bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genomic profile of MYCN non-amplified neuroblastoma and potential for immunotherapeutic strategies in neuroblastoma
Authors: Lee Eunjin , Lee Ji Won , Lee Boram , Park Kyunghee , Shim Joonho , Yoo Keon Hee , Koo Hong Hoe , Sung Ki Woong , Park Woong-Yang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background MYCN amplification is the most important genomic feature in neuroblastoma (NB). However, limited studies have been conducted on the MYCN non-amplified NB including low- and intermediate-risk NB. Here, the genomic characteristics of MYCN non-amplified NB were studied to allow for the identification of biomarkers for molecular stratification.Results Fifty-eight whole exome sequencing (WES) and 48 whole transcriptome sequencing (WTS) samples of MYCN non-amplified NB were analysed. Forty-one patients harboured WES and WTS pairs. In the MYCN non-amplified NB WES data, maximum recurrent mutations were found in MUC4 (26%), followed by RBMXL3 (19%), ALB (17%), and MUC16 and SEPD8 (14% each). Two gene fusions, CCDC32-CBX3 (10%) and SAMD5-SASH1 (6%), were recurrent in WTS analysis, and these fusions were detected mostly in non-high-risk patients with ganglioneuroblastoma histology. Analysis of risk-group-specific biomarkers showed that several genes and gene sets were differentially expressed between the risk groups, and some immune-related pathways tended to be activated in the high-risk group. Mutational signatures 6 and 18, which represent DNA mismatch repair (MMR) associated mutations, were commonly detected in 60% of the patients. In the tumour mutation burden (TMB) analysis, four patients showed high TMB (> 3 mutations/Mb), and had mutations in genes related to either MMR or homologous recombination. Excluding four outlier samples with TMB > 3 Mb, high-risk patients had significantly higher levels of TMB compared with the non-high-risk patients.Conclusions This study provides novel insights into the genomic background of MYCN non-amplified NB. Activation of immune-related pathways in the high-risk group and the results of TMB and mutational signature analyses collectively suggest the need for further investigation to discover potential immunotherapeutic strategies for NB.
Comparison of the Small Intestine of 0-day-old Neonatal Piglets vs. 21-day-old Weaned Piglets
Authors: Yuan Chen , Jin Yuxin , Shah Abid Ullah , Zhang En , Zhang penghao , Yang Qian 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background: Neonatal piglets are susceptible to intestinal infections . Gut is the body’s major immune structure and the intestinal mucosa, which is composed of intestinal epithelial cells (IELs) and subepithelial natural immune cells, is considered as the primary site for eliciting local immune responses to foreign antigens. This study compared the intestinal immune cells of neonatal and weaned piglets to provide a theoretical and mechanistic basis for preventing intestinal infectious diseases. Results: Histological analyses of weaned piglet intestines showed increased crypt depth, high IEL count, and increased areas of ileal Peyer’s patches. Additionally, the duodenal and ileal villi of weaned piglets were longer than those of neonatal piglets. Expression of claudin-3 protein in weaned piglets was remarkably high as compared with neonatal piglets. The number of CD3 + T cells, goblet cells, and secretory cells was high in the small intestines of weaned piglets in vivo. Contrarily, secretory IgA-positive cell numbers in the jejunum remained unchanged between neonatal and weaned piglets. Gene expression of 12 pattern recognition receptor (PRR) (TLR1–10, MDA5, and RIG-I) was examined in neonatal and weaned piglet small intestine (duodenum, jejunum , and ileum). The pattern of mRNA expression level of most PRR genes in the duodenum and jejunum was inverse of that in the ileum. Compared with weaned piglets, there were significantly fewer intestinal lymphocytes at birth in neonatal pigs. Conclusions: The physical, biochemical, and immune-related components of neonatal and weaned piglet small intestines were investigated to provide preliminary data on the pathogenetic mechanism for future studies.
Global epidemiology, pathogenesis, immune response, diagnosis, treatment, economic and psychological impact, challenges, and future prevention of COVID-19: A Scoping review
Authors: Berhe Brhane , Legese Haftom , Degefa Hagos , Adhanom Gebre , Gebrewahd Aderajew , Mardu Fitsum , Tesfay Kebede , Kahsu Getachew , Welay Miglas , Negash Hadush 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Globally, the novel coronavirus is a public health problem causing respiratory infections. Since the outbreak of severe acute and Middle East respiratory syndromes coronavirus was not reported to cause human infections. Now, it becomes an epidemic proportion with growing number of cases and deaths.Methods A scoping review was conducted following the methodological framework. In this scoping review, 50 records published before 28 March, 2020 were included and discussed to better understand the current epidemiology, pathogenesis, immunological response, diagnosis, evasion mechanisms and suggested strategies to boost immune system, challenges, treatment, and future preventions of the virus. PubMed, BioRxiv, MedRxiv, Global Health and google scholars were searched comprehensively for articles, preprints, grey literatures, reports, websites, conference proceedings and expert information. Studies conducted in human and published in English language were included in the analysis. All the findings and statements of the review regarding the outbreak are based on published information as listed in citations.Results We identified 360 records, of which 50 studies met the inclusion criteria. We synthesized the data from the included records and dig out the deep insights of them and pooled in to this review. The burden of the outbreak is worsening due to overcrowding, presence of asymptomatic carriers, scarcity of test kits, immune escaping ability of the virus and lack of awareness.Conclusions and recommendations: Due to the fast spreading nature of COVID-19 the prevention and control strategies become challenging. It is imposing social, psychological, and socio-economic impacts. We recommended that following social distancing, isolation suspects, using personal protective equipment, health education and introducing hand washing practices, avoiding contact with animals, vaccine development and treatment for controlling and prevention.
Lipidomics Profiling of Skin Surface Lipids in Senile Pruritus
Authors: Ma xiaolei , Lu Lulu , Zhao Zheng , Cai Mingru , Gao Na , Han Gangwen 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Senile pruritus is common, yet its etiology remains unknown. We examined the lipidomics profiles of skin surface lipids (SSL) in the elderly to better understand potential causes for senile pruritus. Methods:Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was used to assess skin barrier function. Ameliorated Kawashima itch scale were used to measure the pruritus score. Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and multivariate data analysis were used to investigate SSL alternations. Results:The results showed that the senile pruritus have higher TEWL values than controls (13.13±4.28 versus 6.71±2.45, p< 0.01). LC-MS/MS showed significant differences in lipidomics and identified 81 species of SSL that differ between two groups. Compared to controls, the levels of ceramides, diacylcerols, fatty acids, phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethar, phytosphingsines, sphingosines, diacylceryl-3-O-carboxyhydroxymethylcholine, diacylglyceryl trimethylhomoserine, unsaturated free fatty acids increased, whereas triacylglycerol decreased. CER-EOS, CER-NDS and CER-NS were positively correlated with TEWL values (p<0.05). Sphingomyelin, Cer-NP, Cer-AS, Cer-NDS, Cer-NS were positively correlated with pruritus severity scores, while Cer-BS, Cer-EODS, Cer-EOS, Cer-AP were negatively correlated. Conclusion:Our study indicated that the senile pruritus have impaired skin barrier function and altered SSL composition. Select SSL species identified in this study may be potential target for future studies on the pathogenesis of idiopathic senile pruritus
Association of alanine transaminase to aspartate aminotransferase ratio and incident diabetes in Chinese adults: a second retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liang Zhilin , Hu Haofei , Wang Xunxun , Chen Xianxiong , Zhang Min , Liu Zhigang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Aims/Introduction: Previous studies have indicated that serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level or ALT/AST ratio may be bound up with diabetes. But the association of ALT/AST ratio and incident diabetes in Chinese adults have not been elaborated yet. The main objective of the present study was to analyze whether ALT/AST ratio was an independent risk factor which attached to the risk of incident diabetes in Chinese adults.Materials and Methods From 2010 to 2016, 685,277 Chinese adults who received a health check in Rich Healthcare Group including all medical records, and the present article was a second retrospective cohort analysis based on above population. As the target independent variable, ALT/AST ratio was measured at baseline while the dependent variable, incident diabetes appeared during follow-up. We used Cox proportional hazard regression models to analyze the prognostic value of ALT/AST on the risk of incident diabetes.Results ALT/AST demonstrated undeniable correlation with incident diabetes (HR = 2.535, 95%CI: 2.190 to 2.934, P < 0.00001). The association between ALT/AST and incident diabetes is only linear. The cumulative incidence (95% CI) rate of incident diabetes in total participants, ALT/AST quartile 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 2.112 (2.016–2.208), 0.992 (.0.857–1.127), 1.430 (1.274–1.586), 2.396 (2.192-2.600) and 3.559 (3.314–3.803), separately. The population with age (30 to < 40 years), BMI (< 24 kg/m2) and SBP (< 140 mmHg) was found to be the stronger association in subgroup analysis.Conclusion In Chinese adults, ALT/AST ratio is an independent risk factor for incident diabetes.
Plasma PCSK9 concentrations predict Cardiovascular Events in subjects free of vascular disease and with stable coronary artery disease: Findings from a community-based prospective study and a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Xiaona , Bai Yongyi , Cao Ruihua , Yang Xu , Xiao Wenkai , Zhang Yun , Wu Hongmei , Zhao Dong , Ye Ping 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background The secreted protein proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a promising new target for lowering plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular disease. Objective We aimed to determine the relationship between PCSK9 levels and cardiovascular (CV) events using a large cohort and a systematic review with meta-analysis. Methods We analyzed the association of plasma PCSK9 levels with CV events in 1324 subjects (mean age, 61.3 years) from a community-based population in Beijing, China. For the systematic review, we pooled the results of our cohort with other eligible studies in a meta-analysis using a random effects model. Results After a median follow-up interval of 4.8 years, 79 CV events were identified. Cox regression analysis showed that the presence of CV events (HR: 1.83, 95% CI, 1.07-3.17; P=0.046) was related to PCSK9 levels significantly. Combining another 8 prospective cohorts and our findings in a meta-analysis (9 prospective cohorts with a total of 13013 participants were included) showed a positive association between plasma PCSK9 levels and CV events, with a summary HR of 1.26 (95% CI: 1.07-1.50; P=0.007). When pooled estimates were derived for pre-existent and free of coronary artery disease (CAD) populations, baseline PCSK9 levels predicted total CV events only in subjects free of CAD (pooled HR: 1.34, 95% CI, 1.11-1.61; P=0.003). In patients with pre-existent CAD, further subgroup analysis showed that baseline PCSK9 levels predicted CV events only in subjects with stable CAD (pooled HR: 1.58, 95% CI, 1.04-2.38; P=0.030) but not in patients with unstable CAD (pooled HR: 1.02, 95% CI, 0.76-1.35; P=0.908). Conclusion Our findings in the Chinese cohort and the meta-analysis support that high plasma PCSK9 level was a predictive factor for future CV events in subjects free of CAD and with stable CAD but not in patients with established unstable CAD. Keywords PCSK9; cardiovascular events; cohort; meta-analysis.
Associations between adherence to MIND diet and severity, duration and frequency of migraine headaches among migraine patients
Authors: Askarpour Moein , yarizadeh Habib , Sheikhi Ali , Khorsha Faezeh , Mirzaei Khadijeh 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objectives Migraine is a neurological disorder causing unbearable pain. Dietary approach is proposed as a preventive way of reducing the severity of migraine headaches. The present study aimed to examine the association between MIND diet and migraine headaches.Results We found that participants with higher score of MIND diet compared to those with lower score, were less likely to have severe headaches (OR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.94; P = 0.01). Moreover, our results showed an inversed correlation between mind diet score and duration (β= -0.15, 95% CI: -1.44, -0.11, P = 0.02) and frequency of headaches (β= -0.12, 95% CI: -0.96, -0.02, P = 0.04).
Genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum in Grande Comore Island
Authors: Mze Nasserdine Papa , Bogreau Hervé , Diedhiou Cyrille K. , Herdell Vendela , Rahamatou Silai , Bei Amy K. , BASCO Leonardo , Mboup Souleymane , Ahouidi Ambroise D. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Despite several control interventions resulting in a considerable decrease in malaria prevalence in the Union of the Comoros, the disease remains a public health problem with high transmission in Grand Comore compared to neighboring islands. In this country, only a few studies investigating the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum have been performed so far. For this reason, this study aims to examine the genetic diversity of P. falciparum by studying samples collected in Grande Comore in 2012 and 2013, using merozoite surface protein 1 (msp1), merozoite surface protein 2 (msp2) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genetic markers.Methods A total of 151 positive rapid diagnostic test (RDT) samples from Grande Comore were used to extract parasite DNA. Allelic families K1, Mad20 and RO33 of the msp1 gene as well as allelic families IC3D7 and FC37 of the msp2 gene were determined by using nested PCR. Additionally, 50 out of 151 samples were genotyped to study 24 SNPs by using high resolution melting (HRM).Results Two allelic families were predominant, the K1 family of msp1 gene (55%) and the FC27 family of msp2 gene (47.4%). Among 50 samples genotyped for 24 SNPs, 42 (84%) yielded
Trends of Diabetes Mortality in Iran at National and Sub-national levels from 1990 to 2015 and its association with socioeconomic factors
Authors: Peykari Niloofar , Moghaddam Sahar Saeedi , Rezaei Nazila , Mansouri Anita , Naderimagham Shohreh , Mehdipour Parinaz , Pazhuheian Forough , Khajavi Alireza , Haghshenas Rosa , Mahmoudi Negar , Mahmoudi Zohreh , Dilmaghani-Marand Arezou , Rezaee Kamyar , Larijani Bagher , Farzadfar Farshad 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Following global commitments to prevent and control non-communicable diseases, we sought to estimate national and sub-national trends in diabetes mortality in Iran and to assess its association with socioeconomic factors.Methods To assess the correlation between diabetes mortality and socioeconomic factors we used data obtained from the Death Registration System (DRS), the spatio-temporal model and Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) levels and the diabetes mortality trends, which were estimated by sex, age and year at national and sub-national levels from 1990 to 2015.Results Between the years 1990 and 2015, the age-standardized diabetes mortality rate (per 100,000) increased from 3.40 (95% UI: 2.33 to 4.99) to 7.72 (95% UI: 5.51 to 10.78) in males and from 4.66 (95% UI: 3.23 to 6.76) to 10.38 (95% UI: 7.54 to 14.23) in females. In 1990, the difference between the highest age-standardized diabetes mortality rate among males was 3.88 times greater than the lowest (5.97 vs. 1.54) and in 2015 this difference was 3.96 times greater (14.65 vs. 3.70). This provincial difference was higher among females and was 5.13 times greater in 1990 (8.41 vs. 1.64) and 5.04 times greater in 2015 (19.87 vs. 3.94). The rate of diabetes mortality rose with urbanization, yet declined with an increase in wealth and years of schooling as the main socio-economic factors.Conclusion The rising trend of diabetes mortality rate at national level and the sub-national disparities associated with socioeconomic status in Iran warrant the implementation of specific interventions recommended by the ‘25 by 25’ goal.
Effects of bio-adhesive barrier-forming oral liquid (Episil®) on pain due to radiation-induced oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer: A randomized crossover trial
Authors: Soutome Sakiko , Yanamoto Souichi , Kawashita Yumiko , Yoshimatsu Masako , Murata Maho , Kojima Yuka , Funahara Madoka , Umeda Masahiro , Saito Toshiyuki 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Bio-adhesive barrier-forming oral liquid (Episil®) is a recently developed medical device for the management of pain caused by oral mucositis associated with cancer radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this material for the relief of pain resulting from radiation-induced oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer who are undergoing radiotherapy.Methods This was a randomized, open-labeled, crossover trial investigating the pain relief effects of Episil® using dexamethasone ointment as a control. Fifteen patients who had mild or moderate pain due to radiation induced oral mucositis were randomly assigned to two groups: group A applied dexamethasone ointment once on the first day, had a wash-out period on the second day, and used Episil® once on the third day. Conversely, group B used Episil® on day 1, followed by a wash-out period on day 2 and dexamethasone ointment on day 3. The effectiveness of the test drug/materials on the relief of pain was compared.Results One patient reported nausea immediately after application of Episil® and was therefore excluded from the analysis of pain relief. Dexamethasone ointment relieved pain in 85.7% of patients compared to 71.4% with Episil® (p = 0.682). Nine patients wished to continue dexamethasone ointment after the study while only five wished to continue Episil®.Conclusions Our findings suggest that the pain relief effect of Episil® is comparable to or less than that of dexamethasone ointment. Larger follow-up studies are needed to verify these findings.Trial registration:The study protocol was registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT) on March 3rd, 2019 (jRCTs072180039).
Comparing perceived heating effect and intensity of therapeutic ultrasound between breast tissue and calf muscle in lactating women: An observational study
Authors: Neill Lauren , Eske Elizabeth , Yip Wan Hui , Gurram Lalitha , Oliveira Beatriz IR de , McArdle Adelle , Cooper Melinda , Jacques Angela , McKenna Leanda Jane 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Inflammatory conditions of the lactating breast (ICLB) can cause cessation of breastfeeding and treatment for these conditions should be optimised. Therapeutic ultrasound is the most utilised physiotherapy treatment for ICLB. However, there is no evidence that guides physiotherapists on the most appropriate therapeutic ultrasound parameters to treat ICLB, with current ultrasound treatment protocols based on evidence using musculoskeletal tissue. Therefore, it is necessary to determine whether ultrasound interacts with breast and musculoskeletal tissue differently. This study aimed to determine the difference between breast and calf muscle tissue for perception of heating from therapeutic ultrasound; and the therapeutic ultrasound intensity required to perceive warmth in healthy lactating breast tissue.Methods Fifty adult lactating women who had exclusively breastfed infants aged 6 months or fewer, were recruited from a private physiotherapy clinic in Queensland, Australia. Consent was obtained to participate in this repeated measures within subject descriptive observational study. Therapeutic ultrasound was sequentially applied to the breast and calf; in a randomly assigned order; using a continuous duty cycle of 1 MHz, 1Wcm2 intensity for an initial period of 5 minutes. Intensity was then increased by 0.1Wcm2 every 30 seconds. The intensity at which participants reported first perceived warmth and then most tolerable warmth for the breast and the calf was recorded.Results First warmth was perceived at lower intensities in the breast (Z=-3.637, p < 0.001), but there was no difference between locations for most tolerable warmth (Z=-1.165, p = 0.244). Factors associated with intensity for perception of first warmth were antidepressant use (β 0.369 95% confidence interval [95%CI: 0.103–0.635], p = 0.007) and location (β 0.286 [95%CI: 0.055–0.516], p = 0.015). Body mass index (BMI) was the only factor associated with intensity for most tolerable warmth (β 0.024 [95%CI: 0.004–0.044], p = 0.017). The range of intensities required to perceive heating in the breast were 1-2.5Wcm2.Conclusions As perception of breast and calf warmth was different, therapeutic ultrasound parameters used to treat musculoskeletal conditions may not be appropriate for ICLB. Antidepressant use and BMI influenced heat perception, highlighting the need to screen for these factors prior to therapeutic ultrasound intervention.
The respiratory and metabolic responses for determinants of exercise endurance time in constant-load exercise test in healthy adult volunteers, prospective cross-sectional design
Authors: Kawachi Shohei , Fujimoto Keisaku 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Although constant-load exercise test is performed at approximately 80% of maximum load determined based on individual exercise capacity of incremental-load exercise test, some subjects cannot maintain exercising in constant-load exercise test. We assumed that the metabolic responses difference between those who are and are not able to maintain exercising in only constant-load exercise. Therefore, present study was performed to elucidate the metabolic responses for determinants of endurance time in constant-load exercise test. Twenty-seven healthy volunteers performed constant-load exercise test at 80% of maximum load determined by incremental-load exercise test. Subjects were separated into those who were and were not able to complete 20 minutes of constant-load exercise test. The metabolic indexes were compared between the two groups. The not-completed group showed significantly higher respiratory exchange ratio (RER) as anaerobic threshold and minimum minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2) as ventilatory inefficiency at peak exercise only in constant-load exercise test (P < 0.05). It was suggested that the respiratory and metabolic responses for determinants of endurance time in constant-load exercise test were exercise beyond anaerobic threshold and the increase in CO2 output due to ventilatory inefficiency related to a reduced skeletal muscle in healthy adults.