bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel risk model for mortality and hospitalization following cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy: the alpha-score
Authors: Yang Shengwen , Liu Zhimin , Hu Yiran , Jing Ran , Gu Min , Niu Hongxia , Ding Ligang , Xing Anlu , Zhang Shu , Hua Wei 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) has been associated with a better left ventricle reverse remodeling response and improved clinical outcomes after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The aims of our study were to identify the predictors of mortality and heart failure hospitalization in patients treated with CRT and design a risk score for prognosis.

Methods
A cohort of 422 consecutive NICM patients with CRT was retrospectively enrolled between January 2010 and December 2017. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and heart transplantation.

Results
In a multivariate analysis, the predictors of all-cause death were left atrial diameter [Hazard ratio (HR): 1.056, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.020–1.093, P = 0.002]; non-left bundle branch block [HR: 1.793, 95% CI: 1.131–2.844, P = 0.013]; high sensitivity C-reactive protein [HR: 1.081, 95% CI: 1.029–1.134 P = 0.002]; and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [HR: 1.018, 95% CI: 1.007–1.030, P = 0.002]; and New York Heart Association class IV [HR: 1.018, 95% CI: 1.007–1.030, P = 0.002]. The Alpha-score (Atrial diameter, non-LBBB, Pro-BNP, Hs-CRP, NYHA class IV) was derived from each independent risk factor. The novel score had good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test, P > 0.05) and discrimination for both primary endpoints [c-statistics: 0.749 (95% CI: 0.694–0.804), P < 0.001] or heart failure hospitalization [c-statistics: 0.692 (95% CI: 0.639–0.745), P < 0.001].

Conclusion
The Alpha-score may enable improved discrimination and accurate prediction of long-term outcomes among NICM patients with CRT.
Mycoplasma genitalium in Singapore is associated with Chlamydia trachomatis infection and displays high macrolide and Fluoroquinolone resistance rates
Authors: Hart Tim , Tang Wen Ying , Mansoor Siti Aminah bte , Chio Martin T. W. , Barkham Timothy 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundMycoplasma genitaliumis an emerging sexually transmitted infection, with increasing rates of resistance to fluroquinolones and macrolides, the recommended treatments. Despite this,M. genitaliumis not part of routine screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in many countries and the prevalence of infection and patterns of disease remain to be determined in many populations. Such data is of particular importance in light of the reported rise in antibiotic resistance inM. genitaliumisolates.MethodsUrine and urethral swab samples were collected from the primary public sexual health clinic in Singapore and tested forC. trachomatis (CT)orN. gonorrhoeae(NG) infection and for the presence ofM. genitalium. Antibiotic resistance inM. genitaliumstrains detected was determined by screening for genomic mutations associated with macrolide and fluroquinolone resistance.ResultsWe report the results of a study intoM. genitaliumprevalence at the national sexual health clinic in Singapore.M. genitaliumwas heavily associated with CT infection (8.1% of cases), but present in only of 2.4% in CT negative cases and not independently linked to NG infection. Furthermore, we found high rates of resistance mutations to both macrolides (25%) and fluoroquinolones (37.5%) with a majority of resistant strains being dual-resistant. Resistance mutations were only found in strains from patients with CT co-infection.ConclusionsOur results support targeted screening of CT positive patients forM. genitaliumas a cost-effective strategy to reduce the incidence ofM. genitaliumin the absence of comprehensive routine screening. The high rate of dual resistance also highlights the need to ensure the availability of alternative antibiotics for the treatment of multi-drug resistantM. genitaliumisolates.
Early maternal weight gain as a risk factor for SGA in pregnancies with hyperemesis gravidarum: a 15-year hospital cohort study
Authors: Meinich Tale , Trovik Jone 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundInadequate maternal weight gain increases the risk of small-for-gestational age (SGA) infants. Women with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) are at risk of significant early pregnancy weight loss and insufficient total pregnancy weight gain. Recent studies have implied that weight gain during the first half of pregnancy is more crucial to pregnancy outcome than total weight gain.The aim of this study was to investigate whether not regaining prepregnancy weight by 13–18 weeks of gestation contributed to not reaching minimum body mass index (BMI)-specific total pregnancy weight gain and influenced the risk of SGA outcome in HG pregnancies.MethodsIn this retrospective 15-year cohort (2002–2016) of women hospitalized due to hyperemesis gravidarum, we reviewed individual patient hospital files and corresponding outpatient maternity records to collect prepregnancy BMI and weight, pregnancy weight gain (spanning 3-week intervals), delivery weight and foetal outcomes. BMI and total pregnancy weight gain goals were categorized according to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) 2009 guidelines: BMI < 18,5 kg/m2: 12.5–18 kg, 18.5–24.9 kg/m2: 11.5–16 kg, 25–29.9 kg/m2: 7–11.5 kg and ≥ 30 kg/m2: 5–9 kg. Birth weight was categorized as SGA if less than the 10th percentile of sex- and gestational length-specific Norwegian neonatal weight charts. Nonparametric tests were used to compare weight categories, and logistic regression was used to predict the odds ratio (OR) of inadequate total pregnancy weight gain or SGA delivery.ResultsOut of 892 women hospitalized for HG during 2002–2016, 784 had a pregnancy lasting ≥ 24 weeks, of which 746 were singleton pregnancies with follow-up until delivery. Among these women, 42 were classified as underweight, 514 as normal weight, 230 as overweight and 102 as obese before pregnancy. Not regaining prepregnancy weight by week 13–18 was an independent predictor of inadequate total gestational weight gain with an OR of 7.05 (95% CI 4.24–11.71) and an independent predictor for SGA outcome with an OR of 2.66 (95% CI 1.11–6.34), even when adjusted for total pregnancy weight gain, prepregnancy BMI, parity, age and smoking status.ConclusionInadequate total maternal weight gain and not regaining prepregnancy weight by week 13–18 may be considered independent risk factors for delivering a baby that is small for gestational age in pregnancies with hyperemesis gravidarum. Achieving adequate weight gain during the first trimester in HG pregnancies is important for the foetal outcome, underscoring the importance of nutritional treatment during this period.
Smokeless tobacco use: its prevalence and relationships with dental symptoms, nutritional status and blood pressure among rural women in Burkina Faso
Authors: Diendéré Jeoffray , Zeba Augustin Nawidimbasba , Nikièma Léon , Kaboré Ahmed , Savadogo Paul Windinpsidi , Tougma Somnoma Jean-Baptiste , Tinto Halidou , Ouédraogo Arouna 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Sub-Saharan women use smokeless tobacco (SLT) more than smoked tobacco. Among Western African countries, the estimated weighted prevalence of SLT use in rural women was found to be the highest in Burkina Faso (after Sierra Leone). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of SLT use and its associated factors among rural women in Burkina Faso by using nationally representative data.

Methods
We used data from the 2013 STEPwise approach to Surveillance (STEPS) study, which provided sociodemographic, clinical (anthropometric, systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP] and dental symptoms), biological (total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and fasting blood sugar), and tobacco and alcohol consumption data. Data for 1730 rural women were used, and we performed Student’s chi-squared and logistic regression analyses.

Results
The prevalence of current SLT use was 13.8% (95% CI: 12.2–15.5). Significant risks for SLT use were the presence of dental symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.59; p < 0.001), undernourishment (aOR = 1.78; p < 0.01), decreased waist circumference (aOR = 0.98; p < 0.05), decreased DBP (aOR = 0.97; p < 0.01), increased SBP (aOR = 1.01; p < 0.05), and increased differential blood pressure (aOR = 1.01; p < 0.05). The co-use of alcohol was also a significant risk factor (aOR = 2.80; p < 0.001).

Conclusion
The prevalence of current SLT use was high among rural women in Burkina Faso, and significant concerns for users included alcohol co-use, the occurrence of dental symptoms, undernourishment, and an increase in differential blood pressure. National Public Health interventions are needed to reduce SLT use and its health-related concerns.
Social capital and fertility behaviors: a cross-sectional study in Iranian women health care workers
Authors: Firouzbakht Mojgan , Tirgar Aram , Hajian-Tilaki Karimollah , Bakouei Fatemeh , Riahi Mohammad Esmaeil , Nikpour Maryam 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundFertility, in addition to the biomedical aspect, is phenomena of social, economic and demographic changes. Social network were considered for understanding fertility behaviors and changes in the levels of fertility. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between social capital and childbirth behaviors in Iranian women employees.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 on 536 women health care workers who randomly selected from health care setting Babol/Iran. Data were collected using demographic, childbearing behavior and social capital questionnaires. The SPSS-21 software was employed to analysis the data at a significant level of 0.05.ResultsThe results of the study showed that, there was significant relationship between number of pregnancy and social capital (P = 0.039). Furthermore, social capital has a significant relationship with the time of pregnancy (P = 0.043), the time of pregnancy in women with high social capital was observed to be relatively 30% shorter compare the women with low social capital.ConclusionSocial capital, as one of the important factors influencing childbirth behaviors, should be considered in population planning and policy making.
In vitro enzyme inhibitory and cytotoxic studies with Evolvulus alsinoides (Linn.) Linn. Leaf extract: a plant from Ayurveda recognized as Dasapushpam for the management of Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mettupalayam Kaliyannan Sundaramoor Pavithra , Kilavan Packiam Kannan 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Evolvulus alsinoides (Linn.) Linn. (Convolvulaceae) is a therapeutic herb alleviating brain patterns associated with three categories of regulatory principles of the body, mind, and behaviour. In the current research, enzyme inhibition and cytotoxic potentials of E. alsinoides (L.) L. leaf extract has been studied validating its potential application.

Methods
The plant phenolics in the leaf extracts obtained via cold-maceration with solvents viz.: n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water were quantitatively analyzed. The antioxidant potency was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) assays at five concentrations (100–500 μg). The enzyme inhibition potential was performed with α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and acetylcholinesterase at seven concentrations (25–500 μg). The experiments were done in triplicates and statistically validated using Minitab-17 and SPSS 22.

Results
Water extract contain 45.08 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g, 49.30 ± 0.07 mg GAE/g, 211.21 ± 0.02 mg QE/g tannins, phenolics, flavonoids respectively. Its antioxidant activity was supported by IC50 52.43 ± 0.2 μg/mL (DPPH assay) and 41.58 ± 0.03 (FRAP assay). Methanolic extract inhibits α-amylase with IC50 1.33 ± 0.05 μg/mL. Water extract inhibits α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase with IC50 3.58 ± 0.02 μg/mL and 4.46 ± 0.03 μg/mL. Cytotoxicity studies with SH-SY5Y cell-line substantiate the inhibition potential of water extract with IC50 103.0035 μg/mL.

Discussion and conclusions
The extracts with potent antioxidant and enzyme-inhibiting activity were determined. The findings of the research are the first report about the inhibition effects of Evolvulus alsinoides (Linn.) Linn extracts against α-amylase, α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase. The extracts shall be examined in future studies to evaluate its pharmaceutical potential.
Life satisfaction of Taiwanese dental graduates received residencies in the U.S.: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Fu Martin M. , Chen Rebecca Y. , Kao Huan-Chen , Wang Chi-Hsien , Chan Hsun-Liang , Fu Earl , Lee Tony Szu-Hsien 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundEach year, more than 200 international dental graduates start U.S. specialty trainings to become specialists. It is unknown if their life satisfaction is associated with any dental career-related factor before residencies (e.g. dental school class rank, research experience, or private practice experience) and after residencies (e.g. staying in the U.S., teaching status, workplace, or board certification). This cross-sectional study aimed to identify these potential factors by surveying Taiwanese dental graduates who pursued U.S. residencies.MethodsLife satisfaction was measured with a structured questionnaire, Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), which includes five statements on a 5-point Likert scale. Online surveys were sent out to 290 Taiwanese dental graduates who were known to pursue U.S. residencies. T-test, one way analysis of variance, and multivariable adjusted generalized linear model (GLM) were used to assess the differences of mean SWLS scores from different variables.ResultsSurveys were completed by 158 dentists. Mean SWLS score of 125 specialists was higher (p = 0.0007) than the score of 33 residents. For the 125 specialists, multivariable adjusted GLM demonstrated better life satisfaction was positively associated with multiple independent factors, such as having research experience, being ranked in the top 26 ~ 50% of the class in dental school, starting U.S. residency within 4 years after dental school, starting residency before year 1996, and specializing in endodontics (vs. periodontics). Life satisfaction was not associated with any factors after residency (e.g. staying in the U.S. afterwards, teaching status, or workplace), but better mean life satisfaction score was significantly associated with being American specialty board certified (p < 0.001) for the specialists in the 26 ~ 75% of their class in dental school. For the 33 residents, better mean life satisfaction score was associated with better dental school class rank in both bivariate (p = 0.020) and multivariable adjusted GLM (p = 0.004) analyses.ConclusionsThe life satisfaction of Taiwanese dental graduates pursuing U.S. residencies might be associated with some professional factors, such as research experience, dental school class rank, residency timing, specialty type, and specialty board certification. We hope our results may provide some objective information on making career decisions for international dental graduates/students who are preparing for U.S. residency.
Caring for Africa’s sickle cell children: will we rise to the challenge?
Authors: Oron Assaf P. , Chao Dennis L. , Ezeanolue Echezona E. , Ezenwa Loveth N. , Piel Frédéric B. , Ojogun Osifo Telison , Uyoga Sophie , Williams Thomas N. , Nnodu Obiageli E. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Most of the world’s sickle cell disease (SCD) burden is in Africa, where it is a major contributor to child morbidity and mortality. Despite the low cost of many preventive SCD interventions, insufficient resources have been allocated, and progress in alleviating the SCD burden has lagged behind other public-health efforts in Africa. The recent announcement of massive new funding for research into curative SCD therapies is encouraging in the long term, but over the next few decades, it is unlikely to help Africa’s SCD children substantially.

Main discussion
A major barrier to progress has been the absence of large-scale early-life screening. Most SCD deaths in Africa probably occur before cases are even diagnosed. In the last few years, novel inexpensive SCD point-of-care test kits have become widely available and have been deployed successfully in African field settings. These kits could potentially enable universal early SCD screening. Other recent developments are the expansion of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine towards near-universal coverage, and the demonstrated safety, efficacy, and increasing availability and affordability of hydroxyurea across the continent. Most elements of standard healthcare for SCD children that are already proven to work in the West, could and should now be implemented at scale in Africa. National and continental SCD research and care networks in Africa have also made substantial progress, assembling care guidelines and enabling the deployment and scale-up of SCD public-health systems. Substantial logistical, cultural, and awareness barriers remain, but with sufficient financial and political will, similar barriers have already been overcome in efforts to control other diseases in Africa.

Conclusion and recommendations
Despite remaining challenges, several high-SCD-burden African countries have the political will and infrastructure for the rapid implementation and scale-up of comprehensive SCD childcare programs. A globally funded effort starting with these countries and expanding elsewhere in Africa and to other high-burden countries, including India, could transform the lives of SCD children worldwide and help countries to attain their Sustainable Development Goals. This endeavor would also require ongoing research focused on the unique needs and challenges of SCD patients, and children in particular, in regions of high prevalence.
Functional expression of polyethylene terephthalate-degrading enzyme (PETase) in green microalgae
Authors: Kim Ji Won , Park Su-Bin , Tran Quynh-Giao , Cho Dae-Hyun , Choi Dong-Yun , Lee Yong Jae , Kim Hee-Sik 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
For decades, plastic has been a valuable global product due to its convenience and low price. For example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was one of the most popular materials for disposable bottles due to its beneficial properties, namely impact resistance, high clarity, and light weight. Increasing demand of plastic resulted in indiscriminate disposal by consumers, causing severe accumulation of plastic wastes. Because of this, scientists have made great efforts to find a way to biologically treat plastic wastes. As a result, a novel plastic degradation enzyme, PETase, which can hydrolyze PET, was discovered in Ideonella sakaiensis 201-F6 in 2016.

Results
A green algae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which produces PETase, was developed for this study. Two representative strains (C. reinhardtii CC-124 and CC-503) were examined, and we found that CC-124 could express PETase well. To verify the catalytic activity of PETase produced by C. reinhardtii, cell lysate of the transformant and PET samples were co-incubated at 30 °C for up to 4 weeks. After incubation, terephthalic acid (TPA), i.e. the fully-degraded form of PET, was detected by high performance liquid chromatography analysis. Additionally, morphological changes, such as holes and dents on the surface of PET film, were observed using scanning electron microscopy.

Conclusions
A PET hydrolyzing enzyme, PETase, was successfully expressed in C. reinhardtii, and its catalytic activity was demonstrated. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of PETase expression in green algae.
Perinatal urinary benzophenone-3 concentrations and glucose levels among women from a fertility clinic
Authors: Wang Zifan , Mínguez-Alarcón Lidia , Williams Paige L. , Bellavia Andrea , Ford Jennifer B. , Keller Myra , Petrozza John C. , Calafat Antonia M. , Hauser Russ , James-Todd Tamarra 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Subfertile women have higher risk of glucose intolerance during pregnancy. Studies suggest associations between several endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and pregnancy glucose levels. However, the association between benzophenone-3 (BP-3), an EDC widely found in sunscreen, and pregnancy glucose levels remains unclear. We aimed to assess the association between perinatal exposures to BP-3 and pregnancy glucose levels in subfertile women.

Methods
We evaluated 217 women from a prospective cohort based at a fertility clinic who had urinary BP-3 concentrations measured during 3-month preconception, first and/or second trimesters, and blood glucose measured at glucose load tests (GLTs) during late pregnancy. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to assess associations between time-specific BP-3 in quartiles (Q1 – Q4) and mean glucose levels, as well as odds of abnormal GLT (glucose level ≥ 140 mg/dL), adjusting for potential confounders. Effect modification was assessed by age, season, BMI, infertility diagnosis, sex of fetus (es) and physical activity.

Results
Women with higher first trimester BP-3 concentrations had lower mean glucose levels [mean glucose (95% CI) for Q4 vs Q1 = 103.4 (95.0, 112.5) vs. 114.6 (105.8, 124.2) mg/dL]. Women with higher second trimester BP-3 concentrations had lower odds of abnormal GLT [OR (95% CI) for Q3 vs. Q1 = 0.12 (0.01, 0.94)]. The associations between BP-3 and glucose levels were modified by several factors: women with female-factor infertility, urine collected during summer, older age, lower BMI, or carried female fetus (es) had the strongest inverse associations between BP-3 and glucose levels, while no associations were observed in the remaining subgroups.

Conclusions
Time-specific inverse associations between BP-3 and pregnancy glucose levels existed in subfertile women, and especially among certain subgroups of this high-risk-population.
Treatment of breast cancer with autophagy inhibitory microRNAs carried by AGO2-conjugated nanoparticles
Authors: Unal Ozlem , Akkoc Yunus , Kocak Muhammed , Nalbat Esra , Dogan-Ekici Asiye Isin , Yagci Acar Havva , Gozuacik Devrim 
Published: April 2020

AbstractNanoparticle based gene delivery systems holds great promise. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are being heavily investigated due to good biocompatibility and added diagnostic potential, rendering such nanoparticles theranostic. Yet, commonly used cationic coatings for efficient delivery of such anionic cargos, results in significant toxicity limiting translation of the technology to the clinic. Here, we describe a highly biocompatible, small and non-cationic SPION-based theranostic nanoparticles as novel gene therapy agents. We propose for the first-time, the usage of the microRNA machinery RISC complex component Argonaute 2 (AGO2) protein as a microRNA stabilizing agent and a delivery vehicle. In this study, AGO2 protein-conjugated, anti-HER2 antibody-linked and fluorophore-tagged SPION nanoparticles were developed (SP-AH nanoparticles) and used as a carrier for an autophagy inhibitory microRNA, MIR376B. These functionalized nanoparticles selectively delivered an effective amount of the microRNA into HER2-positive breast cancer cell lines in vitro and in a xenograft nude mice model of breast cancer in vivo, and successfully blocked autophagy. Furthermore, combination of the chemotherapy agent cisplatin with MIR376B-loaded SP-AH nanoparticles increased the efficacy of the anti-cancer treatment both in vitro in cells and in vivo in the nude mice. Therefore, we propose that AGO2 protein conjugated SPIONs are a new class of theranostic nanoparticles and can be efficiently used as innovative, non-cationic, non-toxic gene therapy tools for targeted therapy of cancer.