bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production Losses Five Months After Outbreak With A Recombinant Of Two Prrsv Vaccine Strains In 13 Danish Sow Herds
Authors: Kristensen Charlotte Sonne , Kristiansen Michael Groes , Pedersen Kasper , Larsen Lars Erik 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: In July 2019, a PRRSV-negative boar station was infected with a recombinant of two PRRSV vaccine strains, which subsequently spread to at least 36 herds that had received semen from the boar station. In the following months, all the infected herds reported reduced productivity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of the PRRS outbreak. Results: Production data were collected from 13 of the herds. The average levels of farrowings/week, liveborns/litter, stillborns/litter, pre-weaning mortality and weaned pigs/litter were compared for the five-month period after infection and the preceding seven months before infection with the new variant of PRRSV-1. Twelve herds experienced a decrease in farrowings/week (0.1-10.8 percent fewer farrowings/week), and all herds experienced fewer liveborns (0.8-4.8 fewer liveborns/litter) and more stillborns (0.6-2.6 more stillborns/litter). Pre-weaning mortality nearly doubled in half of the herds. Overall, the 13 herds were missing 2.4-6.5 pigs/litter at weaning during the five months after infection compared to the seven preceding months before infection. Conclusion: In this study, the impact of this new PRRSV-1 variant on productivity exceeded that typically seen in Danish herds infected with PRRSV-1.
Structural impairments of the heart associating with ETB mutation, a cause of Hirschsprung disease
Authors: Chen Ko-Chin , Chen Ko-Chien , Song Zan-Min , Croaker Geoffrey David 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background HSCR, a colonic neurocristopathy affecting 1/5000 births, was suggested to associate with cardiac septal defects and conotruncal malformations. However, we question subtle cardiac changes maybe more commonly present due to multi-regulations by HSCR candidate genes, in this instance, ETB. To investigate, we compared the cardiac morphology and quantitative measurements of sl/sl rat to those of the control group.Methods Eleven neonatal rats were generated from heterozygote (ETB+/-) crossbreeding. Age and bodyweight were recorded at time of sacrifice. Diffusion-staining protocols with 1.5% iodine solution was completed prior to micro-CT scanning. All rats were scanned using an in vivo micro-CT scanner, Caliper Quantum FX, followed by two quality-control scans using a custom-built ex vivo micro-CT system. All scans were reviewed for gross cardiac dysmorphology. Micro-CT data were segmented semi-automatically post-NLM filtering for: whole-heart, LV, RV, LA, RA, and aortic arch. Measurements were taken with Drishti. Following image analysis, PCR genotyping of rats was performed: five sl/sl rats, three wildtype, and three heterozygotes. Statistical comparisons on organ volume, growth rate, and organ-volume/bodyweight ratios were made between sl/sl and the control group. Results Cardiac morphology and constituents were preserved. However, significant volumetric reductions were recorded in sl/sl rats with respect to the control: whole heart (38.70%, p-value = 0.02); LV (41.22%, p-value = 0.01), RV (46.15%, p-value = 0.02), LA (44.93%, p-value = 0.06), and RA (39.49%, p-value = 0.02). Consistent trend was observed in growth rate (~20%) and organ-volume/bodyweight ratios (~25%). On the contrary, measurements on aortic arch demonstrated no significant difference among the two groups. Discussion Despite the presence of normal morphology, significant cardiac growth retardation was detected in sl/sl rat, supporting the likely association of cardiac anomalies with HSCR, at least in ETB-/- subtype. Structural reduction was likely due to a combination of failure to thrive from enteric dysfunction, alterations to CaNCC colonization, and importantly coronary hypoperfusion from elevated ET-1/ETA-mediated hypervasoconstriction. Little correlation was detected between aortic arch development and sl/sl rat, supporting minor ETB role in large vessels. Although further clinical study is warranted, HSCR patients may likely require cardiac assessment in view of congenital cardiac defects.
Apolipoprotein A1 is A Protective Factor for Male Papillary Thyroid Cancer Patients. A Cross-Sectional Study of Single Academic Center in China.
Authors: Ma Maoguang , Wang Mingdian , Zhang Zhanqiang , Lin Bo , Sun Zicheng , Guan Haoyan , Lv Weiming , Li Jie 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid cancer and the incidence of PTC has continued to increase over the past decades. Many studies have shown that obesity is an independent risk factor for PTC and obese PTC patients tend to have a relative larger tumor size and higher grade of tumor stage. Obesity is associated with disordered lipid metabolism and the relationship between serum lipids and PTC remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between serum lipid level and PTC.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1018 PTC patients diagnosed and treated in our hospital, all these cases were first diagnosed with PTC and had complete clinical information including ultrasound reports before surgery, serum lipid (CHOL, TG, HDL-c, LDL-c, Apo-A1, Apo-B, Apo-E) results, surgical records and pathological reports. Results: None of these lipid markers were associated with tumor size in the whole cohort and in the female group. In the male group, on crude analysis, Apo-A1 showed a marginally significant association with tumor size, [OR=0.158 (0.021-1.777)], p=0.072. After adjusting for age and multifocality, Apo-A1 showed a significant association with tumor size [OR=0.126 (0.016-0.974)], p=0.047. This association become more apparent in a young male subgroup, [OR=0.051 (0.005-0.497)], p=0.009. CHOL, TG, HDL-c, LDL-c, Apo-B, Apo-E did not show significant association with tumor size. As for LNM, neither in the male group nor in the female group were found to be associated with any serum lipid biomarkers.Conclusion: As PTC incidences continues to increase, our finding a negative association between PTC and apoA-1 imply that these lipids are protective factors for male PTC patients and provide us new clues about PTC and lipid metabolism, which may contribute to further investigation concerning diagnosing and preventing this most common type of thyroid cancer.
Rasch analysis of the Living with Chronic Illness Scale in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Ambrosio Leire , Rodriguez-Blazquez Carmen , Ayala Alba , Forjaz Maria João 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Neurologists play an essential role in facilitating the patient’s process of living with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The Living with Chronic Illness Scale-PD (LW-CI-PD) is a unique available clinical tool that evaluates how the patient is living with PD. The objective of the study was to analyse the LW-CI-PD properties according to the Rasch model.
Methods
An open, international, cross-sectional study was carried out in 324 patients with Parkinson’s disease from four Latin American countries and Spain. Psychometric properties of the LW-CI-PD were tested using Rasch analysis: fit to the Rasch model, item local independency, unidimensionality, reliability, and differential item functioning by age and gender.
Results
Original LW-CI-PD do not fit Rasch model. Modifications emerged included simplifying the response scale and deleting misfit items, the dimensions Acceptance, Coping and Integration showed a satisfactory fit to the Rasch model, with reliability indices greater than 0.70. The dimensions Self-management and Adjustment to the disease did not reach fit to the Rasch model.
Conclusion
Suggestions for improving the LW-CI-PD include a multidimensional and shorter scale with 12 items grouped in three subscales with a simpler response scheme. The final LW-CI-PD Scale version is a reliable scale, with good internal construct validity, that provides Rasch transformed results on linear metric scale.
Dengue virus non structural protein 1 disrupts the TGF-&#x03B2;/Smad signaling by utilizing E3 ligase Smurf2
Authors: Lahon Anismrita , Arya Ravi , Kumar Vivek , Banerjea Akhil 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
TGF-β signaling is tightly regulated to ensure cellular functions. Role of DENV on the TGF-β/Smad signaling has not been well established. Therefore, we aimed to study the association between DENV replication and TGF-β/Smad signaling. We observed impaired expression of Smad2/3/4 during DENV replication along with significant reduction in the expression of phosphorylated Smad3. Overexpression of Smad6/7 showed inhibitory effect on DENV replication. We observed DENV-NS1 not only physically interacts with Smad2/3/4 but also impaired their expression by utilizing Smurf2 E3 ligase. Co-immunoprecipitation of NS1 and Smurf2 suggests that NS1 may acts as a co-factor to escalate the lysosomal mediated degradation of Smads. Additionally we observed, NS1 is capable of blocking the nuclear translocation of Smad3 and thus further ensuring inhibition of Smad signaling. Therefore, our results confirm that DENV-NS1 interacts with Smads and reduces their expression that may favor in virus replication.
Serum Metabolomic Profiling Reveals Potential Biomarkers in Assessing The Management of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ding Xuesong , Deng Yan , Wang Yan-fang , Xue Wei , Zhu Shi-yang , Ma Xiao , Ma Ruilin , Sun Ai-jun 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: As one of the most common endocrinal disorder for the women at childbearing age, the diagnostic criteria of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have been defined distinctly among different international health organizations. The diverse manifestations and heterogenic etiology of PCOS also bring about difficulties for its diagnosis and management assessment. Though the elevated androgen level is acknowledged to be the most obvious biomarker for PCOS diagnosis and management evaluation, it is not always present in patients and the mechanism of hyperandrogenism has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, more efficient biomarkers representing progression of PCOS are expected to be integrated into monitoring the management process using metabolomic approach. Methods: In this prospective randomized controlled trial, classical diagnostic parameters, blood glucose, and metabolome were measured in 123 PCOS patients simultaneously before and at 2 and 3 months of different medical interventions. The metabolite fingerprints were detected filtered out by comparing data at baseline and 3 months based on multivariate statistical analysis, followed by validation with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve on data collected at 2 months. Results: A set of metabolites including glutamic acid, aspartic acid, 1-methylnicotinamide, acetylcarnitine, glycerophosphocholine, and oleamide, were filtered out with high performance in representing the improvement through three-month management of PCOS with high sensitivity and specificity in ROC analysis. Conclusions: The 6 metabolites were representative for the remission of PCOS through medical intervention, making them a set of potential biomarkers on assessing the outcome of PCOS management. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03264638. Registered 29 August 2017 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03264638
Association of ApoE Gene Polymorphisms With Cardio-cerebrovascular Complications in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Chinese Population
Authors: Kong Lulu , Gao Yinting , Li Wei , Shi Bimin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective

To analyze and study the relationship between ApoE gene polymorphism and cardio-cerebrovascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) in the Chinese Population.
Methods

From January 2018 to January 2019, 1140 patients with type 2 diabetes admitted to the Department of Endocrinology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University were selected as the case group, including 590 patients with coronary heart disease(CHD) and 550 patients with cerebral infarction(CI), and 1198 patients with type 2 diabetes without complications during the same period were selected as the control group. General baseline data of the two groups were collected, such as gender, age, course of disease, lipid profile, HbA1C, BMI, blood pressure, carotid plaque and complications. ApoE genotypes were identified in all participants who participated in the study.
Results

This study showed that the ApoE genotypes in both the case group and the control group had the highest frequency of E3/E3. The E3/E4 genotype frequency and E4 allele frequency in the case group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). In the case group, the frequency of E2/E3 and E3/E4 genotypes of CI group was lower than that of CHD group, while the frequency of E3/E3 genotype was higher than that of CHD group. TC and LDL-c levels were significantly increased in patients with ApoE E3/E4 genotype(P < 0.05). ApoE genotype E3/E4 was more associated with carotid plaque than E2/E3. ApoE genotype and ApoE allele were positively correlated with TC and LDL-c levels (P < 0.05).Logistic regression results show that ApoE gene polymorphism is associated with cardio-cerebrovascular complications in T2DM patients. ApoE E3/E4 genotype and allele E4 may be risk factors for T2DM patients with cardio-cerebrovascular complications.
Conclusion

ApoE E3/E4 genotypes and T2DM patients carrying E4 allele have a higher risk of cardio-cerebrovascular complications than other genotypes. E4 allele may be a risk factor for cardio-cerebrovascular complications in T2DM patients, and its mechanism may be related to the effect of ApoE gene on lipid metabolism.
Carboxymethyl Chitosan Reduces Inflammation and Promotes Osteogenesis in a Rabbit Knee Replacement Model
Authors: Liu Feng , Li Hai-yan , Wang Zhen , Zhang Hai-ning , Wang Ying-zhen , Xu Hao 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The major causes of failure after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) include prosthesis loosening and infection. This study aimed to investigatethe role of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) in knee arthroplasty. Methods: A total of 20 New Zealand white rabbits that were divided into two groups (10 in the control group and 10 in the chitosan group) were included in the study. They underwent TKA surgery, and all were implanted with titanium rod prostheses; the prosthesis in the chitosan group was coated with CMC. After 12 weeks, all rabbits were euthanized, and the followinganalyses of some specific surface membrane tissues around the prosthesis were performed: X-ray analysis; micro-computed tomography scan; haematoxylin and eosin, Van Gieson, and Von Kossa staining; reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; and Western Blotting. Results:The result of CCK8 test showed CMC can promote cell proliferation and increase cell viability. Radiological result showed better amount of bone deposits and more bone formation in the chitosan group. HE staining result showed CMC reduces inflammation around the prosthesis. The VG and Von Kossa staining results showed CMC can promote bone deposition around prosthesis.And according to the results of PCR and WB, the OCN content was higher in the chitosan group, while the MMPs content was lower. The chitosan group has an increased OPG/RANKL ratio than the control group.Conclusion: CMC can effectively inhibit the inflammatory response around the prosthesis and osteoclast activation and promote osteogenesis by interfering with the osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β signalling pathway.
Prevalence, Predictors, and Mortality of Bloodstream Infections Due to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Patients with Malignancy: Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Zhouqi , Zhuang Hemu , Wang Guannan , Wang Hui , Dong Ying 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Cancer patients are more likely to develop and die of bloodstream infection (BSI) than noncancer patients. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is associated with immense mortality and economic burden worldwide, is not covered by the recommended initial antibiotic therapy for cancer patients with BSI. This systemic review was performed to estimate the global methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prevalence among bacteremia in patients with malignancy, and further study the predictors and mortality of cancer patients with MRSA bacteremia. Methods: The PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for studies published from Jan. 2000 to Mar. 2020 that provided primary data on the prevalence, predictors, or mortality of MRSA bacteremia in cancer patients. A random-effects model meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled prevalence of MRSA with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).Results: The pooled prevalence of MRSA was 3% (95% CI 2–5%) among all bloodstream infections (BSIs) and 44% (95% CI 32–57%) among S. aureus bacteremia in cancer patients. Based on geographical stratification, the pooled prevalence was 5% in Africa (95% CI 1–14%), 1% in Americas (95% CI 1–2%), 2% in Europe (95% CI 1–4%), 4% in Western Pacific (95% CI 2–7%), 8% in South-east Asia (95% CI 4–14%) and 0% in Eastern Mediterranean (95% CI 0–3%). No significant temporal change in MRSA rates was detected in this analysis (R2 = 0.06; P=0.24). Predictors for MRSA BSIs among cancer patients were identified by comparison with their methicillin-susceptible counterparts, and they were mainly related to healthcare-associated infections and immunosuppression. Finally, the 60-day mortality in adult cancer patients with MRSA BSIs was reported to be 12%, and the 6-month overall mortality was 43.2%, with community-onset infection, secondary BSI, and vancomycin MIC≥2g/mL being the risk factors for mortality.Conclusions: Although the prevalence of MRSA BSIs among cancer patients is relatively low, it did not decline over time as MRSA BSIs in the general hospital population and the high mortality rate was related to MRSA BSIs in patients with malignancy.
Characteristics and Recovery Prognosis Factors Among COVID-2019 Infected Cases: A Tunisian Nationwide Analysis
Authors: Harizi Chahida 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to constitute a public health of international concern. Few data are available on the duration and prognosis factors for recovery. We aimed to study the recovery time among a Tunisian cohort of COVID-19 confirmed patients and identify its prognosis factors.Methods: A retrospective and national study was conducted from March 2 to May 8, 2020, recruiting all patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19, by RT-PCR methods, in Tunisia. Data were collected via phone call interview. Kaplan-Meir Methods and Cox proportional hazards regression models were, respectively, used to study the recovery time and estimate its prognosis factors.Results: 1030 patients with COVID-19 (aged 43.2 ± 18.2 years, 526 female (51.1%)) were enrolled. Among them 174 (16.9%) were healthcare professionals. Out of 173 patients (17.8%) admitted to the hospital, 47 were admitted in an intensive care unit. Among those who didn’t require specialized care, 55.5% were self-isolated at home, while the rest were in specialized centers. Almost ¾ of the patients were symptomatic. A total of 634 (61.6 %) patients have recovered and 45 (4.4 %) patients died. The median duration of illness was estimated to be 31 days (95% CI: [29 - 32]). Older age (HR=0.66, CI:[ 0.46-0.96], P=0.031) and symptoms (HR=0.61, CI:[ 0.43-0.81], P=0.021) were independently associated with a delay in recovery time. Being a healthcare professional (HR=1.52, CI :[1.10-2.08], P=0.011) and patients in home isolation compared to isolation centers (HR=2.99, CI :[1.85-4.83], P<10¯³) were independently associated with faster recovery time. Conclusion: the duration of illness was estimated to be one month. However, this long estimated duration of illness may not equate to infectiousness. A particular attention must to be paid to elderly and symptomatic patients with closer monitoring.
Modulating Electronic Structure of Metal-Organic Frameworks by Introducing Atomically Dispersed Ru for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Sun Yamei , Xue Ziqian , Liu Qinglin , Jia Yaling , Li Yinle , Liu Kang , Lin Yiyang , Liu Min , Li Guangqin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Developing high-performance electrocatalysts toward hydrogen evolution reaction is important for clean and sustainable hydrogen energy, yet still challenging. Herein, we report a single-atom strategy to construct excellent metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalyst (NiRu0.13-BDC, BDC: terephthalic acid) by introducing atomically dispersed Ru. Significantly, the obtained NiRu0.13-BDC exhibits outstanding HER activity in all pH, especially with a low overpotential of only 36 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 in 1 M phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution, which is comparable to commercial Pt/C. X-ray absorption fine structures and the density functional theory calculations reveal that introducing Ru single-atom can modulate electronic structure of metal center in the MOF, leading to the optimization of binding strength for H2O and H*, and the enhancement of HER performance. This work establishes single-atom strategy as an efficient approach to modulate electronic structure of MOFs for catalyst design.
Tolvaptan-Induced Hypernatremia Related to Low Serum Potassium Level Accompanying High Blood Pressure in Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Fukuoka Hidetada , Yachibana Koichi , Shinoda Yukinori , Minamisaka Tomoko , Inui Hirooki , Ueno Keisuke , Inoue Soki , Mine Kentaro , Ueda Kumpei , Hoshida Shiro 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Backgrounds: Tolvaptan significantly increases urine volume in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF); serum sodium level increases due to aquaresis in almost all cases. We aimed to elucidate clinical factors associated with hypernatremia in ADHF patients treated with tolvaptan.Methods: We enrolled 117 ADHF patients treated with tolvaptan in addition to standard therapy. We examined differences in clinical factors at baseline between patients with and without hypernatremia in the initial three days of hospitalization. Results: Systolic (p=0.045) and diastolic (p=0.004) blood pressure, serum sodium level (p=0.002), and negative water balance (p=0.036) were significantly higher and serum potassium level (p=0.026) was significantly lower on admission day in patients with hypernatremia (n=22). In multivariate regression analysis, hypernatremia was associated with low serum potassium level (p=0.034). Among patients with serum potassium level ≤3.8 mEq/L, the cutoff value obtained using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, those with hypernatremia related to tolvaptan treatment showed significantly higher diastolic blood pressure on admission day (p=0.004).Conclusion: In tolvaptan treatment combined with standard therapy in ADHF patients, serum potassium level ≤ 3.8mEq/L may be a determinant factor for hypernatremia development. Among hypokalemic patients, those with higher diastolic blood pressure on admission may be carefully managed to prevent hypernatremia.