bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age-related decline in the expression of GDF9 and BMP15 genes in follicle fluid and granulosa cells derived from poor ovarian responders
Authors: Gong Yan , Li-Ling Jesse , Xiong Dongsheng , Wei Jiajing , Zhong Taiqing , Tan Hao 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) genes play important roles in folliculogenesis. Altered expression of the two have been found among patients with poor ovarian response (POR). In this prospective cohort study, we have determined the expression of the GDF9 and BMP15 genes in follicle fluid (FF) and granulosa cells (GCs) derived from poor ovarian responders grouped by age, and explored its correlation with the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment.Methods: A total of 196 patients with POR were enrolled from a tertiary teaching hospital. The patients were diagnosed by the Bologna criteria and sub-divided into group A (< 35 year old), group B (35-40 year old), and group C (> 40 year old). A GnRH antagonist protocol was conducted for all patients, and FF and GCs were collected after oocyte retrieval. Expression of the GDF9 and BMP15 genes in the FF and GCs was determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting.Results: Compared with group C, groups A and B had significantly more two pronuclei (2PN) oocytes and transplantable embryos, in addition with higher rates of implantation and clinical pregnancy (P < 0.05). The expression level of GDF9 and BMP15 genes in the FF and GCs differed significantly among the three groups (P < 0.05), showing a trend of decline along with age. Conclusions: For poor ovarian responders, in particular those over 40, the expression of GDF9 and BMP15 is declined with increased age and in accompany with poorer oocyte quality and IVF outcome.
External fixator combined with three different fixation methods of fibula for treatment of extra-articular open fractures of distal tibia and fibula: a retrospective study
Authors: Sun DongDong , Lv Dan , Zhou Kun , Chen Jian , Gao Li-Lan , Sun Ming-Lin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background To compare the efficacy of three different fixation methods of fibula combined with external fixation of tibia for the treatment of extra-articular open fractures of distal tibia and fibula. Methods From January 2017 to July 2019, 91 cases of open fractures of distal tibia and fibula were treated with external fixator, and the fibula was fixed with non-fixation (group A, n=35), plate-screw (group B, n=30) and Kirschner wire(group C, n=26).The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, surgical and implants costs, fracture healing time, postoperative complications, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle surgery (AOFAS) scores were compared among the groups. Results Four patients were lost to follow-up, and 87 patients were followed up for 5-35 months (average, 14.2 months). The operation time of group C(114.92±36.09min) was shorter than that of group A (142.27±47.05min) and group B(184.00±48.56min) (P<0.05). There was no difference in intraoperative blood loss among the three groups (P>0.05). The surgical and implants costs in group C (5.24±1.21, thousand dollars) is lower than that in group A (6.48±1.11, thousand dollars) and group B (9.37±2.16, thousand dollars) (P < 0.05).The fracture healing time of group C(5.67±1.42months) was significantly less than that of group A (6.90±1.33months) and group B(6.70±1.12months) (P<0.05). The postoperative complications such as fractures delayed union and nonunion in group C (2 cases, 8.00%) is less than that in group A (13 cases, 39.39%) and group B (11cases, 37.93%) (P<0.05). The wound infection and needle-tract infection did not differ among the three groups (P>0.05). The excellent or good rate of ankle function was 69.70% in group A, 72.41% in group B and 84.00% in group C, with no statistical difference among the three groups (P>0.05). conclusion Compared with simple external fixator fixation and external fixator combined with plate-screw osteosynthesis, external fixator combined with K-wire intramedullary fixation shortens the operative time and fracture healing time, reduced costs and complications of fracture healing, while the blood loss, infection complications and ankle function recovery showed no difference with the other two groups. External fixator combined with plate-screw osteosynthesis had no advantage in treating extra-articular open fractures of distal tibia and fibula when compared with simple external fixation.
Electroacupuncture reduces scopolamine-induced amnesia via mediating the miR-210/SIN3A and miR-183/SIN3A signaling pathway
Authors: Ye Fan , Tian Shiming , Hu Huimin , Yu Zhengwen 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The expression of SIN3A is closely correlated with electroacupuncture (EA) treatment efficacy of scopolamine-induced amnesia (SIA), but its underlying mechanisms remain to be further explored. Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to analyze the expression of candidate microRNAs (miRNAs) and SIN3A mRNA in a rat model of SIA. Western blot was carried out to evaluate the differential expression of SIN3A proteins under different circumstances. Luciferase assay was used to explore the inhibitory role of certain miRNAs in SIN3A expression. A novel object recognition (NOR) test was performed to assess the memory function of SIA rats undergoing EA treatment. Immunohistochemistry was carried out to evaluate the expression of SIN3A in the hippocampus of SIA rats. Results: Rno-miR-183-5p, rno-miR-34c-3p and rno-miR-210-3p were significantly up-regulated in SIA rats treated with EA. In addition, rno-miR-183-5p and rno-miR-210-3p exerted an inhibitory effect on SIN3A expression. EA treatment of SIA rats effectively restored the dysregulated expression of rno-miR-183-5p, rno-miR-210-3p and SIN3A. EA treatment also promoted the inhibited expression of neuronal IEGs including Arc, Egr1, Homer1 and Narp in the hippocampus of SIA rats. Accordingly, the NOR test also confirmed the effect of EA treatment on the improvement of memory in SIA rats. Conclusion: In summary, the findings of this study demonstrated that scopolamine-induced amnesia was associated with downregulated expression of miR-210/miR-183 and upregulated expression of SIN3A. Furthermore, treatment with EA alleviated scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats and was associated with upregulated expression of miR-210/miR-183 and downregulated expression of SIN3A.
Co-existing patterns of MRI lesions were differentially associated with knee pain at rest and on joint loading: a within-person knee-matched case-controls study
Authors: Liu Qiang , Lane Nancy E. , Hunter David , Xing Dan , Li Zhikun , Lin Jianhao , Zhang Yuqing 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: To assess the association of co-existing MRI lesions with knee pain at rest or on joint loading.Methods: We included participants from Osteoarthritis Initiative whose pain score, measured by WOMAC sub-scales, differed by ≥1 point at rest (in bed at night, sitting/lying down) or on joint loading (walking, stairs) between two knees. Cartilage morphology, bone marrow lesions, meniscus extrusion, meniscus morphology, Hoffa’s synovitis and synovitis-effusion were assessed using the compartment-specific MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score. We performed latent class analyses to identify subgroups of co-existing MRI lesions and fitted a conditional logistic regression model to examine their associations with knee pain. Results: Among 130 eligible participants, we identified five subgroups of knees according to patterns of co-existing MRI lesions: I. minimal lesions; II. mild lesions; III. moderate morphological lesions; IV. moderate multiple reactive lesions; and V. severe lesions. Compared with subgroup I, the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of greater pain in bed at night were 1.6 (0.3, 7.2), 2.2 (0.5, 9.5), 6.2 (1.3, 29.6) and 11.2 (2.1, 59.2) for subgroups II-V, respectively. A similar association was observed between aforementioned subgroups and pain with sitting/lying down. The ORs (95% CI) of greater pain with walking were 1.0 (reference), 1.7 (0.5, 6.1), 0.7 (0.2, 2.3), 5.0 (1.4, 18.6) and 7.9 (2.0, 31.5) for subgroup I-V, respectively. The corresponding analysis for pain on stairs showed similar results. Conclusions: Distinct patterns of co-existing MRI lesions have different implications for the pathogenesis of osteoarthritic knee pain occurring with/without joint loading.
Quantitative Performance Analysis of Respiratory Facemasks using Atmospheric and Laboratory generated Aerosols following with Gamma Sterilization
Authors: Kumar Amit , Sangeetha D.N. , Yuvaraj Ramani , Menaka M. , Subramanian V. , Venkatraman B. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The emergence of the recent Covid-19 pandemic has rendered mandatory wearing of respiratory masks by infected persons, frontline workers, security personnel and members of the public. This has caused a sudden shift of focus and significant demand on availability, effectiveness, reuse after sterilization and development of facemask. Toward this, three types of masks viz. N95, nonwoven fabric and double layer cotton cloth are being used by the majority of the population across the world as an essential inhalation protective measure for suppressing the entry of virus- laden respiratory droplets. The Filtering Efficiency (FE) of these masks are tested for atmospheric and laboratory generated aerosols of size 1.0 µm and 102.7 nm particles before and after sterilisation and for the two flow rate conditions corresponding to normal breath rate and during sneezing/coughing. Sterilisation is carried out using a gamma irradiator containing Co-60 source for the two-dose exposures viz. 15 kGy and 25 kGy. The FE of surgical and cloth masks is found to be in the range of 15.76±0.22 to 22.48±3.92%, 49.20±8.44 to 60±7.59% and 73.15±3.73 to 90.36±4.69% for aerosol sizes 0.3˗5.0, 1.0˗5.0 and 3.0˗5.0 µm atmospheric aerosols respectively. The FE of cloth and surgical masks ranges from 45.07±6.69% to 63.89±4.44% and 56.58±1.69% to 83.95±1.04% for 1.0 µm laboratory generated aerosol for two flow rate, control and irradiated conditions. The FE of N95 mask is found to be more than 95% for atmospheric aerosol and 1.0 µm laboratory generated aerosol. However, FE reduced to about 70% for most penetrating particle size after sterilisation. Further, FE reduced to 84% for the particle >0.3 µm and to 87% for the particle <0.3 µm after sterilisation. The reduction in FE for N95 mask after sterilization is associated with reduction of electrostatic interaction of filter medium with particles laden in the air stream. Instead of disposing of N95 masks after single use, they can be reused a few times as N70 mask during this pandemic crisis after sterilisation. The use of cotton cloth masks in the general public serves fit for the purpose than surgical masks.
A network approach to investigating the key microbes and stability of gut microbial communities in a mouse neuropathic pain model
Authors: Brandon-Mong Guo-Jie , Shaw Grace Tzun-Wen , Chen Wei-Hsin , Chen Chien-Chang , Wang Daryi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Neuropathic pain is an abnormally increased sensitivity to pain, especially from mechanical or thermal stimuli. To date, the current pharmacological treatments for neuropathic pain are still unsatisfactory. The gut microbiota reportedly plays important roles in inducing neuropathic pain, so probiotics have also been used to treat it. However, the underlying questions around the interactions in and stability of the gut microbiota in a spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain model and the key microbes (i.e., the microbes that play critical roles) involved have not been answered. We collected 66 fecal samples over two weeks (three mice and 11 time points in spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain and Sham groups). The 16S rRNA gene was polymerase chain reaction amplified, sequenced on a MiSeq platform, and analyzed using a MOTHUR- UPARSE pipeline.Results: Here we show that spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain alters gut microbial diversity in mice. We successfully constructed reliable microbial interaction networks using the Metagenomic Microbial Interaction Simulator (MetaMIS) and analyzed these networks based on 177,147 simulations. Interestingly, at a higher resolution, our results showed that spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain altered both the stability of the microbial community and the key microbes in a gut micro-ecosystem. Oscillospira, which was classified as a low-abundance and core microbe, was identified as the key microbe in the Sham group, whereas Staphylococcus, classified as a rare and non-core microbe, was identified as the key microbe in the spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain group. Conclusions: In summary, our results provide novel experimental evidence that spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain reshapes gut microbial diversity, and alters the stability and key microbes in the gut.
Incidence and predictors of surgical site infection after distal femur fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation: a prospective single-center study
Authors: Zhang Junzhe , Li Junyong , Zhao Kuo , Meng Hongyu , Zhu Yanbin , Zhang Yingze 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: There remain limited data on the epidemiological characteristics and related predictors of surgical site infection (SSI) after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for distal femur fractures (DFFs). We designed this single-centre prospective study to explore and forecast these clinical problems. Methods：From October 2014 to December 2018, 364 patients with DFFs were treated with ORIF and followed for complete data within one year. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, univariate Chi-square analyses, and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to screen the adjusted predictors of SSI. Results: The incidence of SSI was 6.0% (22/364): 2.4% (9/364) for superficial SSIs and 3.6% (13/364) for deep SSIs. Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-resistant S. aureus in 2 cases) was the most common pathogenic bacteria (36.8%，7/19). In multivariate analysis, parameters independently associated with SSI were: Open fracture (OR: 7.3, p = 0.003), drain use (OR: 4.1, p = 0.037), and incision cleanliness (OR: 3.5, p = 0.002). An albumin/globulin (A/G) level ≥ 1.35 (OR: 0.2, p = 0.042) was an adjusted protective factor for SSI. Conclusions: The SSI after ORIF affected approximately one in 15 patients with DFFs. The open fracture, drain use, high grade of intraoperative incision cleanliness, and preoperative A/G levels lower than 1.35 were significantly related to increasing the risk of post-operative SSI after DFFs. We recommended that more attentions should be paid to these risk factors during hospitalization.
MCCMF: Collaborative matrix factorization based on matrix completion for predicting miRNA-disease associations
Authors: Wu Tian-Ru , Yin Meng-Meng , Jiao Cui-Na , Gao Ying-Lian , Kong Xiang-Zhen , Liu Jin-Xing 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) are non-coding RNAs with regulatory functions. Many studies have shown that miRNAs are closely associated with human diseases. Among the methods to explore the relationship between the miRNA and the disease, traditional methods are time-consuming and the accuracy needs to be improved. In view of the shortcoming of previous models, a collaborative matrix factorization based on matrix completion (MCCMF) is proposed to predict the unknown miRNA-disease associations.Results: The complete matrix of the miRNA and the disease is obtained by matrix completion. Moreover, Gaussian Interaction Profile (GIP) kernel is added to the miRNA functional similarity matrix and the disease semantic similarity matrix to form the GIP kernel similarity matrix. Then the Weight K Nearest Known Neighbors (WKNKN) method is used to pretreat the association matrix, so the model is close to the reality. Finally, collaborative matrix factorization (CMF) method is applied to obtain the prediction results. Therefore, the MCCMF obtains a satisfactory result in the five-fold cross-validation, with an AUC of 0.9569(0.0005). Conclusions: The AUC value of MCCMF is higher than other advanced methods in the 5-fold cross validation experiment. In order to comprehensively evaluate the performance of MCCMF, f-measure and other evaluation indexes are also added. The final experimental results demonstrate that MCCMF outperforms other methods in prediction miRNA-disease associations. In the end, the effectiveness and practicability of MCCMF are further verified by researching three specific diseases.
Bone mineral density reference values in Singaporean adults&nbsp;and comparisons for osteoporosis establishment – The Yishun Study
Authors: Chen Kexun , Wee Shiou-Liang , Pang Benedict Wei Jun , Lau Lay Khoon , Jabbar Khalid Abdul , Seah Wei Ting , Sriniva Sivasubramanian , Mallya Jagadish Ullal , Ng Tze Pin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: While there have been studies in Singapore on the prevalence and economic burden of osteoporotic hip fracture, there is a severe lack of reference data on bone mineral density and prevalence of osteoporosis. The purpose of this study is to establish the reference values for BMD and compare prevalence of osteoporotic conditions using other available reference values so as to better understand the status of bone health in Singaporean adults.Methods: We carried out a population-based cross-sectional study using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (Hologic Discovery Wi) to measure the bone mineral density of Singaporean adults aged ³ 21 years. A total of 542 participants were recruited from the large north-eastern residential town of Yishun. We computed T- scores (denoted by TSG) for each individual in the study. Similar diagnoses were also done based on T-scores provided by the densitometer (TDXA), NHANES database (TNHANES), and China (TCHN), and the differences in prevalence compared. We then compared the concordance between TSG and TDXA in the classification of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis was defined according to criteria by the World Health Organization (WHO).Results: Peak lumbar spine BMD was 1.093±0.168g/cm2 in women, and 1.041±0.098g/cm2 for men. Peak whole-body BMD was 1.193±0.93g/cm2 in women at, and 1.224±0.112g/cm2 for men. Prevalence of osteoporosis based on lumbar spine was 9.3% in postmenopausal women, and 0.7% in men after 50 years of age. The percentage difference in prevalence range from 60.5 - 163.6%, when using reference values from TDXA, TNHANES, and TCHN. Comparing diagnosis using TDXA and TSG cut-off values, 28 versus 15 women were diagnosed as osteoporotic respectively. The kappa statistics was 0.81 for women and 0.85 for men. Conclusion: Our study shows that T-scores provided by DXA manufacturer over-diagnosed osteoporosis in Singaporeans, and the prevalence of osteoporotic conditions is not accurately represented. This over-diagnosis may result in unnecessary treatment in some individuals.
Sexual Function and Metabolic/Hormonal Changes in Women Using Long-Term Hormonal and Non-Hormonal Contraceptives: A pilot study.
Authors: Moreira Igor Fernando de aquino , Bianchini Maria Passos , Moreira Gabrielle Rodrigues Campos , Almeida Alessandra Maciel , Rezende Bruno Almeida 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Female sexual dysfunction is a common condition that negatively impacts the emotional health and quality of life of the affected individuals. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are becoming increasingly popular due to their effectiveness and convenience. LARCs can be hormonal (etonogestrel releasing implant—ENG and Levonorgestrel intrauterine system—LNG) or non-hormonal (copper intrauterine device—CuIUD and copper-silver intrauterine device—SIUD). There are very few studies that assess the influence on LARCS on sexual function are lacking. This study aimed to assess changes in sexual function as well as metabolic and hormonal parameters in women after implantation with LARCs.Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we assessed 80 women who visited the Military Police Hospital in Brazil for LARCs placement. The study participants were divided into 4 groups according to the type of LARC received: ENG n=17; LNG n=21, CuIUD n=18 and SIUD n=23. The four groups were evaluated twice (prior to LARC placement and approximately 3 months later) for sexual function, using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Female Sexual Quotient (QS-F) questionnaires. Metabolic and hormonal parameters were also assessed using blood tests. Results: ENG worsened sexual function according to FSFI and QS-F, across all domains. A decrease in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) between stages was observed for all groups. We observed an improvement in sexual function for non-hormonal LARCs, specially SIUD. However this improvement was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The use of non-hormonal LARCS improved sexual function. Etonogestrel implants, had a negative influence on sexual function, probably by blocking ovarian function, and thus reducing the production of androgens and estrogens.
Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Yuan Zhen , Zhang Ying , Cao Dongyan , Shen Keng , Li Qingshui , Zhang Guonan , Wu Xiaohua , Cui Manhua , Yue Ying , Cheng Wenjun , Wang Li , Qu Pengpeng , Tao Guangshi , Hou Jianqing , Sun Lixin , Meng Yuanguang , Li Guiling , Li Changzhong , Shi Huirong , Chen Yaqing 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PLD in treating of in patients who experience epithelial ovarian, fallopian tubal, and peritoneal cancer progression within 12 months after the first-line platinum-based therapy.Methods: This was an open-label, single-arm and multicenter clinical trial. The ORR was the interim primary objective, and the DCR, AEs and QOL were the secondary objectives. The impact of factors on efficacy outcomes, the change trend of CA125 and the artificial platinum-free interval were exploratory endpoints.Results: Totally, 115 patients were enrolled in this study and included in the ITT population. Moreover, 101 patients were included in the safety population. The median follow-up time was 4 months (IQR 2–6). In the ITT population, the confirmed ORR was 37.4% (95% CI, 28.4%-46.4%), and the DCR was 65.2% (95% CI, 56.4%-74.1%). The previous response status to platinum-based chemotherapy and baseline CA125 levels were significantly correlated with the ORR. The ORR was significantly higher in patients with a CA125 decrease after the first cycle than in the patients with a CA125 increase. The most common grade 3 or higher AE was hand-foot syndrome (3 [3.0%] of 101 patients). No statistically significant differences existed between the baseline and the postbaseline questionnaires.Conclusions: For patients who experience platinum-resistant and platinum-refractory relapse, the use of PLD may be acceptable because of the associated satisfactory efficacy, low frequency of AEs and high patient QOL. Moreover, a low CA125 level at baseline and a reduction in CA125 after the first cycle are predictive factors for satisfactory efficacy.