bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circadian rhythm protein Bmal1 modulates cartilage gene expression in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis via the MAPK/ERK pathway
Authors: Zhao Huaqiang , Chen Guokun , Zhao Haoming , Ma Shixing , Chen Lei , Wu Gaoyi , Zhu Yong , Zhu Jie , Ma Chuan 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of the circadian gene Bmal1 in human cartilage and its crosstalk with the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA).Methods: We verified the periodical variation of the circadian gene Bmal1 and then established a modified multiple platform method (MMPM) to induce circadian rhythm disturbance leading to TMJ-OA. IL-6, p-ERK and Bmal1 mRNA and protein expression levels were assessed by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Chondrocytes were treated with an ERK inhibitor (U0126), siRNA and plasmid targeting Bmal1 under IL-6 simulation; then, the cells were subjected to Western blotting to analyze the relationship between Bmal1 and the MAPK/ERK pathway.Results: We found that sleep rhythm disturbance can downregulate the circadian gene BMAL-1 and improve phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK) and IL-6 levels. Furthermore, Bmal1 siRNA transfection was sufficient to improve the p-ERK level and aggravate OA-like gene expression changes under IL-6 stimulation. Bmal1 overexpression relieved the alterations induced by IL-6, which was consistent with the effect of U0126 (an ERK inhibitor). However, we also found that BMAL1 upregulation can decrease ERK phosphorylation, whereas ERK downregulation did not change BMAL1 expression.Conclusions: Collectively, this study provides new insight into the regulatory mechanism that links chondrocyte BMAL1 to cartilage maintenance and repair in TMJ-OA via the MAPK/ERK pathway and suggests that circadian rhythm disruption is a risk factor for TMJ-OA.
Effect of ambient air pollutants and meteorological factors on COVID-19 transmission
Authors: Jiang Ying , Xu Xiao-Long , Dai Da-Wei , Wu Xiao-Jun , Wang Jun-Yu , Wang Yun-Kun , Huang Zhen-Yu , Wang Guang-Ming , Guan Yan-Jun 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Since its first appearance in Wuhan China in December 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a worldwide pandemic. Although the COVID-19 is known to cause by human-to-human transmission, it remains largely unclear whether ambient air pollutants and meteorological factors could promote its transmission process.
Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study to understand the correlation between COVID-19 incidence and eight ambient air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO, NO2, and O3-8 h) and three meteorological variables (temperature, humidity and wind level) in China’s two worst-hit cities, Wuhan and XiaoGan, between Jan 25th to Feb 29th in 2020.
Results

Our data showed that the COVID-19 incidence was constantly correlated with PM2.5, NO2 and local temperature in both cities. Specifically, in Wuhan, the tightest correlation was observed between NO2 and COVID-19 incidence (R2 = 0.329, p < 0.01). The PM2.5 and CO also present tight correlation with the incidence number, whose R2 equaled 0.174 (p < 0.01) and 0.203 (p < 0.05), respectively. In XiaoGan, in addition to the PM2.5 (R2 = 0.23, p < 0.01) and NO2 (R2 = 0.158, p < 0.05), a notable correlation was also observed between the PM10 and incidence cases (R2 = 0.158, p < 0.05). Moreover, temperature is the only meteorological factors that constantly correlated well with COVID-19 incidence in both Wuhan and XiaoGan, but in a negative pattern (R2 = 0.126 and 0.13, respectively, both p < 0.05).
Conclusion

Our data concludes that ambient air pollutants, especially PM2.5 and NO2, and temperature are three variables that could potential promote the sustained transmission of COVID-19. Thus, personal protective devices, especially the facial mask and eye goggle, shall be suggested to residents for SARS-CoV-2 protection in highly polluted regions.
The Distribution and Consequences of Sexual Misconduct by Peacekeepers in Haiti: A Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Analysis
Authors: Vahedi Luissa , Stuart Heather , Lee Sabine , Bartels Susan A 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
From 2004 to 2017, the UN sanctioned The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) to address Haiti’s political instability. Reports of sexual misconduct perpetrated by peacekeeping personnel, including children fathered by peacekeepers, were made during the course of MINUSTAH. To date no epidemiological studies have analyzed the distribution and consequences of sexual misconduct perpetrated by MINUSTAH peacekeepers. This research will: (1) Explore the association between location (rural, semi-urban, urban) and the sharing of narratives about sexual misconduct perpetrated by MINUSTAH peacekeepers; (2) Investigate the relationship between sharing narratives about sexual misconduct and the desire to engage with the UN/MINUSTAH.
Methods
In 2017, a cross-sectional survey was administered by Haitian research assistants using SenseMaker®, a rapid mixed-methods data collection tool that allows participants to share a narrative on a topic of interest. In total, 2541 self-interpreted narratives pertaining to the experiences of women/girls in relation to the UN were collected across Haiti. Secondary data analysis using log-binomial regression modeled the relationships of interest. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS 9.4.
Results
(1) After adjustment, Haitians living in rural areas were more likely (RRrural: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.38) to share a narrative about sexual misconduct, compared to Haitians living in urban areas. (2) The association between sharing narratives of sexual misconduct and willingness to engage with the UN was modified by who the narrative was about. Haitians who expressed personal experiences of sexual misconduct were more likely (RRsex: 4.52; 95% CI: 3.34, 6.12) to reject the UN/MINUSTAH, compared to Haitians who shared personal positive/neutral narratives of MINUSTAH.
Conclusions
Narratives of civilian-peacekeeper sexual misconduct are geographically distributed and associated with rejecting the UN/MINUSTAH. This epidemiological analysis is an empirical steppingstone to understanding the distribution and consequences of peacekeeper perpetrated sexual misconduct.
Association between Carbonic anhydrase 9 expression and poor prognosis in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Lin Lan , Hu Chunyan , Wang Huan , Sun Xicai , Wang Dehui 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background: Carbonic anhydrase 9(CA9), as a member of the carbonic anhydrase enzyme family, was an endogenous marker of hypoxia. Previous studies suggested CA9 expression was correlated with poor prognosis in multiple types of malignancies. The purpose of current study was to evaluate the role of CA9 as a prognostic marker in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma(SNSCC).Patients and methods: We assessed the immunohistochemical expression of CA9 in 63 tumor specimens of patients who underwent curative surgery and evaluated the relationship between the expression levels and clinicopathological factors as well as outcome.Results: We observed positive expression of CA9 in 21(33.3%) patients. Positive expression of CA9 in patients with SNSCC was significantly correlated with local recurrence (p=0.016) and both overall survival (OS) (p=0.003) and disease-free survival (DFS) (p=0.002). In Cox's multivariate analysis, CA9 expression was an independent negative prognostic factor for OS (p=0.027) and DFS (p=0.018).Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that CA9 overexpression could be used as an independent prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in SNSCC.
Preoperatively elevated RDW-SD and RDW-CV predict favorable survival in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients after curative resection
Authors: Cai Jianqiang , Li Xingchen , Chen Qichen , Bi Xinyu , Zhao Jianjun , Li Zhiyu , Zhou Jianguo , Huang Zhen , Zhang Yefan , Mao Rui , Zhao Hong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a parameter reported in blood routine examination, recent studies suggest it was a prognostic factor in various types of cancer patients, although the results are controversial. The objective of this study was to investigate the significance of RDW in patients with Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) after radical resection.Method: The relationship between the preoperative serum RDW value and clinic pathological characteristics was analyzed in 157 ICC patients between January 2012 and June 2018 who underwent curative resection. X-tile software was used to determine 40.2 fl, 12.6 % as the optimal cut-off value for RDW-SD and RDW-CV respectively. 153 patients were classified into the low RDW-SD (≤ 40.2, n = 53) group and the high RDW-SD (> 40.2, n = 104) group, low RDW-CV (≤ 12.6, n = 94) group and the high RDW-CV (> 12.6, n = 63). Based on the RDW-SD combined with RDW-CV(SCC), classified into SCC = 0 (n = 46), 1 (n = 55) and 2 (n = 56) group. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the effect of RDW on survival. Results: Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that Patients with RDW-SD > 40.2 were significantly associated with better OS (P = 0.004, median OS: 68.0 months versus 17.0 months). Patients with RDW-CV > 12.6 were significantly associated with better OS (P = 0.030, median OS: not reach versus 22.0 months). Compared with a SCC = 0 or SCC = 1, SCC = 2 was significantly associated with better OS (P < 0.001, median OS: not reach versus 33.0 months versus 16, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, RDW-SD > 40.2 fl (HR = 0.446, 95% CI: 0.262-0.760, P = 0.003), RDW-CV > 12.6 % (HR = 0.425, 95%CI: 0.230-0.783, P = 0.006), SCC = 2 (HR = 0.270, 95%CI: 0.133-0.549, P < 0.001) were associated with favorable OS. The multivariate analysis showed RDW-SD, RDW-CV and SCC level were not independent prognostic factors for PFS.Conclusions: Preoperative RDW is a convenient and easy to collect blood routine examination index, and preoperative low levels of RDW are associated with poor survival in ICC after curative resection. This provides a new way for predicting the prognosis of ICC patients and more targeted intervention measures.
Using the bootstrapping method to compare research achievements for authors who worked for Departments of Ophthalmology in United States since 2010
Authors: Yeh Yu-Tsen , Kan Wei-Chih , Wei Chien Tsai , Kuo Shu-Chun 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The h-index has its popularity in the global scientific community. Despite the h-index being used as an indicator of individual research achievement (IRA), two main disadvantages have not been solved: (1) all coauthors contributing equally to article bylines and (2) the integer nature of the h-index making it difficult to differentiate the IRAs among entities. This article evaluated the most cited authors, institutes, and states in United States in ophthalmology in recent ten years using a proposed hx-index.Methods: Authors who worked for departments of ophthalmology in United States were selected for identifying their IRAs in Pubmed Central(PMC) since 2010. Using the PubMed search engine, we conducted an observational study of citation analyses in affiliated research institutes and states of all authors who worked for departments of ophthalmology since 2010. A total of 18,289 published articles from 46,121 authors related to departments of ophthalmology from 50 states were analyzed. The bootstrapping method was applied with an estimated 95% confidence interval (CI) to distinguish the differences in IRAs among states and institutes. The x-index and the Kano model were complemental to the h-index for identifying the group IRA characteristics and rankings. A pyramid plot was used to illustrate the importance of the author-weighted scheme(AWS) used for evaluating IRAs in academics. The hx-index combined both advantages of h-/x-index was proposed to assess IRAs for each facility. A significant difference was identified by observing two bands of estimated 95% CIs that were not overlapped. Furthermore, we drew a choropleth map on Google Maps to visualize the differences of IRA among states.Results: There is a significant rise over time in the number of publications. The top-ranking states in hx-index based on publications and citations were Massachusetts(42.28),California(39.24), and Massachusetts(42.28). If only the top 100 authors were included for calculating the median hx-index, the top three would be California(6.45), Massachusetts(3.97). and New York(3.07) with no significant difference found among these three using the bootstrapping method. The institute and author with the highest hx-index were Harvard Medical School(Massachusetts) and Felipe A Medeiros (California), respectively. We demonstrated that Dr. Medeiros from California published 213 articles in PMC and used the example to elucidate the importance of AWS when IRAs were assessed. Conclusions: With an overall increase in publications in the field of ophthalmology, IRAs assessed by these (1) hx-index, (2)the bootstrapping method, and (3) AWS should be emphasized and promoted more in the future.
Anti-inflammatory protein TNFa-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6) reduces inflammatory response after brain injury in mice
Authors: Mutoji Kazadi Nadine , Sun Mingxia , Nash Amanda , Puri Sudan , Hascall Vincent , Coulson-Thomas Vivien J 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Current research suggests that the glial scar surrounding penetrating brain injuries is instrumental in preserving the surrounding uninjured tissue by limiting the inflammatory response to the injury site. We recently showed that (TNF)-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6), a well-established anti-inflammatory molecule, is present within the glial scar. We hereby investigate the role of TSG-6 within the glial scar.Methods: TSG-6 null and littermate control mice were subjected to penetrating brain injuries, after which the injury site and remaining injured hemisphere were analyzed. The presence of activated astrocytes, inflammatory markers and glial scar components were evaluated by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Results: Our findings demonstrate that mice lacking TSG-6 present a more severe inflammatory response after injury, which is correlated with an enlarged area of astrogliosis beyond the injury site.Conclusion: Our data provides evidence that TSG-6 has an anti-inflammatory role within the glial scar.
Chemical profile and scavenging activity of four extracts from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. calyx
Authors: Yagi Sakina , Hussain Zeinab T.E 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Objective

Hibiscus sabdariffa L., also known as roselle and karkadeh, is commonly used in traditional medicine and has many applications on food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. More than 100 cultivars of H. sabdariffa are found. Despite the fact that Sudan is considered as one of the principal producer of H. sabdariffa there has been limited systematic study on the efficiency of different solvent extraction on its bioactive molecules. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the chemical constituents of H. sabdariffa calyx using acetone, ethanol (EtOH), 50% EtOH and water as extraction solvents and their impact on the DPPH free radical scavenging activity.
Results

Results showed that the total polyphenol, flavonoids and vitamin C contents of the dried calyces were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the solvent extraction used. HPLC analysis using 16 standards revealed the presence of 11–13 compounds in the four extracts with the 50% EtOH extract recovered the highest concentrations of identified compounds. Moreover, the 50% EtOH extract revealed highest DPPH free radical scavenging activity (IC50 1.544 ± 0.3 µg/mL). Based on these results, maceration the calyx on 50% EtOH was therefore suggested for optimal extraction of bioactive compounds with high antiradical activity from H. sabdariffa calyx.
A comprehensive predictive method for low fetal fraction in noninvasive prenatal screening
Authors: Hu Liang , Pei Yuanyuan , Luo Xiaojin , Wen Lijuan , Xiao Hui , Liu Jinxing , Li Dongxue , Wu Liping , Ran Jian , Li Gaochi , Chen Xiaohang , Du Li , Zhou Xiulan , Wei Fengxiang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

The study was a retrospective cohort analysis based on the results of noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS), complete blood count, thyroxin test and Down’s syndrome screening in first or second trimester from 14043 pregnant women. Random forests algorithm was applied to predict the low fetal fraction of cell free DNA (with FF lower than 10th percentile) through individual and laboratory information. Performance of the model was evaluated and compared to prediction using maternal weight.To investigate factors associated with lower FF in the NIPS and to develop a new predictive method for low FF before NIPS.
Results

Of 14043 cases, maternal weight, RBC, HGB and free T3 were significantly negative correlated with FF while gestation age, free T4, PAPP-A, AFP, uE3 and β-hCG were significantly positive correlated with FF. Compared to prediction using maternal weight as isolated parameter, the model has a higher area under curve(AUC) of Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) and overall accuracy.
Conclusions

The comprehensive predictive method based on combined multiple factors was more effective than single-factor model in low FF status prediction. This method can provide more information for clinical choice and pre-test quality control of NIPS.
Three-dimensional morphometric analysis reveals time-dependent structural changes in microglia and astrocytes in the central amygdala and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of heart failure rats
Authors: Althammer Ferdinand , Ferreira-Neto Hildebrando Candido , Rubaharan Myurajan , Roy Ranjan Kumer , Stern javier E 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure are the most common cause of death globally. Recent studies support a high degree of comorbidity between heart failure and cognitive and mood disorders resulting in memory loss, depression and anxiety. While neuroinflammation in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus contributes to autonomic and cardiovascular dysregulation in heart failure, mechanisms underlying cognitive and mood disorders in this disease remain elusive. The goal of this study was to quantitatively asses markers of neuroinflammation (glial morphology, cytokines and A1 astrocyte markers) in the central amygdala, a critical forebrain region involved in emotion and cognition, and to determine its time course and correlation to disease severity during the progression of heart failure.Methods We developed and implemented a comprehensive microglial/astrocyte profiler for precise three-dimensional morphometric analysis of individual microglia and astrocytes in specific brain nuclei at different time points during the progression of heart failure. To this end, we used a well-established ischemic heart failure rat model. Morphometric studies were complemented with quantification of various pro-inflammatory cytokines and A1/A2 astrocyte markers via qPCR. Results We report structural remodeling of central amygdala microglia and astrocytes during heart failure that affected cell volume, surface area, filament length and microglial branches, resulting overall in somatic swelling and deramification, indicative of a change in microglial state. These changes occurred in a time-dependent manner, correlated with the severity of heart failure, and were delayed compared to changes in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. Morphometric changes correlated with elevated mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers of reactive A1-type astrocytes in the paraventricular nucleus and central amygdala during heart failure. Conclusion We provide evidence that in addition to the previously described hypothalamic neuroinflammation implicated in sympathohumoral activation during heart failure, microglia and astrocytes within the central amygdala also undergo structural remodeling indicative of glial shifts towards activated and pro-inflammatory phenotypes, respectively. Thus, our studies suggest that neuroinflammation in the amygdala stands as a novel pathophysiological mechanism and potential therapeutic target for that could be associated with emotional and cognitive deficits commonly observed at later stages during the course of heart failure.
Passive Sensing Data Collection with Adolescent Mothers and Their Infants to Improve Mental Health Services in Low-Resource Settings: A Feasibility and Acceptability Study in Rural Nepal
Authors: Maharjan Sujen Man , Poudyal Anubhuti , Heerden Alastair van , Byanjankar Prabin , Thapa Ada , Islam Celia , Kohrt Brandon A , Hagaman Ashley 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Passive sensor data from mobile phones can shed light on daily activities, social behavior, and maternal-child interactions to improve maternal and child health services including mental healthcare. Our Sensing Technologies for Maternal Depression Treatment in Low Resource Settings (StandStrong) study assessed feasibility and acceptability of passive data collection with young mothers, including mothers experiencing postpartum depression, in rural Nepal.Methods: Mothers between 15-25 years of age with infants less than 12 months old were recruited from vaccination clinics in rural Nepal. They were provided with a mobile smartphone and passive Bluetooth beacon to collect data in four domains: the mother’s location using the Global Positioning System (GPS), physical activity using the phone’s accelerometer, auditory environment using episodic audio recording on the phone, and mother-infant proximity measured with Bluetooth beacon attached to the infant’s clothing. Feasibility and acceptability were evaluated based on the amount of passive sensing data collected compared to the total amount that could be collected in a 2-week period. End-line qualitative interviews (n=31) were conducted to understand mothers’ experiences and perceptions of passive data collection.Results: 782 women were approached and 320 met eligibility criteria. 38 mothers (11 depressed, 27 non-depressed) were enrolled. Of 9,602 possible readings per sensor, 57.4% of audio (5,579 recordings), 50.6% of activity (5,001 readings), 41.1% of proximity (4,168 readings), and 35.4% of GPS (3,482 readings) were obtained. The percentage of data collection was comparable for depressed and non-depressed mothers. Qualitative interviews revealed mobile charging, excessive data usage, and burden of carrying mobile phones as feasibility challenges. Concerns for privacy and family involvement were acceptability challenges. Overall, study team engagement and education of family members on technology contributed to mothers’ comfort participating in passive data collection. Conclusion: Approximately half of all possible passive data were collected. Feasibility challenges can be addressed by providing alternative phone charging options, setting up reverse billing for the app, and exploring smartwatches as replacement for mobile phones. Enhancing acceptability will require greater family involvement and improved communication regarding benefits of passive sensing data collection for psychological treatments and other health services. Registration: International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/14734
A child confirmed COVID-19 with only symptoms of conjunctivitis and eyelid dermatitis
Authors: Wu Ping , liang liang , Yang Jun , Chen ChunBao , Nie ShengQiong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection in China had quickly spread worldwide. Recent reports showed that conjunctivitis symptoms were found in a small number of adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19. But rare children diagnosed with COVID-19 were reported to have eye symptoms. Our case showed a 2 years and 10 months old child confirmed COVID-19 had no symptoms other than conjunctivitis and eyelid dermatitis, suggesting that doctors shouldn’t forget to conduct COVID-19 screening when children come to hospital for ocular surface symptoms during this epidemic period.