bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors associated with canine overweightness and obesity in an owner-reported survey
Authors: Perry LeeAnn , Shmalberg Justin William , Tanprasertsuk Jirayu , Massey Dan , Honaker Ryan William , Jha Aashish R 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Overweightness and obesity in dogs are associated with negative health outcomes. A better understanding of risk factors associated with canine weight is fundamental to identifying preventative interventions and treatments. In this cross-sectional study, we used a direct to consumer approach to collect body condition scores (BCS), as well as demographic, diet, and lifestyle data on 4,446 dogs. BCS was assessed by owners using a 9-point system and categorized as ideal (BCS 4-5), overweight (BCS 6), and obese (BCS 7+). Following univariate analyses, a stepwise procedure was used to select variables which were included in multivariate logistic regression models. One model was created to compare ideal to all overweight and obese dogs, and another was created to compare ideal to obese dogs only. We then used Elastic Net selection and XGBoost variable importance measures to validate these results. Results: Overall, 1,480 (33%) of dogs were reported to be overweight or obese, of which 356 (8% total) of dogs were reported to be obese. Seven factors were significantly associated with both overweightness/obesity and obesity alone in all three analyses (stepwise, Elastic Net, and XGBoost): diet composition, probiotic supplementation, treat quantity, exercise, age, food motivation level, and pet appetite. Neutering was also associated with overweightness/obesity in all analyses. Conclusions: This study recapitulated established risk factors associated with BCS (age, exercise, neutering). Moreover, we elucidated associations between previously examined risk factors and BCS (diet composition, treat consumption, and temperament) and identified a novel factor (probiotic supplementation). Specifically, relative to dogs on fresh food diets, BCS was higher in dogs eating dry food both alone and in combination with other foods. Furthermore, dogs receiving probiotics, but not other forms of supplementation, were more likely to have an ideal BCS. Future studies should corroborate these findings with experimental manipulations.
MiR-218 inhibits malignant phenotypes of glioma by targeting TNC/AKT/AP-1/TGFβ1 feedback signaling loop
Authors: Dang Siwen , Zhang Rui , Tian Sijia , Ruan Banjun , Hou Peng , Li Gang , Ji Meiju 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Gliomas are the most malignant and common tumors in human brains, and the prognosis of glioma patient is very poor. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in different types of cancer by performing posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. Although miR-218 has been demonstrated decreased in gliomas, its role in gliomas still remains largely unknown. Methods: MiR-218 expression were analyzed in gliomas and normal brain tissues (control subjects) using TCGA dataset. A series of in vitro and in vivo studies was performed to determine the biological roles of miR-218 in glioma cells. Potential targets of miR-218 were identified using dual-luciferase reporter system. Western blot and dual-luciferase reporter system were performed to evaluate the regulatory effect of miR-218 on TNC/AKT/AP-1/TGFβ1 pathway.Results: We demonstrated miR-218 was significantly downregulated in gliomas compared to control subjects, and played potent tumor suppressor roles in glioma cells by inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion and tumorigenic potential in nude mice, as well as inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.Mechanistically, miR-218 inhibited malignant phenotypes of glioma cells by binding to the 3’ UTR of its target TNC and subsequently repressing its expression. As a result, it could reduce AKT phosphorylation and subsequently inhibit transcriptional activity of AP-1 by reducing JNK phosphorylation, downregulating the expression of TGFβ1, while TGFβ1 is able to, in turn, activate the TNC/AKT/AP-1 signaling axis.Conclusions: Our data uncover a previously unknown tumor suppressor role of miR-218 by blocking the TNC/AKT/AP-1/TGFβ1 positive feedback loop in glioma.
Exploring the Effects of Entrepreneurial Education on Entrepreneurial Intention between Genders: A Pair-Wise Methodology Approach
Authors: ADELAJA AYOTUNDE Adetola 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Past studies on gender differences in entrepreneurship at higher education levels are predominantly based on survey approaches. Thus creating several mix-evidences with the majority of these studies showing that male intention towards entrepreneurship to be higher than the female counterpart. This research uses a pair-wise experimental approach to examine gender differences in entrepreneurial intention before and after exposure to entrepreneurial education in the six federal universities in south-western Nigeria. The findings indicate that male students demonstrated higher intention before exposure to entrepreneurial education, while female students exhibited the opposite intention. However, after exposure to entrepreneurship education, female students exhibited stronger entrepreneurial intentions compared to their male counterparts. Despite this, no statistical difference was observed between male and female intentions. Yet, when both results were combined to give a composite picture, there was a decrease in the overall entrepreneurial intention for both genders. More so, an in-depth interview with some of the respondents reveals that male students attend an entrepreneurial education course for the sake of it being a compulsory course while female students have the notion that with entrepreneurial education, they have the chance of developing back-up plans if the marriage fails or they are unemployed. This unexpected result indicated the unintended effect entrepreneurial education in south-western Nigeria was having on the gender gap in entrepreneurial intention and its overall outcomes in practical terms. The research concludes that entrepreneurial education curricula in Nigerian universities, especially those in the southwest, need to be reviewed to capture gender sensitivity in entrepreneurial intentions before and after graduation from entrepreneurship programs.
Comparison of Three Interbody Fusion Methods Through Posterior Approach for Lower Lumbar Spinal Tuberculosis in Adults: a Study of Mid-Long Term Follow-Up
Authors: Xu Zhenchao , Wang Xiyang , Liu Zheng 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: This study was conducted to compare mid-long term outcomes of three interbody fusion methods by way of posterior approach in adults with lower lumbar spinal tuberculosis. Methods: A total of 126 lower lumbar spinal tuberculosis patients were treated by one-stage posterior debridement, interbody fusion, and instrumentation. Of the three types of interbody bone grafts, 41 patients (group A) were treated with autogenous bone graft for interbody fusion , 45 patients (group B) were treated with allogeneic bone grafting, and the remaining 40 (group C) patients were treated with titanium mesh cage. Clinical and radiographic data were gathered and analyzed. Results: At the final follow-up, all patients were found to be completely cured. Neurological performance and quality of life were remarkably improved compared with those preoperative at the final follow-up. The preoperative lordosis angles of the three groups were significantly corrected compared with postoperative immediately values or those evaluated at the final follow-up. The correction loss of the group C was lower than those of groups A and B. All the patients obtained bone graft fusion; the fusion period of group B was longer than that of the other two groups. No significant differences among the three groups in adjacent segment degeneration rate were found at the last visit. Conclusions: This mid-long term follow-up study established that one-stage posterior debridement, interbody fusion, and instrumentation can effectively treat lower lumbar spinal tuberculosis. Moreover, intervertebral titanium mesh cage bone graft may provide better outcomes than autogenous or allogeneic bone graft.
Aging, immunosenescense, and very late-onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Authors: Nakahara Keiichi , Nakane Shunya , Ando Yukio 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Objective: To clarify the clinical features of very late-onset neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders NMOSD (VLO-NMOSD).Methods: According to the age at onset, we classified patients with NMOSD into three subgroups of early-onset NMOSD (EO-NMOSD), late-onset NMOSD (LO-NMOSD), and VLO-NMOSD. We evaluated the clinical characteristics, MRI findings, laboratory data, and immunotherapies among the groups.Results: Overall, eight males and 36 females with a median age at onset of 43.00 years (interquartile range, 29.00–54.75) and median duration of disease of 6.00 months (interquartile range, 3.00–11.75) were included. This included 7 (16%) patients with VLO-NMOSD, 11 (25%) with LO-NMOSD, and 26 (59%) with EO-NMOSD. Patients with EO-NMOSD had significantly longer disease duration than those did with VLO-NMOSD and LO-NMOSD (p=0.015). Optic nerve lesions on MRI and optic neuritis were significantly less frequent in patients with VLO-NMOSD than in those with LO-NMOSD and EO-NMOSD (p=0.013 and p=0.046, respectively), whereas the length of the spinal lesion was significantly longer in those with VLO-NMOSD in comparison with those with LO-NMOSD and EO-NMOSD (p=0.038).Conclusions: Spinal cord lesion in patients with VLO-NMOSD was significantly longer despite short disease duration, and optic neuritis was significantly less frequent in them.
COVID-19 Italian epidemic: quarantine with continuous spillover.
Authors: girolamo giannotta , Giannotta Nicola 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background. In December 2019, an epidemic started in China caused by a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), probably derived from bats. The Italian COVID-19 epidemic begins on February 21, 2020. Methods. We have collected and analyzed the data produced daily by the Civil Protection. We cataloged this data and produced tables and graphs to obtain dynamic curves for certain parameters. In addition, we also calculated the change in active cases with the following formula: (newly infected) - (new deaths) - (new recoveries). Findings. The number of total cases increased by about 40 times in the period 2-20 March (from 2,036 to 80,539). In the same period, the active cases increased by about 21 times (from 1,835 to 37,860). Active cases do not close quickly and remain open for a long time because those who enter in intensive care do not recover before 2-3 weeks. On March 19 Italy’s death toll surpasses China’s, becoming the country with the highest number of coronavirus deaths in the world. On March 26 the deaths in Italy are more than the double of those of China (8,215 deaths in Italy, vis 3,287 deaths in China). Conclusion. Poor management of medium cases, in accordance with WHO guidelines, inevitably leads to overload of intensive care units. The progression of clusters in Southern Italy is more pronounced in Campania, Puglia and Sicily. The main cause of the high mortality would be attributable to the collapse of the Italian health system.
Impact of Endovascular Treatment on Leg Muscle Mass in Peripheral Artery Disease: a Preliminary Report
Authors: Miyakuni Tomoyo , Komiyama Hidenori , Takano Masamichi , Ikeda Takeshi , Matsushita Masato , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Miyauchi Yasushi , Asai Kuniya , Seino Yoshihiko , Shimizu Wataru 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD), intermittent claudication, and impaired mobility lower patients’ quality of life, contributing to the loss of skeletal muscle. This study sought to investigate the impact of endovascular treatment (EVT) by measuring the mid-thigh level of muscle volume in above the knee PAD patients before and after EVT.Methods: In this prospective, observational study, symptomatic PAD patients with above the knee lesions who had intermittent claudication and were undergoing optimal medical treatment were enrolled. The mid-thigh level of muscle area was measured by computed tomography initially, and then 3 and 6 months after EVT. Patients were categorized into ipsilateral or bilateral based on clinical symptoms and initial ABI value. The muscle area in ischemic and non-ischemic legs were compared in ipsilateral PAD patients. The correlations between alterations in the total thigh muscle area and clinical characteristics were analyzed in univariable and multivariable analysis to investigate the factor contributing skeletal muscle loss.Results: A total of 22 patients were analyzed. The muscle area of the thighs increased after EVT. Fourteen patients had ipsilateral lesions and 8 had bilateral stenosis. In patients with ipsilateral lesions, the mid-thigh muscle area of ischemic lower limbs was significantly lesser than that of non-ischemic lower limbs (118.2±16.5 cm2 vs 124.0±17.3 cm2, p=0.0002). The thigh muscle area of ischemic lower limbs increased after EVT (before: 118.2±16.5 cm2 vs 3 months: 124.0±18.7 cm2, p=0.0166; before vs 6 months: 123.0±17.7 cm2, p= 0.0566), but this was not the case for non-ischemic lower limbs. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that baseline glycated hemoglobin was the only factor that negatively correlated with the change in the muscle area after 3 (β= -3.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -7.3 to -0.2, p=0.0417) and 6 months (β= -5.24, 95%CI = -10.1 to -0.4, p=0.03567). Muscle area significantly increased in normoglycemic HbA1c < 6.5 patients (before: 246.1±33.5 cm2, before vs 3 months: 249.6±34.6 cm2, p = 0.032, before vs 6 months: 250.6±35.7 cm2, p = 0.0455) while there was no significant alternation in hyperglycemic (HbA1c ≥ 6.5) patients (before: 225.2±43.4 cm2, 3 months: 224.6±44.8 cm2, 6 months: 222.2±45.5 cm2).Conclusions: Ischemia induces muscle atrophy in PAD patients. However, ischemic muscle atrophy was ameliorated after EVT in normoglycemic patients. There is a need for large scale trial to investigate the impact of EVT if it would protect or even delay skeletal muscle loss in all-comer population.
Extraction of Coal from Steeply Inclined Coal Seams, Using a Fully Mechanised Sublevel Caving Mining System in the Kazimierz-Juliusz Coal Mine
Authors: Rak Zbigniew , Stasica Jerzy , Burtan Zbigniew , Chlebowski Dariusz 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Mining of thick and steeply inclined hard coal deposits belongs to some of the most difficult engineering challenges. The Sublevel Caving system, originating from the ore mining industry, is one of the systems applied in such cases. That system has been used in coal mining for more than sixty years, although it became fully mechanised only at the beginning of the present century. The unique mechanical mining face mining method was applied for the first time in the Kazimierz-Juliusz Coal Mine in Poland to cut a deposit 20 m thick and inclined at more than 40°. The longwall protection system consisted of two mechanised support sets that were coordinated with the chain conveyor. The conveyor crossover was located on the spoil heap. Coal cutting was performed by blasting and coal was loaded gravitationally directly onto the conveyor. Using that mechanical system, a three-person strong face team obtained the output at the level of 600 to 1,000 Mg per day. About a dozen of years of experience gained in the Kazimierz-Juliusz Coal Mine allowed the engineers to improve the extraction process and reduce the face costs to the level of about 6 euros/Mg. Another essential achievement included elimination of serious accidents at the mining face. In addition to the process de-scription, this paper contains selected production results obtained upon the implementation of the sublevel caving system in the Kazimierz-Juliusz Coal Mine.
Maximum Common Property: A New Approach for Molecular Similarity
Authors: Cerruela-García Gonzalo , Collado Aurelio Antelo , Carrasco-Velar Ramón , García-Pedrajas Nicolás 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

The maximum common property similarity (MCPhd) method is presented using descriptors as a new approach to determine the similarity between two chemical compounds or molecular graphs. This method uses the concept of maximum common property arising from the concept of maximum common substructure and is based on the electrotopographic state index for atoms. A new algorithm to quantify the similarity values of chemical structures based on the presented maximum common property concept is also developed in this paper. To verify the validity of this approach, the similarity of a sample of compounds with antimalarial activity is calculated and compared with the results obtained by the small molecule subgraph detector (SMSD) method. The results obtained by the MCPhd method differ significantly from those obtained by the SMSD method, improving the quantification of the similarity. A major advantage of the proposed method is that it helps to understand the analogy or proximity between physicochemical properties of the molecular fragments or subgraphs compared with the biological response or biological activity. In this new approach, more than one property can be potentially used. The method can be considered a hybrid procedure because it combines descriptor and the fragment approaches.
MiR-6838-5p enhances the growth and invasion of renal cell carcinoma dependent on DMTF1 via inhibiting the ARF-p53 pathway
Authors: Zhai Xiao-Qiang , Wu Yan , Zhang Dong , Li He-Cheng , Chong Tie , Zhao Jun 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Backgroud: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common renal malignancies in the urinary system. Numerous studies have demonstrated that miRNAs can regulate tumorigenesis and progression, while the underlying molecular mechanism for miR-6838-5p involved in RCC development is still largely unknown.Methods: The relative expression of miR-6838-5p in RCC tissues, RCC cell lines, adjacent normal tissues and normal renal epithelial cells was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In vitro studies, cell proliferation and invasion in human RCC cell lines ACHN and 786-O were evaluated by CCK-8 assay, Transwell assay, Colony formation assay and Flow cytometry. Bioinformatics analysis, luciferase report analysis and Western blot assay were proved that Cyclin D binding myb-like transcription factor 1 (DMTF1) is the target of miR-6838-5p.Results: Our study confirmed that miR-6838-5p was upregulated in RCC tissues (30/42, 77.43%, P < 0.01) and RCC cell lines (P < 0.05) compared to adjacent normal tissues and normal renal epithelial cells. In vitro studies demonstrated that overexpression of miR-6838-5p significantly increased cell proliferation and invasion in human RCC cell lines ACHN and 786-O (P < 0.05), whereas inhibition of miR-6838-5p inhibited cell proliferation and invasion (P < 0.05). Furthermore, we found that miR-6838-5p binds to the wild-type DMTF1 3'UTR. In addition, we found that DMTF1 was downregulation in RCC tissues and cell lines. Meanwhile, it was demonstrated in ACHN cells that overexpression of miR-6838-5p inhibited the expression of DMTF1. Finally, we also confirmed that the interaction of miR-6838-5p overexpression and DMTF1 overexpression might rescue the inhibitory effects of overexpression of miR-6838-5p on the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), p53, Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) and alternative reading frame (ARF) in the DMTF1-mediated ARF-p53 downstream pathway.Conclusions: Our research shows that miR-6838-5p enhances the growth and invasion of renal cell carcinoma dependent on DMTF1 via inhibiting the ARF-p53 pathway, which suggest that miR-6838-5p can be used as a marker for the diagnosis of RCC.
Analysis on mental health status and needs of health care workers in designated medical institutions of tuberculosis during the epidemic period of COVID-19
Authors: Wu Guo-Cui , Fang Xue-Hui , Wu Li , Lu Lun-Shan , Kan Xiao-Hong , Wang Hua , Xiong Yan-Jun , Ma Dong-Chun 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Objective To understand the mental health status and needs of the health care workers during the epidemic period of COVID-19, so as to provide scientific basis for the targeted intervention measures. Methods A total of 511 health care workers were randomly selected from two designated tuberculosis medical institutions in Anhui province. Results There were 139 people in epidemic prevention and control positions (27.20%). Depression level: female was higher than male; nurse was higher than doctor; middle and junior job titles were higher than senior titles; junior college degree or below were higher than bachelor's degree, master's degree and above; isolation ward, fever clinic and pre-check triage were significantly higher than those of non-prevention and control positions ( P < 0.05). Loneliness scores: doctors were higher than that of medical technicians, and isolation ward, fever clinic and pre-check triage were higher than those of non-prevention and control positions ( P < 0.05). Social support: doctors were lower than that of medical technicians, and isolation ward, fever clinic and pre-check triage were significantly lower than those of non-prevention and control positions ( P < 0.05). The score of social support was negatively correlated with depression and loneliness ( P < 0.001), while depression was positively correlated with loneliness ( P < 0.001). Health care workers most want to receive one-to-one psychological counseling (29.75%), and provide crisis management (24.07%). The awareness rate of health care workers on COVID-19's knowledge was relatively high. Conclusions The psychological problems of health care workers, especially women, nurses with low educational background, low professional title, and staff in the epidemic prevention and control positions are relatively serious. We should focus on this population, and take targeted intervention measures.
Kangxianyixin Granule Improves Myocardial Fibrosis by Suppressing RhoA/ROCK1 Pathway
Authors: Liu Shunyu , Bian Rutao , Liu Yuanshu , Ren Xueping , Chang Hongbo , Guo Zongyao , Wu Hong , Wang Zhentao 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Kangxianyixin granule (KXYX), a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, has been clinically used to treat dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) for many years. Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is a major pathological feature of DCM and independent predictor of adverse cardiac outcomes. The present study investigated the effect and the possible mechanism of KXYX on myocardial fibrosis. Methods: Male wistar rats of DCM was induced by furazolidone (Fz) (0.3 mg/g/day, gavage) for 8 weeks and treated with KXYX (3.6, 1.8, 0.9 g/kg/day) or captopril for another 4 weeks. The cardiac function indices were evaluated using ECHO. Myocardial morphology was visualized using H&E and masson staining. Then, the effect of differentiation of Ang II-induced cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) to myofibroblasts was detected using a-SMA and Vimentin immunohistochemical staining. The expression of RhoA, ROCK1, p-MLC were observed using western blot. The mRNA level of RhoA, ROCK1, MLC were assayed by quantitative RT-PCR. Result: Fz-induced rats had changes in the structure and function of the left ventricle as well as myocardial fibers broken and loosely arranged, cardiomyocytes necrosis in the myocardial tissue. High level expressions of fibrosis were observed in the model rats. The expressions of RhoA, ROCK1, p-MLC were elevated in dilated heart and Ang Ⅱ-induced CFs, while KXYX can rescued cardiac dysfunction and remodeling, inhibited the process of MF and down-regulated RhoA/ROCK1 signaling which suppressed the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that KXYX attenuated the development of myocardial fibrosis by down-regulating the expression of RhoA/ROCK1 signaling pathway in vivo and vitro. Thus, we provided an underlying mechanism of KXYX function in DCM therapy.