bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seasonal variation in gut microbiota composition: cross-sectional evidence from Ukrainian population
Authors: Koliada Alexander , Moseiko Vladyslav , Romanenko Mariana , Piven Liubov , Lushchak Oleh , Kryzhanovska Nadiia , Guryanov Vitaly , Vaiserman Alexander 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Gut microbiota composition is known to depend on environmental (diet, day length, infections, xenobiotic exposure) and lifestyle (alcohol/drug intake, physical activity) factors. All these factors fluctuate seasonally, especially in areas with highly variable climatic conditions between seasons. Seasonal microbiota changes were reported in several previous studies. The purpose of our study was to investigate whether there is a seasonal variability in the gut microbiota composition in Ukrainian population. In contrast to previous studies performed on small-size samples using a longitudinal design, we used cross-sectional design with a large sample size (n = 769). Determination of microbial composition at the level of major microbial phyla was performed by qRT-PCR.

Results
The relative abundance of major taxonomic groups of gut microbiota was found to be affected by month of sampling. Actinobacteria were more abundant and Bacteroidetes were less abundant in summer-derived samples compared to those obtained during other seasons, whereas Firmicutes content was seasonally independent. The Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio was significantly higher in summer-derived samples than in winter-derived ones. Odds to have F/B > 1 were 3.3 times higher in summer samples and 1.9 times higher in autumn samples than in winter ones; neither age, nor sex were significant confounding factors.

Conclusions
Seasonality of sampling could influence results of human microbiome research, thereby potentially biasing estimates. This factor must be taken into consideration in further microbiome research.
Assessing the risk of angiotensin receptor blockers on major cardiovascular events: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wanas Yara , Bashir Rim , Islam Nazmul , Furuya-Kanamori Luis 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are commonly used as a treatment for many cardiovascular diseases, but their safety has been called into question. The VALUE trial found an increased risk of myocardial infarction in participants receiving ARBs compared to other antihypertensive. The aim of the meta-analysis was to synthetize the available evidence of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and elucidate if ARBs increase the risk of cardiovascular events.

Methods
A comprehensive search was conducted to identify RCTs that assessed the safety of ARBs. Titles and abstracts of all papers were independently screened by two authors. Data extraction and quality assessment were also performed independently. The relative risk (RR) of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke were pooled using the IVhet model. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the effect of ARBs by restricting the analysis to different participants’ characteristics.

Results
Forty-five RCTs comprising of 170,794 participants were included in the analysis. The pooled estimates revealed that ARBs do not increase the risk of all-cause mortality (RR 1.00; 95%CI 0.97–1.04), myocardial infarction (RR 1.01; 95%CI 0.96–1.06), and stroke (RR 0.92; 95%CI 0.83–1.01). The sensitivity analysis did not yield a particular group of patients at increased risk of cardiovascular events with ARBs. Risk of all-cause mortality and stroke decreased with ARB when the proportion of smokers in a population was < 25% (RR 0.91; 95%CI 0.84–0.98) and in females (RR 0.76; 95%CI 0.68–0.84), respectively.

Conclusions
ARBs do not increase the risk of major cardiovascular events and are safe for use in patients.
Clinical efficacy and safety of polymyxins based versus non-polymyxins based therapies in the infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lyu Cheng , Zhang Yuyi , Liu Xiaofen , Wu Jufang , Zhang Jing 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The prevalence of infections due to carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) is on the rise worldwide. Polymyxins are considered as last-resort drugs for CRAB infections, but there is still controversy regarding the efficacy and safety of polymyxins based therapies in CRAB infections. The present systematic review was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of polymyxins based therapies versus non-polymyxins based therapies in CRAB infections.

Methods
We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov to identify eligible studies reporting the clinical outcomes of patients with CRAB infections. The meta-analysis employed a random-effects model to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The primary outcome was 1-month mortality for any cause. We also examined clinical response, microbiological response, length of stay in hospital, and adverse events.

Results
Eleven eligible studies were analyzed (1052 patients in total), including 2 randomized clinical trials. Serious risk of bias was found in 8 out of the 11 studies. There was no statistically significant difference between polymyxins based therapies and non-polymyxins based therapies in 1-month mortality for any cause (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.59 to 1.53), microbiological response (OR, 3.83; 95% CI, 0.90 to 16.29) and length of stay in hospital (SMD, 0.24; 95% CI, − 0.08 to 0.56). The pooled OR of clinical response indicated a significant difference in favor of polymyxin based therapies (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.31 to 3.03). The pooled OR of adverse events showed that non-polymyxins based therapies were associated with fewer adverse events (OR, 4.32; 95% CI, 1.39 to 13.48).

Conclusion
The performance of polymyxins based therapies was better than non-polymyxin based therapies in clinical response rate and similar to non-polymyxin based therapies in terms of 1-month mortality and microbiological response in treating CRAB infections. Due to the limitations of our study, we cannot draw a firm conclusion on the optimal treatment of CRAB infections, but polymyxins would be a relatively effective treatment for CRAB infections. Adequate and well-designed large scale randomized controlled trials are required to clarify the relative efficacy of polymyxins based and non-polymyxins based therapies.
Retrospective observational study of salvage line ramucirumab monotherapy for patients with advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Kawai Sadayuki , Fukuda Naoki , Yamamoto Shun , Mitani Seiichiro , Omae Katsuhiro , Wakatsuki Takeru , Kato Ken , Kadowaki Shigenori , Takahari Daisuke , Boku Narikazu , Muro Kei , Machida Nozomu 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundRamucirumab monotherapy as a second-line treatment for advanced gastric cancer (AGC) prolongs survival compared to the best supportive care. However, in clinical practice, ramucirumab monotherapy is sometimes used as third- or later-line treatment for AGC refractory to fluoropyrimidine and taxanes. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of salvage-line ramucirumab monotherapy for treating AGC.MethodsThe subjects of this retrospective study were advanced gastric or gastro-esophageal junction adenocarcinoma patients who received ramucirumab monotherapy after failure of 2 or more prior regimens containing fluoropyrimidine and taxanes but not ramucirumab.ResultsFrom June 2015 to April 2017, 51 patients were enrolled. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 1.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.6–2.2) and 5.1 (95% CI = 4.0–6.8) months, respectively. The objective response and disease control rates were 2 and 17%, respectively. Grade 3 adverse events (AEs; e.g., anemia, fatigue, hypertension, proteinuria, intestinal bleeding) occurred in seven (13%) patients, but no grade 4 AEs and treatment-related deaths were observed. A neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of < 2.5 and previous gastrectomy were associated with better PFS.ConclusionsSalvage-line ramucirumab monotherapy has acceptable toxicity and comparable efficacy to second-line treatment; therefore, we consider physicians might choose this therapy as a salvage-line treatment option for AGC refractory to the standard therapies.
Effects of self-assessed chewing ability, tooth loss and serum albumin on mortality in 80-year-old individuals: a 20-year follow-up study
Authors: Nomura Yoshiaki , Kakuta Erika , Okada Ayako , Otsuka Ryoko , Shimada Mieko , Tomizawa Yasuko , Taguchi Chieko , Arikawa Kazumune , Daikoku Hideki , Sato Tamotsu , Hanada Nobuhiro 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe association between dental status and mortality in community-dwelling older adults has been documented by several studies. The aim of this study was to analyze the contribution of self-assessed chewing ability, number of remaining teeth and serum albumin levels to mortality and the interactions between the three factors.MethodsA 20-year follow-up study was conducted with 666 subjects aged 80 years (from 1996 to 2017) who resided in the 8 areas served by one health center in Iwate Prefecture. Health check-ups including physical fitness measurements were conducted at a meeting place or gymnasium. Medical interview and blood sampling were conducted by physician. Oral examination was examined by dentist. The number of remaining teeth, serum albumin levels, and self-assessed chewing ability were used as predictors of mortality.ResultsAmong the 608 subjects (233 men and 375 women) included in this study, only 12 subjects (1.97%) survived after 20 years of follow-up. For men, dental status and serum levels of albumin were significantly associated with mortality. The hazard ratios of self-assessed chewing ability calculated by item response theory analysis and the inability to chew at least one food adjusted for serum albumin and tooth conditions were statistically significant in men. When adjusted by health status evaluated by blood tests, self-assessed chewing ability was statistically significant in men. According to path analysis, self-assessed chewing ability and serum albumin independently affected mortality in men.ConclusionMasticatory dysfunction may be an important risk factor for mortality in men, even though it was self-assessed. Retaining chewing ability might be a useful predictor of longevity in older male adults.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Astragalin alleviates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by improving anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and inhibiting apoptosis pathway in rats
Authors: Chen Xiuying , Cheng Chang , Zuo Xuzheng , Huang Wen 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Astragalin (AG), a flavonoid from many traditional herbs and medicinal plants, has been described to exhibit in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. The paper aimed to study the effects of astragalin on anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative ability and apoptosis signaling pathway in brain tissue of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, and to explore its possible mechanism.

Methods
The rat model of focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury was established by suture method. It was randomly divided into 5 groups, sham operation group, ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) treatment group, and astragalin treatment I / R group (12.5, 25, 50 mg / kg). After 24 h of reperfusion, the neurological deficits of the rats were analyzed and HE staining was performed. The volume of cerebral infarction was calculated by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, and the apoptosis of nerve cells was detected by TUNEL staining. In addition, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) assay and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were measured in rat brain tissue. Western blot analysis was used to determine the expression of related proteins.

Results
Compared with I/R group, the neurological deficit score and infarct volume of I/R rats were reduced in the astragalin treatment group. In the astragalin treatment group, MDA and NO levels in I/R rats were reduced, antioxidant enzymes and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were increased. In the astragalin treatment group, NF-κB (p65) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression levels were down-regulated, NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) nucleus and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein expression levels were up-regulated. In addition, the astragalin treatment can inhibit apoptosis, down-regulate Bax and cleaved caspase-3 expression, up-regulate Bcl-Xl expression.

Conclusion
The antioxidant properties of astragalin may play an important role in improving cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Responsiveness and minimal clinically important difference of SGRQ-I and K-BILD in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Prior Thomas Skovhus , Hoyer Nils , Hilberg Ole , Shaker Saher Burhan , Davidsen Jesper Rømhild , Bendstrup Elisabeth 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) specific version of St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ-I) and King’s Brief Interstitial Lung Disease questionnaire (K-BILD) are validated health-related quality of life (HRQL) instruments, but no or limited data exist on their responsiveness and minimal clinically important difference (MCID). The objectives of this study were to assess responsiveness of SGRQ-I and K-BILD and determine MCID separately for deterioration and improvement in a large, prospective cohort of patients with IPF in a real-world setting.

Methods
Consecutive patients with IPF were recruited. SGRQ-I, K-BILD, SGRQ, Shortness of Breath Questionnaire, pulmonary function tests and 6-min walk test measurements were obtained at baseline and at six and 12 months; at six and 12 months, patients also completed Global Rating of Change Scales. Responsiveness was assessed using correlation coefficients and linear regression. Cox regression was used for mortality analyses. MCID was estimated using receiver operating characteristic curves with separate analyses for improvement and deterioration.

Results
A total of 150 IPF patients were included and 124 completed the 12-month follow-up. Based on all HRQL anchors and most physiological anchors, responsiveness analyses supported the evidence pointing towards SGRQ-I and K-BILD as responsive instruments. Multivariate analyses showed an association between SGRQ-I and mortality (HR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.36, p = 0.03) and a trend was found for K-BILD (HR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.64 to 1.05, p = 0.12). MCID was estimated for all domains of SGRQ-I and K-BILD. MCID for improvement differed from deterioration for both SGRQ-I Total (3.9 and 4.9) and K-BILD Total (4.7 and 2.7).

Conclusions
SGRQ-I and K-BILD were responsive to change concerning both HRQL and most physiological anchors. MCID was determined separately for improvement and deterioration, resulting in different estimates; especially a smaller estimate for deterioration compared to improvement in K-BILD.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov, no. NCT02818712. Registered 30 June 2016.
Dietary patterns and their associations with gestational weight gain in the United Arab Emirates: results from the MISC cohort
Authors: Itani Leila , Radwan Hadia , Hashim Mona , Hasan Hayder , Obaid Reyad Shaker , Ghazal Hessa Al , Al Hilali Marwa , Rayess Rana , Mohamed Hamid Jan Jan , Hamadeh Rena , Al Rifai Hiba , Naja Farah 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundSuboptimum weight gain during pregnancy may carry long term health consequences for the infant or mother. Nutritional imbalances are well recognized as a determinant of gestational weight gain. Few studies examined the effect of dietary patterns on gestational weight gain, especially in countries undergoing nutrition transition, such as the United Arab Emirates.ObjectivesTo characterize dietary patterns among pregnant women living in the UAE and examine their associations with gestational weight gain and gestational weight rate.MethodologyData were drawn from the Mother-Infant Study Cohort, a two-year prospective cohort study of pregnant women living in the United Arab Emirates, recruited during their third trimester (n = 242). Weight gain during pregnancy was calculated using data from medical records. The Institute of Medicine’s recommendations were used to categorize gestational weight gain and gestational weight gain rate into insufficient, adequate, and excessive. During face-to-face interviews, dietary intake was assessed using an 89-item culture-specific semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire that referred to usual intake during pregnancy. Dietary patterns were derived by principal component analysis. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the associations of derived dietary patterns with gestational weight gain/gestational weight gain rate.ResultsTwo dietary patterns were derived, a “Diverse” and a “Western” pattern. The “Diverse” pattern was characterized by higher intake of fruits, vegetables, mixed dishes while the “Western” pattern consisted of sweets and fast food. The “Western” pattern was associated with excessive gestational weight gain (OR:4.04,95% CI:1.07–15.24) and gestational weight gain rate (OR: 4.38, 95% CI:1.28–15.03) while the “Diverse” pattern decreased the risk of inadequate gestational weight gain (OR:0.24, 95% CI:0.06–0.97) and gestational weight gain rate (OR:0.28, 95% CI:0.09–0.90).ConclusionThe findings of this study showed that adherence to a “Diverse” pattern reduced the risk of insufficient gestational weight gain/gestational weight gain rate, while higher consumption of the “Western” pattern increased the risk of excessive gestational weight gain/gestational weight gain rate. In view of the established consequences of gestational weight gain on the health of the mother and child, there is a critical need for health policies and interventions to promote a healthy lifestyle eating through a life course approach.
Correction to: A geographic identifier assignment algorithm with Bayesian variable selection to identify neighborhood factors associated with emergency department visit disparities for asthma
Authors: Bozigar Matthew , Lawson Andrew , Pearce John , King Kathryn , Svendsen Erik 
Published: April 2020

Unfortunately, the original version of the article [1] contained an error. A typo in the main equation (Eq. 1) has been introduced during the production process. The operator “ = ” in Eq. 1 “log(θik) =  α + ui…” was missing.
Ulcerative colitis: understanding its cellular pathology could provide insights into novel therapies
Authors: Kaur Amandip , Goggolidou Paraskevi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDynamic interactions between the gastrointestinal epithelium and the mucosal immune system normally contribute to ensuring intestinal homeostasis and optimal immunosurveillance, but destabilisation of these interactions in genetically predisposed individuals can lead to the development of chronic inflammatory diseases. Ulcerative colitis is one of the main types of inflammatory diseases that affect the bowel, but its pathogenesis has yet to be completely defined. Several genetic factors and other inflammation-related genes are implicated in mediating the inflammation and development of the disease. Some susceptibility loci associated with increased risk of ulcerative colitis are found to be implicated in mucosal barrier function. Different biomarkers that cause damage to the colonic mucosa can be detected in patients, including perinuclear ANCA, which is also useful in distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colitides. The choice of treatment for ulcerative colitis depends on disease severity. Therapeutic strategies include anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) monoclonal antibodies used to block the production of TNF-α that mediates intestinal tract inflammation, an anti-adhesion drug that prevents lymphocyte infiltration from the blood into the inflamed gut, inhibitors of JAK1 and JAK3 that suppress the innate immune cell signalling and interferons α/β which stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as faecal microbiota transplantation. Although further research is still required to fully dissect the pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis, understanding its cellular pathology and molecular mechanisms has already proven beneficial and it has got the potential to identify further novel, effective targets for therapy and reduce the burden of this chronic disease.
Disulfide isomerase ERp57 improves the stability and immunogenicity of H3N2 influenza virus hemagglutinin
Authors: Wu Jialing , Wang Yang , Wei Ying , Xu Zhichao , Tan Xin , Wu Zhihui , Zheng Jing , Liu George Dacai , Cao Yongchang , Xue Chunyi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Hemagglutinin (HA), as the surface immunogenic protein, is the most important component of influenza viruses. Previous studies showed that the stability of HA was significant for HA’s immunogenicity, and many efforts have been made to stabilize the expressed HA proteins.

Methods
In this study, the protein disulfide isomerases (PDIs) were investigated for the ability to improve the stability of HA protein. Two members of the PDIs family, PDI and ERp57, were over-expressed or down-expressed in 293 T cells. The expression of H3 HA and PDIs were investigated by real-time qPCR, western-blot, immunofluorescence assay, and flow cytometry. The stability of HA was investigated by western-blot under non-reducing condition. Moreover, BALB/c mice were immunized subcutaneously twice with the vaccine that contained HA proteins from the ERp57-overexpressed and conventional 293 T cells respectively to investigate the impact of ERp57 on the immunogenicity of H3N2 HA.

Results
The percentage of the disulfide-bonded HA trimers increased significantly in the PDIs-overexpressed 293 T cells, and ERp57 was more valid to the stability of HA than PDI. The knockdown of ERp57 by small interfering RNA significantly decreased the percentage of the disulfide-bonded HA trimers. HA proteins from ERp57-overexpressed 293 T cells stimulated the mice to generate significantly higher HA-specific IgG against H1N1 and H3N2 viruses than those from the conventional cells. The mice receiving H3 HA from ERp57-overexpressed 293 T cells showed the better resistance against H1N1 viruses and the higher survival rate than the mice receiving H3 HA from the conventional cells.

Conclusion
ERp57 could improve the stability and immunogenicity of H3N2 HA.
An efficient in vitro regeneration system from different wild apple (Malus sieversii) explants
Authors: Zhang Y. , Bozorov T. A. , Li D. X. , Zhou P. , Wen X. J. , Ding Y. , Zhang D. Y. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Wild apple, Malus sieversii, is an endangered species and a valuable genetic resource that requires a variety of conservation techniques. This study aimed to investigate the influence of different concentrations of hormones on wild apple regeneration from leaf and stem explants to establish an optimal regeneration system.

Results
Leaves and stems derived from seedlings were cultured on several media supplemented with various concentrations of thidiazuron (TDZ) or 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) in different combinations with 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The results showed that the most efficient shoot formation media (35% and 90%) were MS medium containing 4.0 mg L−1 TDZ and 1.0 mg L−1 NAA for leaf explants and MS medium containing 1.0 mg L−1 BA without NAA for stem explant. MS medium supplemented with 0.4 mg L−1 BA and 0.1 mg L−1 NAA (for shoot multiplication) and 1/2 MS + 0.1 mg L−1 NAA + 1.5% sucrose (for rooting) were effective media. Shoot regeneration from leaf explants was the most effective when the explants were placed abaxial side down onto the medium and were subjected to a pre-treatment of 3 weeks in darkness.

Conclusions
An optimized regeneration system for M. sieversii that allowed regeneration within 2–3 months developed. The protocol developed herein can be used in large-scale clonal propagation for the conservation of wild apple, M. sieversii.