bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Preconditioning Strategy to Augment Retention and Engraftment Rate of Donor Cells During Hepatocyte Transplantation
Authors: Hsu Yu-Chen , Yu I-Shing , Tsai Yu-Fei , Wu Yao-Ming , Chen You-Tzung , Sheu Jin-Chuan , Lin Shu-Wha 
Published: September 2020

Background.
Hepatocyte transplantation has been extensively investigated as an alternative to orthotopic liver transplantation. However, its application in routine clinical practice has been restricted because of low initial engraftment and subsequent repopulation.

Methods.
Using mice as a model, we have developed a minimally invasive and nontoxic preconditioning strategy based on preadministration of antibodies against hepsin to increase donor hepatocyte retention and engraftment rate.

Results.
Liver sinusoid diameters decreased significantly with antihepsin pretreatment, and graft cell numbers increased nearly 2-fold in the recipients’ liver parenchyma for 20 days after hepatocyte transplantation. Postoperative complications such as hepatic ischemia injury or apparent immune cell accumulation were not observed in recipients. In a hemophilia B mouse model, antihepsin preconditioning enhanced the expression and clotting activity of coagulation factor IX (FIX) to nearly 2-fold that of immunoglobulin G–treated controls and maintained higher plasma FIX clotting activity relative to the prophylactic range for 50 days after hepatocyte transplantation. Antihepsin pretreatment combined with adeno-associated virus−transduced donor hepatocytes expressing human FIX-Triple, a hyperfunctional FIX variant, resulted in plasma FIX levels similar to those associated with mild hemophilia, which protected hemophilia B mice from major bleeding episodes for 50 days after transplantation. Furthermore, antihepsin pretreatment and repeated transplantation resulted in extending the therapeutic period by 30 days relative to the immunoglobulin G control.

Conclusions.
Thus, this antihepsin strategy improved the therapeutic effect of hepatocyte transplantation in mice with tremendous safety and minimal invasion. Taken together, we suggest that preconditioning with antihepsin may have clinical applications for liver cell therapy.
A Report of 85 Cases of COVID-19 and Abdominal Transplantation From a Single Center: What Are the Associated Factors With Death Among Organ Transplantation Patients
Authors: Ali Malekhosseini Seyed , Nikoupour Hamed , Gholami Siavash , Shamsaeefar Alireza , Arasteh Peyman , Kazemi Kourosh , Dehghani Masood , Eghlimi Hesameddin , Raeisi Shahraki Hadi , Roozbeh Jamshid , Rezaianzadeh Abbas , Nikeghbalian Saman 
Published: September 2020

Background.In this study, we report the epidemiology of COVID-19 among recipients of organ transplantation and evaluate associated factors with death.Methods.We screened 6969 patients who had organ transplantations in our center for COVID-19. Specific data on presentation, clinical course, treatment, and prognosis were acquired.Results.We found 85 patients (66 liver, 16 kidney, 2 kidney-pancreas, and 1 liver-kidney recipient) who acquired COVID-19. Most common symptoms included fever (48.2%), cough (41.2%), myalgia (41.2%), and fatigue (40%). Dyspnea developed in 33% of patients. Overall, one-third of patients had an oxygen saturation of below 90% on admission. Patients were hospitalized for a median (interquartile range) of 9 (5, 13.7) days and had a 33.9% intensive care unit admission rate. Overall, 17 patients (20%) died, which included 31.3% of patients with kidney transplantations and 18.2% of patients with liver transplantations. All 4 pediatric patients in our series died. In our univariate analysis among adults, rates of leukopenia (38.4% versus 13.2%;P = 0.04), low albumin levels (53.8% versus 10.2%;P = 0.001), and shorter duration between transplantation and COVID-19 (P = 0.02), were higher among patients who died. In our least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model, low albumin levels (OR, 4.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-17.27) were associated with higher risk of death.Conclusions.This is the largest single-center report on abdominal transplantations and COVID-19. Liver and kidney transplant recipients have an increased risk of mortality compared with the general population due to COVID-19. More specifically, pediatric patients and those with low albumin levels are at higher risks of death due COVID-19.
Neuroimaging of EEG Rhythms at Resting State in Normal Elderly Adults: A Standard Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography Study
Authors: Lu Guilin , Hou Yuxin , Chen Yu , Guo Feng 
Published: September 2020

Purpose:
Brain source mechanisms of the cortical EEG brainwave at the resting state in the elderly during normal aging are rarely known. To solve the problem, we use a standard low-resolution electromagnetic tomography to explore the brain source mechanisms on the effects of healthy aging on brain function at the resting state.

Methods:
Eye-closed EEG signals at resting state were sampled in 13 normal elderly adults and 17 normal young adults. The EEG rhythms by frequency band, delta, theta, alpha 1, alpha 2, beta 1, and beta 2 were of interest for this analysis. Brain sources of these rhythms were estimated by standard low-resolution electromagnetic tomography.

Results:
Statistical results demonstrated that central, parietal, occipital, and temporal alpha 1 and theta brain sources presented the pattern normal young adults > normal elderly adults (P < 0.05), whereas the global beta 1 and beta 2 brain sources presented the pattern normal elderly adults > normal young adults (P < 0.05). Moreover, the same is true that amplitude of central, parietal, occipital, and temporal alpha 2 brain sources were lower in normal elderly adults compared with those in normal young adults (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:
These results imply that normal aging is linked to cortical neural desynchronization of alpha and delta rhythms and synchronization of beta rhythm in central, parietal, and frontal cortices at resting state.
Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection with LamPORE, a high-throughput platform combining loop-mediated isothermal amplification and nanopore sequencing
Authors: Peto Leon , Rodger Gillian , Carter Daniel P , Osman Karen L , Yavuz Mehmet , Johnson Katie , Raza Mohammad , Parker Matthew D , Wyles Matthew D , Andersson Monique , Justice Anita , Vaughan Alison , Hoosdally Sarah , Stoesser Nicole , Matthews Philippa C , Eyre David W , Peto Timothy EA , Carroll Miles W , de Silva Thushan I , Crook Derrick W , Evans Cariad M , Pullan Steven T 
Published: September 2020

SummaryLamPORE is a novel diagnostic platform for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA that combines loop-mediated isothermal amplification with nanopore sequencing, which could potentially be used to analyse thousands of samples per day on a single instrument. We evaluated the performance of LamPORE against RT-PCR using RNA extracted from spiked respiratory samples and from stored nose and throat swabs collected at two UK hospitals. The limit of detection of LamPORE was 7-10 genome copies/µl of extracted RNA. This is above the limit achievable by RT-PCR but was not associated with a significant reduction of sensitivity in clinical samples. Positive clinical specimens came mostly from patients with acute symptomatic infection, and among these LamPORE had a diagnostic sensitivity of 99.1% (226/228 [95% CI 96.9–99.9%]). Among negative clinical specimens, including 153 with other respiratory pathogens detected, LamPORE had a diagnostic specificity of 99.6% (278/279 [98.0–100.0%]). Overall, 1.4% (7/514 [0.5–2.9]) of samples produced an indeterminate result on first testing, and repeat LamPORE testing on the same RNA extract had a reproducibility of 96.8% (478/494 [94.8–98.1]). This indicates that LamPORE has a similar performance to RT-PCR for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in symptomatic patients, and offers a promising approach to high-throughput testing.
FeverIQ - A Privacy-Preserving COVID-19 Symptom Tracker with 3.6 Million Reports
Authors: Ranjan Ankit , Li Serena , Chen Boyuan , Jagadeesh Karthik A. , Chiu Alan , Liphardt Jan 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTPopulation-scale COVID-19 management benefits from timely and honest information from billions of people. Here, we provide a first report on the FeverIQ symptom tracker, a global effort to collect symptom and test data which has received more than 3.6 million submissions. Unlike other trackers, FeverIQ uses secure multiparty computation (SMC) to cryptographically guarantee user privacy while providing insights to scientists and public health efforts. We performed basic integrity checks of the FeverIQ dataset, such as by comparing it to other publicly released data. We then trained a linear classifier on diagnosis scores which were computed securely, without unprotected symptom data ever leaving a user’s phone or computer. FeverIQ is currently the world’s largest application of SMC in a health context, demonstrating the practicality of privacy-preserving analytics for population-scale digital health interventions.
Iterative Development of a Mobile Phone Application to Support Community Health Volunteers during Cervical Cancer Screening in Western Kenya
Authors: Stocks Jacob , Choi Yujung , Saduma Ibrahim , Huchko Megan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo achieve the World Health Organization targets for cervical cancer elimination, low- and middle income countries must develop innovative strategies to provide human papillomavirus (HPV) -based screening at a population level. Mobile health may help fill gaps in electronic specimen tracking and patient education. We sought to develop a mobile health application (“mSaada”) to support HPV-based screening in partnership with community health volunteers and program planners in western Kenya.MethodsA team of student programmers developed a prototype to meet previously identified gaps in screening patient education, protocol support, data capture and specimen tracking. The protoype was iteratively developed through three waves of in-person working sessions with quantitative and qualitative feedback, with planned improvements in mSaada functionality after each wave of in-person data collection. Results: Twelve Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) and clinicians took part in the in-person sessions. Participants found mSaada useful and easy to use. Key feedback was used to alter the appearance of the mainframes, add translation in additional local languages and change potentially embarrassing figures. Participants also suggested workflow design and technology needs necessary for sustainability.ConclusionUsing a process of iterative feedback with key stakeholders and rapid response from developers, we have developed a mobile application ready for pilot testing in HPV-based screening programs led by CHVs.
Electrostatic filters to reduce COVID-19 spread in bubble CPAP: an in vitro study of safety and efficacy
Authors: Davis Jonathan W , Pillow J Jane , Cooper Matt N , Dahl Mar Janna 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundBubble CPAP may be used in infants with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Electrostatic filters may reduce cross-infection. This study aims to determine if including a filter in the bubble CPAP circuit impacts stability of pressure delivery.MethodsA new electrostatic filter was placed before (pre) or after (post) the bubble CPAP generator, or with no filter (control) in an in vitro study. Pressure was recorded at the nasal interface for 18 h (6 L/min; 7 cmH2O) on three occasions for each configuration. Filter failure was defined as pressure >9 cmH20 for 60 continuous minutes. The filter was weighed before and after each experiment.ResultsMean (SD) time to reach the fail-point was 257 (116) min and 525 (566) min for filter placement pre- and post-CPAP generator, respectively. Mean pressure was higher throughout in the pre-generator position compared to control. The filter weight was heavier at study end in the pre-compared to the post-generator position.ConclusionsPlacement of the filter at the pre-generator position in a bubble CPAP circuit should be avoided due to unstable mean pressure. Filters are likely to become saturated with water over time. The post-generator position may accommodate a filter, but regular pressure monitoring and early replacement are required.
STUDY TO ASSESS ASSOCIATION OF C-REACTIVE PROTEIN WITH NEPHROPATHY IN PEOPLE LIVING WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: Mondal Kaushik , Mukherjee Dattatreya 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder with inappropriate hyperglycemia either due to an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin secretion or reduction in the biologic effectiveness of insulin or both. An inflammatory basis for Diabetes & its complications has attracted interest. Among several markers of inflammation, C reactive protein (CRP) is found to be significant in people with diabetes. Diabetic nephropathy may be associated with abnormally high levels of CRP.Materials & MethodsThis study was performed for 1 year over 100 type 2 diabetic patients (n=100) aged 30-70 years in Calcutta National Medical College & Hospital. Necessary clinical & Diabetes related laboratory investigations were done as the routine procedure.ResultsAmong 100 study population, all macro-albuminuria patients were found to have high CRP. 63% of Stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients were having high CRP in our study. High CRP values were also found among patients with higher spot urine ACR (329.50±259.40 mg/gram).(P<0.05)ConclusionCRP is a marker which increased in inflammatory reactions. Low grade inflammation as indicated by high CRP was an important predictor of diabetic nephropathy.
Outcomes of NAFLD and MAFLD: Results from a community-based, prospective cohort study
Authors: Niriella Madunil Anuk , Ediriweera Dileepa Senajith , Kasturiratne Anuradhani , Silva Shamila Thivanshi De , Dassanayaka Anuradha Supun , Silva Arjuna Priyadarshin De , Kato Norihiro , Pathmeswaran Arunasalam , Wickramasinghe Ananda Rajitha , Silva Hithanadura Janaka de 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionMetabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a recently suggested alternative to Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We compared baseline metabolic traits and outcomes of NAFLD and MAFLD.MethodsIn an ongoing, community-based, cohort study, participants were first screened in 2007 by structured-interview, anthropometry, liver ultrasonography, and biochemical/serological tests and reassessed after 7-years. Baseline characteristics and outcomes after 7-years were compared in NAFLD and MAFLD, in those excluded by the NAFLD definition but captured by the MAFLD definition and those excluded by the MAFLD definition but captured by the NAFLD definition, versus controls.ResultsOf 2985 recruited in 2007, 940 (31.5%) had NAFLD, 990 (33.1%) had MAFLD and 362 (12.1%) were controls. Compared to NAFLD, MAFLD captured an additional 2.9% of individuals from the cohort and lost 1.3%. At baseline, anthropometric and metabolic traits were similar in NAFLD and MAFLD. At follow-up after 7 years, the odds of having new-onset metabolic traits and fatal/non-fatal CVEs were similar in the two groups, but were significantly higher in both the groups compared to controls. However, those excluded by the NAFLD definition but captured by the MAFLD definition, showed higher baseline metabolic derangements compared to those excluded by the MAFLD definition but captured by the NAFLD definition and had higher odds for having new onset metabolic traits and CVEs compared to controls.ConclusionEven though it was able to increase the index population by only a small proportion, redefining NAFLD as MAFLD seemed to improve clinical utility.Lay SummaryThe term “metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)” has recently been suggested as an alternative to “non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)”.In our study, the diagnostic criteria for MAFLD detected a slightly higher number of individuals than NAFLD from the community.The proportions of anthropometric and metabolic abnormalities in NAFLD and MAFLD were similar. The adverse outcomes of NAFLD and MAFLD were also similar, but were worse than in a population without NAFLD or MAFLD.Those who were excluded by the NAFLD definition and captured by the MAFLD definition seem to be at higher risk of adverse outcomes than those excluded by the MAFLD definition but captured by the NAFLD definition.Although it was able to increase the index population by only a small proportion, redefining NAFLD as MAFLD seems useful.
Adipocyte REVERBα dictates adipose tissue expansion during obesity
Authors: Louise Hunter A. , Pelekanou Charlotte E. , Barron Nichola J. , Northeast Rebecca C. , Adamson Antony , Downton Polly , Cornfield Thomas , Cunningham Peter S. , Hodson Leanne , Loudon Andrew S.I. , Unwin Richard D. , Iqbal Mudassar , Ray David W. , Bechtold David A. 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTThe circadian clock component REVERBα is considered a dominant regulator of lipid metabolism, with globalReverbαdeletion driving dysregulation of white adipose tissue (WAT) lipogenesis and obesity. However, a similar phenotype is not observed under adipocyte-selective deletion (ReverbαFlox2-6AdipoCre), and transcriptional profiling demonstrates that, under basal conditions, direct targets of REVERBα regulation are limited, and include the circadian clock and collagen dynamics. Under high-fat diet (HFD) feeding,ReverbαFlox2-6AdipoCremice do manifest profound obesity, yet without the accompanying WAT inflammation and fibrosis exhibited by controls. Integration of the WAT REVERBα cistrome with differential gene expression reveals broad control of metabolic processes by REVERBα which is unmasked in the obese state. Adipocyte REVERBα does not drive an anticipatory daily rhythm in WAT lipogenesis, but rather modulates WAT activity in response to alterations in metabolic state. Importantly, REVERBα action in adipocytes is critical to the development of obesity-related WAT pathology and insulin resistance.
Working nights and lower leisure-time physical activity associate with chronic pain in Southern African truck drivers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wadley Antonia L , Iacovides Stella , Roche Johanna , Scheuermaier Karine , Venter WD Francois , Vos Alinda G , Lalla-Edward Samanta T 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundGlobally the trucking industry employs millions of people. Recently the prevalence of chronic pain in Southern African truck drivers was reported at 10%. We investigated factors associated with chronic pain in truck drivers including mental health, physical activity, and sleep, as no study has done so.MethodsSouthern African truck drivers were recruited at truck stops in Gauteng and Free State Provinces, South Africa (n=614). Chronic pain was defined as pain present for at least the last three months. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, post-traumatic stress disorder with the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), exposure to traumatic events with the Life Events Checklist-5 (LEC-5) and daytime sleepiness with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Sleep quality was measured on a four-point Likert scale. Leisure-time physical activity was measured using the Godin-Shephard leisure-time physical activity questionnaire. Associations between these factors, demographic factors and chronic pain were investigated.ResultsSix hundred and fourteen male truck drivers were recruited. Multivariate analysis showed that working ≥ 2 nights/week (OR=2.68, 95% CI=1.55-4.68) was associated with chronic pain and physical activity was protective (OR=0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.98). In an exploratory analysis, greater depressive symptoms (p=0.004), daytime sleepiness (p=0.01) and worse sleep quality (p=0.001) was associated with working ≥ 2 nights/week. Lower leisure-time physical activity was associated with worse sleep quality (p=0.006), but not daytime sleepiness or depressive symptoms (p>0.05).ConclusionsThere is a clear relationship between working nights and activity levels, and chronic pain, sleep quality, and depression in truck drivers.
Oncogenic Activation of AKT by MAPK6
Authors: Cai Qinbo , Wang Wei , Dong Bingning , Zhou Wolong , Shen Tao , Moore David D. , Creighton Chad J. , Yang Feng 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMitogen-activated protein kinase 6 (MAPK6) is an atypical MAPK closely related to MAPK4. We recently reported that MAPK4 can promote cancer by activating the Protein Kinase B (PKB/AKT) pathway of cell growth and survival. Here we report that MAPK6 overexpression also activates AKT to induce oncogenic outcomes, including transforming “normal” human epithelial cells into anchorage-independent growth and enhancing cancer cell growth. Knockdown of MAPK6 inhibited cancer cell growth and xenograft growth, supporting the tumor-promoting activities of endogenous MAPK6. Unlike MAPK4, which binds AKT through its kinase domain and phosphorylates AKT at T308, MAPK6 interacts with AKT through its C34 region and the unique C-terminal tail and phosphorylates AKT at S473 independent of mTORC2, the major AKT S473 kinase. MAPK6 overexpression is associated with decreased overall survival and the survival of lung adenocarcinoma, mesothelioma, uveal melanoma, and breast cancer patients. We conclude that MAPK6 can promote cancer by activating AKT and that targeting MAPK6 may be effective in human cancers.
TopoStats – a program for automated tracing of biomolecules from AFM images
Authors: Beton Joseph G. , Moorehead Robert , Helfmann Luzie , Gray Robert , Hoogenboom Bart W. , Joseph Agnel Praveen , Topf Maya , Pyne Alice L. B. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe present TopoStats, a Python toolkit for automated editing and analysis of Atomic Force Microscopy images. The program automates identification and tracing of individual molecules in circular and linear conformations without user input. TopoStats was able to identify and trace a range of molecules within AFM images, finding, on average, 90% of all individual molecules and molecular assemblies within a wide field of view, and without the need for prior processing. DNA minicircles of varying size, DNA origami rings and pore forming proteins were identified and accurately traced with contour lengths of traces typically within 10 nm of the predicted contour length. TopoStats was also able to reliably identify and trace linear and enclosed circular molecules within a mixed population. The program is freely available via GitHub (https://github.com/afm-spm/TopoStats) and is intended to be modified and adapted for use if required.