bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non-destructive collection survey of the historical Classense Library. Part I: Paper characterisation
Authors: Brown Natalie , Coppola Floriana , Modelli Alberto , Amicucci Floriana , Lichtblau Dirk , Strlic Matija 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
An innovative survey was conducted of the collections of the historical Biblioteca Classense, located in the urban area of Ravenna (Northern Italy). The survey aimed to evaluate the current conservation state of the book collections, where 297 paper-based items, including incunabulae, manuscripts and books, dating from the 14th to the 20th century, were selected for analysis. This innovative survey was carried out non-destructively by assessing degradation visually and by measuring NIR spectral data followed by multivariate data analysis. Chemical and physical paper properties, important for paper characterisation and implementation of conservation strategies were determined, including paper type, pH, degree of polymerisation (DP), tensile strength, lignin, protein, and rosin content. This survey provided a significant quantitative dataset for rag paper covering a 600-year period. The analysis of DP changes over time allowed the first experimental estimation of the rate constant for historical rag paper, i.e., (4.2±0.6)·10-7 year-1, which was validated with predictions based on the Collections Demography dose response function for historic paper taking into account the past climate in Ravenna. Statistical methods were employed to describe the correlations between the measured variables and different features of the books, suggesting that the degree of polymerisation can be used as a general proxy for rag paper mechanical strength.
NEMPD: A network embedding-based miRNA-protein-disease network method for the miRNA-disease association prediction
Authors: Ji Bo-Ya , You Zhu-Hong , Chen Zhan-Heng , Wong Leon , Yi Hai-Cheng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

As an important non-coding RNA newly discovered in recent years, MicroRNA (miRNA) plays an important role in a series of life processes and is closely associated with a variety of human diseases. Hence, the identification of potential miRNA-disease associations can make great contributions to the research and treatment of human diseases. However, to our knowledge, many of the existing state-of-the-art computational methods only utilize the single type of known association information between miRNAs and diseases to predict their potential associations, without focusing on their interactions or associations with other types of molecules.

Results

In this paper, a network embedding-based the tripartite miRNA-protein-disease network (NEMPD) method was proposed for the prediction of miRNA-disease associations. Firstly, a tripartite miRNA-protein-disease network is created by integrating known miRNA-protein and protein-disease associations. Then, we utilize the network representation method-Learning Graph Representations with Global Structural Information (GraRep) to obtain the behavior information (associations with proteins in the network) of miRNAs and diseases. Secondly, the behavior information of miRNAs and diseases is combined with the attribute information of them (disease semantic similarity and miRNA sequence information) to represent miRNA-disease pairs. Thirdly, the prediction model was established based on these known miRNA-disease pairs and the Random Forest algorithm. In the results, under five-fold cross validation, the average prediction accuracy, sensitivity, and AUC of NEMPD is 85.41%, 80.96%, and 91.58%. Furthermore, the performance of NEMPD was also validated by the case studies. Among the top 50 predicted disease-related miRNAs, 48 (breast neoplasms), 47 (colon neoplasms), 47 (lung neoplasms) were confirmed by two other databases.

Conclusions

NEMPD has a good performance in predicting the potential associations between miRNAs and diseases and has great potency in the field of miRNA-disease association prediction in the future.
HLA-B*35 as a new marker for susceptibility to Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus type 1 (HTLV-1) Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP) in patients living in Argentina
Authors: Benencio Paula , Gonzalez Sindy A. Fraile , Ducasa Nicolás , Page Kimberly , Berini Carolina A. , Biglione Mirna M. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Human T lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the etiological agent of HTLV associated myelopathy/ Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP) and Adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), in around 2-5% of the infected individuals. Host genetic background might play a role in disease progression. Several previous studies across many countries report HLA haplotype to be one such factor. Here, we sequenced HLA-A, -B and -C of 72 individuals by Sequence-Based Typing (SBT), and compared the frequency of different alleles among ATLL patients, HAM/TSP patients, asymptomatic carriers and non-infected individuals living in Argentina.Results: The frequency of HLA-A, -B and -C alleles largely matched that of the general population in Argentina. We identified HLA-A*02 and HLA-B*35 as associated to protection from ATLL (p=0.037) and susceptibility to HAM/TSP (p<0.001), respectively. We also found a strong correlation between high proviral load (PVL) and disease (p=0.003), but were unable to identify any particular allele associated with high or low PVL.Conclusions: Our results match several previous reports that link HLA-A*02 and protection from disease. However, this is the first study associating HLA-B*35 to susceptibility to disease in HTLV-1, an allele that has been largely associated to different severity factors related to other viral infections, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV).
Molecular characterization of Plasmodium falciparum DNA-3-methyladenine glycosylase
Authors: Pinthong Nattapon , Limudomporn Paviga , Vasuvat Jitlada , Adisakwattana Poom , Rattaprasert Pongruj , Chavalitshewinkoon-Petmitr Porntip 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

The emergence of artemisinin-resistant malaria parasite highlights the need for novel drugs and their targets. Alkylation in purine bases can hinder DNA replication if remained unsolved would eventually resulting in cell death. DNA-3-methyladenine glycosylase is an enzyme responsible for the repair of those alkylated lesions. Based on the AT-rich genome of Plasmodium falciparum and unexplored Plasmodium falciparum DNA-3-methyladenine glycosylase (PfMAG), therefore PfMAG should be characterized for its potential candidate for antimalarial drug development.

Methods

Bioinformatics analysis of PfMAG was performed. The native PfMAG from crude extract of chloroquine and pyrimethamine resistant Plasmodium falciparum strain K1 was partially purified using three columns. The existence of PfMAG activity leads to the cloning and expression of PfMAG for further characterization. The PfMAG was amplified, cloned to expression vector (pBAD202/D-TOPO), and expressed in Escherichia coli. The molecular weight of recombinant PfMAG was analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. Both functional and biochemical properties of the recombinant enzyme were characterized.

Results

PfMAG activity was most prominent in schizont. Native PfMAG was partially purified with a specific activity of 147.36 units/mg protein. The DNA sequence of amplified PfMAG showed an insertion of three nucleotides coding for asparagine compared to strain 3D7 and only 16% similarity compared to the human enzyme was observed. After cloning, the 74-kDa recombinant PfMAG was expressed and identified. PfMAG showed a larger size than its human counterpart twice. PfMAG preferred a double-stranded DNA substrate. Glycosylase activity was detected in a broad range of pH 5-8. The quite narrow optimal salt concentration was observed between 100 - 200 mM NaCl, whereas 250 mM NaCl reduces its activity. Divalent cations are not required for its glycosylase activity; on the contrary, they inhibited glycosylase activity in a concentration-dependent manner.

Conclusion

PfMAG activity increases according to parasite development. Native PfMAG was partially purified, the recombinant PfMAG was successfully expressed and characterized. An insertion of AAT coding for asparagine was found compared with that of strain 3D7. PfMAG differs from the human counterpart in a twice larger size and a wide range of optimal pH. Results obtained from this study will be a benefit for exploring and investigating of candidate targets toward antimalarial drug design in the future.
Promoting the Propensity for Blood Donation Through the Understanding of Its Antecedents.
Authors: Mugion Roberta Guglielmetti , Giovina Pasca Maria , Laura Di Pietro , Renzi Maria Francesca 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background. The paper is aimed at understanding the main antecedents related to the blood donation propensity related to both donors and non-donors. With our research, we are going to analyse the two perspectives in order to identify similarities and differences concentrating on the Italian context. Our findings can be useful also in the COVID-19 epoch in which blood availability continue to be a primary need of hospitals. Blood is a vital resource that strongly affects the efficacy and sustainability of every national healthcare system and the system’s ability to achieve the goal of universal coverage. This is especially true in the COVID-19 epidemic, in which there is the need for blood among hospitals. Methods. The purpose of this paper is to understand the main antecedents of citizens’ blood donation intention and the propensity to enhance word of mouth among both donors and non-donors. To fulfil this purpose, the Theory of Planned Behaviour is adopted as a theoretical lens. An empirical investigation was performed in Italy, adopting a mixed methods research design. First, a qualitative analysis was carried out through 30 in-depth interviews. Then, a survey was used to quantitatively investigate the intention to donate among both donors (N=173) and non-donors (N=87). A conceptual model was developed and tested through Structural Equation Modeling, developing a multi-group approach. Results. The present study confirms the relations proposed by the Theory of Planned Behaviour, even though some differences between the two groups are shown. The construct Information and Communication is crucial for donors, non-donors, and non-donor inhibitors. Service quality has an impact on the propensity to generate Word Of Mouth. Conclusion. This paper reveals the main differences between donor and non-donor perspectives. Fruitful insights for enhancing blood donation awareness are provided. Our findings can also be useful in the COVID-19 epidemic, in which there is more need for blood in hospitals.
Self-expandable metallic stenting as a bridge to elective surgery versus emergency surgery for acute malignant right-sided colorectal obstruction
Authors: Li Bing , Cai Shi-Lun , Lv Zhen-Tao , Zhou Ping-Hong , Yao Li-Qing , Shi Qiang , Qi Zhi-Peng , Sun Di , Yalikong Ayimukedisi , Xu En-Pan , Xu Jian-Min , Zhong Yunshi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Data are limited regarding the advantages of a self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) as a bridge to elective surgery for acute malignant obstruction of the right-sided colon (MORC), as most studies concentrated on this technique used in left-sided colon. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients (including stage IV cases) with acute MORC treated by initial SEMS placement vs emergency surgery (ES).
Methods
Patients with acute MORC who underwent radical resection for a primary tumour from July 2008 to November 2016 at Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University were retrospectively enrolled. Postoperative short-term outcomes, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were compared between the SEMS and ES groups.
Results
In total, 107 patients with acute MORC (35 in the SEMS group and 72 in the ES group) were included for analysis. The Intensive Care Unit admission rate was lower (11.4% vs. 34.7%, P = 0.011), the incidence of complications was reduced (11.4% vs. 29.2%, P = 0.042), and the postoperative length of hospitalisation was significantly shorter (8.23 ± 6.50 vs. 11.18 ± 6.71 days, P = 0.033) for the SEMS group. Survival curves showed no significant difference in PFS (P = 0.506) or OS (P = 0.989) between groups. 29.0% (27/93) of the patients with stage II and III disease experienced disease progression, when the distant metastasis rates for the SEMS and ES groups were 21.4% (6/28) and 18.5% (12/65), respectively (P = 0.740) and local site relapse presented in 2 (7.1%) patients of the SEMS group and in 7 (10.8%) patients of the ES group (P = 0.719). After colectomy for synchronous liver metastases, the hepatectomy rates for the SEMS and ES groups were 85.7% and 14.3%, respectively (P = 0.029). The hazard ratio for colectomy alone vs combined resection was 3.258 (95% CI 0.858–12.370; P = 0.041).
Conclusion
Stent placement offers significant advantages in terms of short-term outcomes and comparable prognoses for acute MORC patients. For synchronous liver metastases, SEMS placement better prepares the patient for resection of the primary tumour and liver metastasis, which contribute to improved survival.
Severe physical inactivity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: changes in systemic inflammation after pulmonary rehabilitation – a pilot study
Authors: Thyregod Mimi , Løkke Anders , Skou Søren T. , Larsen Jacob , Bodtger Uffe 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background The purpose was to investigate whether severe physical inactivity (SPI) is associated with altered levels of common inflammatory markers as compared to higher Physical activity levels (PALs), and whether pulmonary rehabilitation would reduce the levels of systemic inflammation in SPI in patients with COPD. Methods This prospective, cohort study was conducted in four rehabilitation centers in Region Zealand, Denmark. We included patients with COPD referred for 7-12 weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation (2-hours of exercise therapy and education twice weekly). We measured b-eosinophils, p-fibrinogen, p-CRP, s-IL-6, s-CD 163, nasal lavage-IL-8, and daily physical activity, using a validated activity monitor, SenseWear®, at baseline and after rehabilitation. SPI was defined as PAL <1.4.Results In total, 31 of 57 patients were SPI at baseline, and seven (23%) of these patients improved to non-SPI after pulmonary rehabilitation. We observed no significant differences in the primary endpoint i.e. change in systemic inflammation between patients who remained SPI at both time pints vs. patients who improved PAL from SPI at baseline to non-SPI at follow-up. At baseline, SPI was associated with significantly higher p-fibrinogen levels (p=0.04) than non-SPI, but no other differences were observed between SPI and non-SPI Conclusion In a cohort of patients with COPD attending pulmonary rehabilitation, we could not demonstrate any differences or changes in systemic inflammation or PAL following rehabilitation between patients with SPI and non-SPI. This might be a true negative finding or due to a high pro-inflammatory drive in all patients regardless of SPI status or study limitations such as suboptimal levels of rehabilitation intensity and SPI cut-off level. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01700296), https://register.clinicaltrials.gov. Registered in November 2012.
Genomic signatures in pediatric advanced stage Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia in a Chinese population detected by next generation sequencing
Authors: Lei Xiaoying , Yin Nange , Guo Yuxia , Song Ling , Zhu Jin , Xiao Jianwen 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia (BL/BAL) is the most common lymphoma in children, and the sporadic subtype is dominant in Chinese populations. MYC gene translocations are essential for sporadic BL/BAL (sBL/BAL), but other gene mutations also play important roles in the development of sBL/BAL. Methods: The clinical data of ten Chinese children with sBL/BAL were collected, and next generation sequencing of their tumor tissues was conducted. Cases of BL and diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) were also collected from a database, and bioinformatics analysis was conducted.Results: Nine boys and one girl were enrolled in the study, including six BL patients (stage III) and four BAL patients (stage IV). The average age at diagnosis was 100.10±13.39m; overexpression of CD20 was detectable, and MYC rearrangements were confirmed. The patients received combination treatment of chemotherapy and rituximab. All patients achieved complete remission and survived. Germline causal gene mutations were detected in four (40%) patients by whole-exome sequencing (WES); ID3, BRCA2, ARID1A and SMARCA4 mutations, in addition to MYC mutations, were the most common somatic mutations. The gene functions in etiology were different between the BL and DLBCL datasets. The identified mutated genes were enriched and connected by GO or KEGG pathways, and it seemed that the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway or the EGFR-TKI resistance pathway played important roles in the etiology of sBL/BAL. Conclusion: sBL/BAL is a highly aggressive but curable lymphoma; its etiology and pathology require additional research. The molecular hallmark of sBL/BAL is MYC translocation, whereas additional chromosomal abnormalities and gene mutations also occur and play roles in the progression of the disease. The PI3K-Akt signaling pathway seems to play important roles in the development of sBL/BAL, and sBL/BAL may be inhibited by this signaling pathway. The EGFR-TKI resistance pathway was also analyzed in sBL/BAL patients, revealing that EGFR-TKI treatment is invalid in this disease. Further research is needed for hypothesis development and possible mechanism discovery.
Periodic injections of adipose-derived stem cell sheets attenuate osteoarthritis progression in an experimental rabbit model
Authors: Takagi Tomoharu , Kabata Tamon , Hayashi Katsuhiro , Fang Xiang , Kajino Yoshitomo , Inoue Daisuke , Ohmori Takaaki , Ueno Takuro , Yoshitani Junya , Ueoka Ken , Yamamuro Yuki , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) represent an abundant source of multipotent adult stem cells easily isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissue. With a cell sheet approach, ADSCs survive longer, and can be delivered in large quantities. We investigated whether intra-articular ADSC sheets attenuated osteoarthritis (OA) progression in a rabbit anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) model. Methods: Fabricating medium containing ascorbate-2-phosphate was used to enhance collagen protein secretion by the ADSCs to make ADSC sheets. At 4 weeks after ACLT, autologous ADSC sheets were injected intra-articularly into the right knee (ADSC sheets group), and autologous cell death sheets treated by liquid nitrogen were injected into the left knee (control group). Subsequent injections were administered once weekly. Femoral condyles were compared macroscopically and histologically. Results: Macroscopically, OA progression was significantly milder in the ADSC sheets than in the control groups. Histologically, control knees showed obvious erosions in the medial and lateral condyles, while cartilage was retained predominantly in the ADSC sheets group. Immunohistochemically, MMP-1, MMP-13, ADAMTS-4 were less expressive in the ADSC sheets than in the control groups. Conclusions: Periodic ADSC sheets injections inhibited articular cartilage degeneration without inducing any adverse effects. A large quantity of autologous ADSCs delivered by cell sheets homed to the synovium and protected chondrocytes by secretion of trophic factors.
Investigation of outpatient’s satisfaction of elderly patients with chronic pain:a survey
Authors: An Guanghui , Fang Bin , Zhang Panpan , Huang Xiaojing 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThere are more and more elderly patients with chronic pain, and there is a certain particularity in this group. The rapid development of the Internet and smart devices has brought a series of convenience measures for the outpatient in our hospital. But the impact of these new methods on the experience of elderly patients with chronic pain is not known yet.MethodsIn this study, the outpatient satisfaction questionnaire with six questions was used to investigate the problems in elderly chronic pain outpatient consultation. ResultsIn the survey of 100 patients, the overall satisfaction of the visiting experience was 63.5%, the satisfaction of locating the clinic was only 35%,the satisfaction of getting the examination report was 47%, the satisfaction of outpatient visit time choice was 60%, the satisfaction of the consultation process was 69%，the satisfaction of nursing service was 80%,and the satisfaction of the consultation service was 90%. ConclusionThe experience of medical service of elderly outpatients with chronic pain is poor in the background of modern and intelligentialized medical practice. To improve the experiences of these patients, it is necessary that the hospital provide additional supports to assist those patients during the outpatient service.
Understanding forgotten exposures towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3: the case of herbal medicine use in Tanzania
Authors: Kessy Anna Tengia , Msalale George Chombe 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: In most sub-Sahara African countries, herbal medicines are widely used during pregnancy and labour for various motives despite their unclear pharmacology and potential toxicity. Considering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, exposure to herbs during pregnancy should be restricted in order to safeguard the health of mothers and newborns. This study aimed to assess the proportion of mothers using herbal medicines during pregnancy and delivery and to determine factors associated with the practice.Methods: This cross-sectional quantitative study gathered information from 340 mothers who delivered a live baby in the preceding two years. Using a two-stage-sampling technique, we selected and interviewed mothers attending reproductive, maternal and child health clinics in Tabora, in central Tanzania. We compared proportions using chi-square test and performed a Poisson regression analysis to determine independent correlates of herbal use.Results: Over 60% of mothers in Tabora used herbal medicines during pregnancy and delivery. Major reasons for use were shortening of labour duration, 81 (38.9%) and reducing labour pain, 58 (27.9%). Independent factors of herbal use were distance to the nearest health facility, adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR = 1.12, 95%CI = 1.00,1.25), perception of herbs as safe, (aPR = 1.16, 95%CI = 1.05,1.29) and health care providers’ stance on the use of herbs, (aPR = 1.14, 95%CI = 1.04,1.25).Conclusions: Use of herbal medicines during pregnancy and delivery in Tanzania is high. This calls for comprehensive investigations on the effects of herbs used during pregnancy and delivery as a step towards understanding contributions of forgotten exposures en route for achieving SDG 3. Additionally, health care providers ought to include health education messages during antenatal visits on the undesirable effects of using herbs.