysis, elder age, male and presence of hypertension are independently associated with severe disease at admission. A host risk score, incorporating age, sex and hypertension history, clearly stratifies risk of developing severe type of COVID-19 both in patients at admission and during in-hospital follow-up. Conclusions: Elder age, male and presence of hypertension are associated with host susceptibility to developing severe COVID-19. The host risk score may be a useful tool to identify high risk indiviuals but requires validation.
MicroRNA-182-5p protects human lens epithelial cells against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis by inhibit ing NOX4 and p38 MAPK signaling
Authors: Li Zhao-Na , Ge Ming-Xu , Yuan Zhong-Fang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are abnormally expressed in varying ocular diseases, including age-related cataract. However, the roles of miR-182-5p in age-related cataract progression remains unclear.Methods: The expression of miR-182-5p in HLE-B3 cells were detected by qRT-PCR. HLE-B3 cells were transfected with miR-182-5p mimics. CCK-8, EdU, flow cytometry, 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, JC-1 kit, and Western bolt were used to assess the cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and protein expression, respectively, in vitro . The target relationship of miR-182-5p and NOX4 was confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter gene analysis.Results: We found that miR-182-5p was significantly decreased by the H 2 O 2 exposure. Overexpression of miR-182-5p promoted cell proliferation, inhibited ROS production and apoptosis in H 2 O 2 -induced HLE-B3 cells. Moreover, p-p-38, p-ERK, and p-JNK were up-regulated in H 2 O 2 -treated HLE-B3 cells, and overexpression of miR-182-5p reversed the effect of H 2 O 2 on HLE-B3 cells. In addition, dual-luciferase reporter assay substantiated that NOX4 was a direct target and downregulated by miR-182-5p.Conclusions: We concluded that miR-182-5p inhibited lens epithelial cells apoptosis through regulating NOX4 and p38 MAPK signaling, providing a novel biomarker for treatment of age-related cataract.
The mutation spectrum in familial versus sporadic congenital cataract based on next-generation sequencing
Authors: Fan Fan , Luo Yi , Wu Jihong , Gao Chao , Liu Xin , Mei Hengjun , Zhou Xiyue 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Purpose Congenital cataract (CC) is a significant cause of lifelong visual loss. Its genetic diagnosis is challenging due to marked genetic heterogeneity. The purpose of this article is to report the genetic findings in sporadic and familial CC patients.Methods Patients (n=54) who were clinically diagnosed with CC and their parents were recruited. Blood samples were collected in our hospital. Mutations were detected by high-throughput, next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) targeting 792 genes frequently involved in common inherited eye diseases.Results We identified variants in 11/38 cases (28.95%) of sporadic CC and 14/16 cases (87.5%) of familial CC, indicating a significant difference (P=0.000). Of the 14 variants identified in sporadic cases, 9 were previously reported mutations, and 5 were novel mutations, including 2 de novo mutations (CRYBB2 c.487C>T, FYCO1c.215A>T). The most frequent variants in our cohort were in crystallins and cytoskeletal genes (7/30, 23.33%), followed by X-linked syndromic proteins (13.33%) and transcriptional factors (10.00%). Additional information on the possibility of complications with inherited ocular or systemic diseases other than CC was provided in 20/30 (66.67%) variants.Conclusions These results contribute to expanding the mutation spectrum and frequency. Targeted NGS in CC provided significant diagnostic information and enabled more accurate genetic counseling. This study reports the different distributions of mutation genes in familial and sporadic CC cases.
The three-dimensional stable mandibular landmarks in patients between the ages of 12.5 to 17.1 years
Authors: Chen Gui , Awadi Mona Al , Chambers David William , Lagravère-Vich Manuel O , Xu Tianmin , Oh Heesoo 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: With the aid of implants, Björk identified the two-dimensional mandibular stable structures in cephalogram during facial growth. However, we don't know the three-dimensional stable structures exactly. The purpose of this study was to identify the most stable mandibular landmarks in growing patients using three-dimensional images.Methods: The sample was comprised of two cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans taken about 4.6 years apart in 20 growing patients between the ages of 12.5 (T1) to 17.1 years (T2). After head orientation, landmarks were located on the chin (Pog), internal symphysis (Points C, D and E), and mandibular canals, which included the mental foramina (MF and MFA) and mandibular foramina (MdF). The linear distance change between Point C and these landmarks was measured on each CBCT to test stability through time. The reliability of the suggested stable landmarks was also evaluated. Results: The total distance changes between Point C and points D, E, Pog, MF, and MFA were all less than 1.0 mm from T1 to T2. The reliability measures of these landmarks, which were measured by the Cronbach alpha, were above 0.94 in all three dimensions for each landmark. From T1 to T2, distance changes from Point C to the right and left mandibular foramina were respectively 3.39±3.29 mm and 3.03±2.83 mm. Conclusions: During a growth period that averaged 4.6-years, ranging from 11.2 to 19.8 years, the structures that appeared relatively stable and could be used in mandibular regional superimposition included Pog, landmarks on the inferior part of the internal symphysis, and the mental foramen. The centers of the mandibular foramina, the starting points of the mandibular canal, underwent significant changes in the transverse and sagittal dimensions.
RarERN Path: a methodology towards the optimisation of patients’ care pathways in rare and complex diseases developed within the European Reference Networks
Authors: Talarico Rosaria , Cannizzo Sara , Lorenzoni Valentina , Marinello Diana , Palla Ilaria , Pirri Salvatore , Ticciati Simone , Trieste Leopoldo , Triulzi Isotta , Terol Enrique , Bucher Anna , Turchetti Giuseppe 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background In 2017, the European Commission has launched the European Reference Networks (ERNs), virtual networks involving healthcare providers across Europe. The aim of the ERNs is to tackle complex and rare diseases and conditions that require highly specialized treatment and a concentration of knowledge and resources. The ERN ReCONNET is one of the 24 ERNs approved that aims to improve the management of Rare and Complex Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases.ResultsThe need to develop a specific methodology for the implementation of an organisational model for patients’ care pathways aligns with the mission of the ERNs to improve the care of rare and complex diseases in Europe. In this framework, ERN ReCONNET developed the RarERN Path methodology that is aimed at creating an organisational model for patients’ care pathways taking advantage of the unique setting of ERNs, represented by the large community of experts (researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals, patients, health economists, hospital managers, etc.) involved in the Networks. The specific aim of RarERN Path is to provide a valid organisational model for patient-centered care in rare and complex diseases that enables the integration of the different stakeholders involved in the care process, and that adapts in a flexible way to different disease-specific and geographical contexts across Europe.The RarERN Path methodology foresees six consecutive phases that, if applied in different contexts, helps to ensure an improved, cost-effective and patient-centred equal care to rare and complex diseases. ConclusionThe application of RarERN Path to the different disease-specific and geographical contexts would help to ensure an improved, cost-effective and patient-centred equal care to rare and complex diseases across Europe as well as a possible tangible action towards the integration of ERNs into the different European healthcare systems.
Preterm Birth and Breast Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Razavi Maryam , Sepidarkish Mahdi , Maleki-Hajiagha Arezoo , Vesali Samira , Almasi-Hashiani Amir , Esmailzadeh Arezoo 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The characteristics of pregnancy, such as gestational age are related to the level of maternal hormones, which levels of these hormones can be associated with breast cancer (BC) risk. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the preterm birth (PB) and BC risk in women in a systematic review and meta-analysis.Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, published studies were located back to the earliest available publication date (1983), using the Medline/PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science (Clarivate analytics) bibliographic databases. Eligibility, methodological quality, and data extraction were done by two independent reviewers, and finally, to calculate the pooled estimates, Meta-analysis was performed.Results: Thirteen studies including a total of 2,845,553 women were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled results suggested that PB could increase the risk of BC (RR= 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.07; I2= 62.5%). Risk was significantly increased in women with a PB at >37 gestational weeks (RR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.06) and 26-31 gestational weeks (RR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.06) compared to those with 40-41 gestational weeks. A significant increment in the risk of BC in uniparous women with a PB (RR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.08) and women with >45 years (RR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.24) was observed. Conclusions: The results of this study supported the higher risk of BC in all woman with PB, primiparous women and women with >45 years. Therefore, more care and screening for early detection of the disease is recommended in these women.
Effectiveness of perineural and intravenous dexamethasone added to bupivacaine for transversus abdominis plane block in post-cesarean delivery pain control: a prospective cohort study, 2019
Authors: Jemal Bedru , Zemedkun Abebayehu , Admasu Wosenyeleh , Abiy Sileshi , Molla Simeneh , Mulugeta Hailemariam 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Caesarean delivery (CD) has been one of the most frequently performed major surgical interventions, and causes severe postoperative pain. Abdominal field blocks like TAP block are mostly preferred as post-operative analgesia for this operation. Using different adjuvants like dexamethasone by different routes increases the quality and duration of block and maximizes patient satisfaction. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness between perineural and intravenous dexamethasone as an adjuvant on bilateral transversus abdominis plane block for post cesarean delivery pain control. Methodology An institutional based prospective cohort study was conducted on 87 patients. Study participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique. Data collection methods include preoperative chart review, intraoperative observation and postoperative patient interview at 4 th , 6 th , 8 th , 12 th and 24 th hours. Sociodemographic variable were analyzed by ANOVA and chi square test. Kruskal Wallis with post hoc analysis was used to compare post-operative severity of pain score and cumulative analgesic consumption. Time to first analgesic request was analyzed using Kaplan Meier survival analysis with log rank. Categorical variable were analyzed by chi square. Result Time to first analgesic request was significantly longer in TAP-IVD and TAP-PD compared to TAP alone (p < 0.05). The postoperative NRS score at rest and on coughing were significantly lowered in TAP-PD and TAP-IVD group compared to TAP alone group (p <0.05).The total analgesic consumption in the first 24h was significantly lower in TAP-IVD and TAP-PD group compared to TAP alone group (p < 0.05). Conclusion and recommendation dexamethasone 8mg both intravenously and perineurally is effective adjuvant to bupivacaine on bilateral TAP block with prolonged and potent analgesia and reduced analgesic consumption. Based on our finding we recommend use of dexamethasone as an adjuvant to bupivacaine on bilateral transversus abdominis plane block.
The Polyphenol-Rich Extract from Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) Modulates Gut Microbiota and Improves Lipid Metabolism in Diet-Induced Obese Rat
Authors: Zhu Yue , Zhang Jia-ying , Wei Yu-long , Hao Jing-yi , Lei Yu-qing , Sun Ai-dong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The gut microbiota plays a critical role in obesity and lipid metabolism disorder. Chokeberry ( Aronia melanocarpa L.) are rich in polyphenols with various physiological and pharmacological activities. We determined serum physiological parameters and fecal microbial components by using related kits, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing every 10 days. Real-time PCR analysis was used to measured gene expression of bile acids (BAs) and lipid metabolism in liver and adipose tissues. We analyzed the effects of different Chokeberry polyphenol (CBPs) treatment time on obesity and lipid metabolism in high fat diet (HFD)-fed rat. The results indicated that CBPs treatment prevents obesity, liver steatosis and improves dyslipidemia in HFD-fed rat. CBPs modulated the composition of the gut microbiota with the extended treatment time, reducing the Firmicutes / Bacteroidetes ratio (F/B ratio) and increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroides , Prevotella , Akkermansia and other bacterial species associated with anti-obesity properties. We found that CBPs treatment gradually decreased the total BAs pool and particularly the reduced the relative content of cholic acid (CA), deoxycholic acid (DCA) and enhanced the relative content of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA). These changes were positively correlated Bacteroides , Prevotella and negatively correlated with Clostridium , Eubacterium , Ruminococcaceae . In liver and white adipose tissues, the gene expression of lipogenesis, lipolysis and BAs metabolism were regulated after CBPs treatment in HFD-fed rat, which was most likely mediated through FXR and TGR-5 signaling pathway to improve lipid metabolism. In addition, the mRNA expression of PPARγ, UCP1 and PGC-1α were upregulated markedly in interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) after CBPs treatment. We confirmed that CBPs could reduce the body weight of HFD-fed rat by accelerating energy homeostasis and thermogenesis in iBAT. Finally, the fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiment results demonstrated that FMT from CBPs-treated rat failed to reduce the weight of HFD-fed rat. However, FMT from CBPs-treated rat improved dyslipidemia and reshaped gut microbiota in HFD-fed rat. In conclusion, CBPs treatment improved obesity and complications by regulating gut microbiota in HFD-fed rat. The gut microbiota plays a important role in BAs metabolism after CBPs treatment, and BAs have therefore emerged as major effectors in microbe-host signaling events that influence host lipid metabolism, energy metabolism and thermogenesis.
Clinical application value of the prognostic nutritional index for predicting survival in patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma undergoing chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy
Authors: Xiao Ling , Lyu Jiahua , Liu Xiao , Li Ke , Wang Yuan , Zhang Rongke , Chen Taiyu , Li Tao 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background : The prognostic nutrition index (PNI) has been shown to have prognostic value for several common cancers. The study aim was to explore the clinical application value of the PNI for prognosis of patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treated with radical chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or radiotherapy (RT). Methods : Overall, 193 patients with ESCC who received radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy at Sichuan Cancer Hospital from March 20, 2012 to December 25, 2017 were retrospectively analysed. Based on serum measurements before treatment, the PNI at ESCC recurrence was calculated as albumin (g/L) + 5 × total lymphocyte count. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional regression model were used to analyse the relationship between PNI and overall survival (OS). Results : The average pretreatment PNI of 193 ESCC patients was 49.01 ± 4.68. The optimal cutoff value of PNI was 47.975, and the patients were divided into a low-PNI group (<47.975) and a high-PNI group (≥47.975). PNI was related to tumour length, T-stage and synchronous chemotherapy in ESCC patients (P < 0.05). The median OS for the entire group was 22.37 months. The median OS of patients in the high-PNI group and low-PNI group were 32.63 months and 15.4 months, respectively, the 3-year survival rates were 47.5% and 32.2% and the 5-year survival rates were 37.7% and 16.8%, respectively, (all P = 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that PNI, tumour length, T-stage and synchronous chemotherapy were related to the prognosis of ESCC patients (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that tumour length (P = 0.019), synchronous chemotherapy (P = 0.009) and PNI (P = 0.003) were independent prognostic factors affecting the prognosis of patients in ESCC treated with RT or CRT. Conclusions: The calculation of PNI value is simple, reliable and repeatable and can improve the accuracy of a patient’s prognosis. Confirmation of these results by a large-sample prospective study is desirable.
Archean to Paleoproterozoic seawater halogen ratios recorded by fluid inclusions in chert and hydrothermal quartz
Authors: Burgess Ray , Goldsmith Sarah L. , Sumino Hirochika , Gilmour Jamie D. , Marty Bernard , Pujol Magali , Konhauser Kurt O. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPast changes in the halogen composition of seawater are anticipated based on the differing behavior of chlorine and bromine that are strongly partitioned into seawater, relative to iodine, which is extremely depleted in modern seawater and enriched in marine sediments due to biological uptake. Here we assess the use of chert, a chemical sediment that precipitated throughout the Precambrian, as a proxy for halide ratios in ancient seawater. We determine a set of criteria that can be used to assess the primary nature of halogens and show that ancient seawater Br/Cl and I/Cl ratios can be resolved in chert samples from the 2.5 Ga Dales Gorge Member of the Brockman Banded Iron Formation, Hamersley Group, Western Australia. The values determined of Br/Cl ~2 × 10-3 M and I/Cl ~30 × 10-6 M are comparable to fluid inclusions in hydrothermal quartz from the 3.5 Ga North Pole area, Pilbara Craton, Western Australia, that were the subject of previous reconstructions of ancient ocean salinity and atmospheric isotopic composition. While the similar Br/Cl and I/Cl values indicate no substantial change in the ocean halide system over the interval 2.5–3.5Ga, compared to modern seawater, the ancient ocean was enriched in Br and I relative to Cl. The I/Cl value is intermediate between bulk Earth (assumed chondritic) and the modern seawater ratio, which can be explained by a smaller organic reservoir because this is the major control on marine iodine at the present day. Br/Cl ratios are about 30% higher than both modern seawater and contemporary seafloor hydrothermal systems, perhaps indicating a stronger mantle buffering of seawater halogens during the Archean.
Thermal equation of state of post-aragonite CaCO3-Pmmn
Authors: Lv Mingda , Liu Jiachao , Greenberg Eran , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Dorfman Susannah M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCalcium carbonate (CaCO3) is one of the most abundant carbonates on Earth's surface and transports carbon to Earth's interior via subduction. Although some petrological observations support the preservation of CaCO3 in cold slabs to lower mantle depths, the geophysical properties and stability of CaCO3 at these depths are not known, due in part to complicated polymorphic phase transitions and lack of constraints on thermodynamic properties. Here we measured thermal equation of state of CaCO3-Pmmn, the stable polymorph of CaCO3 through much of the lower mantle, using synchrotron X-ray diffraction in a laser-heated diamond-anvil cell up to 75 GPa and 2200 K. The room-temperature compression data for CaCO3-Pmmn are fit with third-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state, yielding KT0 = 146.7 (±1.9) GPa and K′0 = 3.4(±0.1) with V0 fixed to the value determined by ab initio calculation, 97.76 Å3. High-temperature compression data are consistent with zero-pressure thermal expansion αT = a0 + a1T with a0 = 4.3(±0.3)×10-5 K-1, a1 = 0.8(±0.2)×10-8 K-2, temperature derivative of the bulk modulus (∂KT/∂T)P = –0.021(±0.001) GPa/K; the Grüneisen parameter γ0 = 1.94(±0.02), and the volume independent constant q = 1.9(±0.3) at a fixed Debye temperature θ0 = 631 K predicted via ab initio calculation. Using these newly determined thermodynamic parameters, the density and bulk sound velocity of CaCO3-Pmmn and (Ca,Mg)-carbonate-bearing eclogite are quantitatively modeled from 30 to 80 GPa along a cold slab geotherm. With the assumption that carbonates are homogeneously mixed into the slab, the results indicate the presence of carbonates in the subducted slab is unlikely to be detected by seismic observations, and the buoyancy provided by carbonates has a negligible effect on slab dynamics.