bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BMI, Waist to Height Ratio and Waist Circumference as a screening tool for Hypertension in Hospital out Patients: A Cross-Sectional, Non-inferiority study
Authors: Shrestha Rajan , Upadhyay Sanjib K. , Khatri Bijay , Bhattarai Janak R. , Kayastha Manish , Upadhyay Madan P. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundObesity has become a global epidemic and an important risk factor for non-communicable diseases. Earlier thought to be a problem in the developed world, it has become a problem in low-and middle-income countries, including Nepal. In the absence of routine surveillance or a registry system, the actual burden and trend of obesity in Nepal is unknown. Obesity and overweight are recognized as risk factors for hypertension and associated with cardiovascular diseases. The study aimed to find out the burden of obesity, using three commonly employed metrics in the hospital outpatient setting of a developing country as predictors of hypertension, and compare the ability of different anthropometric measurements through a non-inferiority study to predict hypertension.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 40-69 years outpatients in a tertiary Eye, and ENT hospital in a semi-urban area of Nepal among randomly selected 2,256 participants from 6,769 outpatients evaluated in Health Promotion and Risk Factor Screening Service. We did a correlation analysis to determine the relationship between anthropometric measurement and blood pressure. The area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve of Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist to Height Ratio (WHtR), and Waist Circumference (WC) was calculated and compared.ResultsThe prevalence of obesity and overweight by BMI was 16.09% and 42.20%, respectively; by WHtR was 32.76%, which is two times higher than obesity measured by BMI. High WC was observed among 66.76% of participants. Female participants had a greater prevalence of high WC (77.46%) than males (53.73%) (p<0.001). Prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension was 40.67% and 36.77%, respectively. The areas under the curve were significantly higher than 0.5 for BMI (0.593), WHtR (0.602), and WC (0.610).ConclusionWC correlated well with obesity and hypertension. It also had a higher predicting ability than WHtR and BMI to predict hypertension. WC thus proved to be non-inferior to two other commonly used metrics. It proved superior in detecting obesity in female. This inexpensive and simple non-tension tape measurement may play an important role in future diagnosis of obesity and prediction of HTN in resource-constrained settings of developing countries.
The higher expression of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 in mild COVID-19 patients is correlation with the inhibition of IFN signaling
Authors: Xi Xueyan , Guo Yang , Zhu Min , Wei Yuhui , Li Gang , Du Boyu , Wang Yunfu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The level of chemokine was markedly elevated in severe COVID-19 patients. But the role of chemokine in mild COVID-19 has not yet been established. However, most of the COVID-19 patients in Shiyan City, China, had mild cases. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the level of chemokine in mild COVID-19 patients and to explore the correlation between chemokine and host immune response.Methods: In this study, the level of chemokine in the serum for COVID-19 patients in Shiyan City was detected by ELISA. The expression of chemokine receptor and other signal molecular was detected by real-time PCR. Results: We first demonstrated that COVID-19 patients are characterized by higher levels of chemokine. Meanwhile, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) has shown higher expression in patients with mild cases of COVID-19. The receptor of MCP-1, CCR2 was also found to be expressed at higher levels in the same mild COVID-19 patients. Finally, the higher expression of MCP-1 in mild COVID-19 patients is correlated with the inhibition of IFN signaling. Conclusion: These findings add to our understanding of the immune-pathologic mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and provide potential therapeutic targets and strategies. MCP-1 may be an effective indicator in mild patients, and early use of interferon has a good antiviral therapeutic effect.
Long-term Outcomes of Patients with Anti–Leucine-Rich Glioma-Inactivated 1 Encephalitis
Authors: Qiao Shan , Wu Huai-kuan , Liu Ling-ling , Zang Ke-jun , liu Xuewu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: This report aims to provide a detailed description of the clinical manifestation, immunotherapy, and long-term outcomes of 117 Chinese patients with anti-leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) encephalitis. Methods: We retrospectively selected 117 patients diagnosed with anti-LGI1 encephalitis from the databases of multiple clinical centers from September 2014 to December 2019. The clinical features, ancillary test results, and details of long-term outcomes were analyzed.Results: Among the 117 anti-LGI1 encephalitis patients, 81 (69%) were male and 36 (31%) were female; the median onset age was 51 years (range: 30-77 years). The median time from symptom onset until diagnosis was 8.7 weeks (range: 2-49 weeks). The main features evaluated in our cohort were seizures, cognitive impairment, and mental and behavioral abnormalities. One hundred and nine patients were treated with immunotherapy, After 3-5 days of treatment, the clinical symptoms were somewhat alleviated in all the patients, and their memory, mental ability, and behavior improved. The median follow-up time was 33 months (range: 6-59 months). A total of 19 (16%) patients experienced a relapse; the median duration from onset to the first relapse was 5 (0.3-27) months. There were no mortalities during the follow-up period.Conclusions: The outcome of patients with anti-LGI1 encephalitis is mostly favorable, although some patients continue to suffer from cognitive dysfunction. Early recognition is of great significance for the treatment of anti-LGI1 encephalitis. Prompt adequate immunotherapy has positive implications for the improvement of clinical symptoms of anti-LGI1 encephalitis. Long-term follow-up is important for the assessment of LGI1 antibody-mediated encephalitis.
Apoptosis Repressor with Caspase Domain (ARC) Promotes Bone Regeneration of Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells via Activating Fgf-2/PI3K/Akt Signaling
Authors: Hu Longwei , Wang Yang , Pan Hongya , Kadir Kathreena , Wen Jin , Li Siyi , Zhang Chenping 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Objectives:This study aims to investigate whether ARC could promote survival and enhance osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).Material and methods:Lentivirus transfection method was used to establish ARC overexpressed BMSCs. CCK-8 method was used to detect cell proliferation. The BD Pharmingen™ APC Annexin V Apoptosis Detection kit was used to detect cell apoptosis. The osteogenic capacity was investigated by OCN immunofluoresence staining, ALP, ARS assay and RT-PCR analysis. Cells were seeded into CPC scaffolds, then inserted into subcutaneous of nude mice and the defect area of rat’s calvarium. Histological analysis was conducted to evaluate in vivo cell apoptosis and new bone formation ability of ARC overexpressed BMSCs. RNA-seq method was used to detect the possible mechanism of the effect of ARC on BMSCs. Results:ARC can promote BMSCs proliferation and inhibit its cell apoptosis. ARC can enhance BMSCs osteogenic differentiation in vitro. In vivo study revealed ARC can inhibit BMSCs’ apoptosis and increase its new bone formation ability. ARC regulates BMSCs mainly by activating Fgf-2/PI3K/Akt pathway.Conclusions: The present study suggested that ARC is a powerful agent to promote bone regeneration of BMSCs and provides a promising method for bone tissue engineering.
Realtime forecasting of COVID 19 cases in Karnataka state using Artificial neural network (ANN)
Authors: Shetty Rashmi P , P Srinivasa Pai 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
COVID-19 is a pandemic that has caused lot of deaths and infections in the last 6 months and is showing an increasing trend not only in the number of infections and deaths, but also in the recovery rate. Accurate prediction models are very much essential to make proper forecasts and take necessary actions. This study demonstrates the capability of Multilayer Perceptron (MLP, an ANN model for forecasting the number of infected cases in the state of Karnataka in India. It is trained using a fast training algorithm namely, Extreme Learning machine (ELM) to reduce the training time required. The parameters required for the forecasting model have been selected using partial autocorrelation function (PACF), which is a conventional method and its performance has been compared with parameters selected using cuckoo search (CS) algorithm, which is a very popular nature-inspired optimization algorithm. The testing of the forecasting model has been done and comparison between the two parameter selection methods has been carried out. Use of CS algorithm has resulted in a better forecasting performance based on mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), with a value of 6.62 % on training data and 7.03% on the test data. Further to check the efficacy of the model, the data of COVID-19 cases of Hungary from 4th March to 19th April 2020 has been used, which resulted in a MAPE of 1.55%, thereby establishing the robustness of the proposed ANN model for forecasting COVID-19 cases for the state of Karnataka.
Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2&nbsp;Neutralizing Antibodies Using a Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Possessing SARS-CoV-2&nbsp;Spike Protein
Authors: Tani Hideki , Tan Long , Kimura Miyuki , Yoshida Yoshihiro , Yamada Hiroshi , Fukushi Shuetsu , Saijo Masayuki , Kawasuji Hitoshi , Ueno Akitoshi , Miyajima Yuki , Fukui Yasutaka , Sakamaki Ippei , Yamamoto Yoshihiro , Morinaga Yoshitomo 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background:SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus that emerged in 2019 and is now classified in the genus Coronavirus with closely related SARS-CoV. SARS-CoV-2 is highly pathogenic in humans and is classified as a biosafety level (BSL)-3 pathogen, which makes manipulating it relatively difficult due to its infectious nature. Methods:To circumvent the need for BSL-3 laboratories, an alternative assay was developed that avoids live virus and instead uses a recombinant VSV expressing luciferase and possesses the full length or truncated spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, to measure SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies under BSL2 conditions, a chemiluminescence reduction neutralization test (CRNT) for SARS-CoV-2 was developed. The neutralization values of the serum samples collected from hospitalized patients with COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 PCR-negative donors against the pseudotyped virus infection evaluated by the CRNT were compared with antibody titers determined from an immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Results:The CRNT, which used whole blood collected from hospitalized patients with COVID-19, was also examined. As a result, the inhibition of pseudotyped virus infection was specifically observed in both serum and whole blood and was also correlated with the results of the IFA. Conclusions:In conclusion, the CRNT for COVID-19 is a convenient assay system that can be performed in a BSL-2 laboratory with high specificity and sensitivity for evaluating the occurrence of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.
Assessment of Molecular Markers of Anti-malarial Drug Resistance in Pfk13-propeller, Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 Genes in Plasmodium Falciparum Isolated From Patients Returning for Malaria Retreatment in Democratic Republic of Congo&nbsp;
Authors: Yobi Doudou Malekita , Kayiba Nadine K. , Mvumbi Dieudonné M. , Boreux Raphael , Kabututu Pius Z. , Situakibanza Hippolyte NT. , Umesumbu Solange E. , De Mol Patrick , Speybroeck Niko , Mvumbi Georges L. , Hayette Marie-Pierre 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) malaria treatment policy recommends two first-line artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria: Artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ) and Artemether-lumefantrine (AL). This study investigated resistance to the ACTs currently in use in DRC through molecular markers in pfk13, pfcrt and pfmdr1 genes in Plasmodium falciparum isolated from patients returning for malaria retreatment. MethodsFrom November 2018 to November 2019, dried blood spots were taken from patients returning to health structures for fever within 28 days after an initial malaria treatment in 6 sentinel sites of National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) across DRC. The new episode of malaria was first detected by a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and then confirmed by a real-time PCR assay. Fragments of interest in pfk13 and pfcrt genes were amplified by conventional PCR before sequencing and Pfmdr1 gene copy number was determined by a TaqMan real-time PCR assay. ResultsOut of 474 enrolled patients, 364 (76.8%) were confirmed positive by PCR for P. falciparum. Of the 325 P. falciparum isolates successfully sequenced in pfk13-propeller gene, 7 (2.2%) carried non-synonymous (NS) mutations among which 3 previously reported (N498I, N554K and A557S) and 4 not yet reported (F506L, E507V, D516E and G538S). Of the 335 isolates successfully sequenced in pfcrt gene, 139 (41.5%) harbored the K76T mutation known to be associated with CQ resistance. The SVMNT haplotype associated with resistance to AQ has not been found. None of the isolates carried increased copy number of pfmdr1 gene among the 322 P. falciparum isolates successfully analyzed.ConclusionNo molecular marker known to date as associated with resistance to first-line ACTs in use was detected in P. falciparum isolated in patients returning for retreatment. Regular monitoring through in vivo drug efficacy and molecular studies must continue to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment of malaria in DRC.
Dense time-course gene expression profiling of the Drosophila melanogaster innate immune response
Authors: Schlamp Florencia , Delbare Sofie , Early Angela M. , Wells Martin T. , Basu Sumanta , Clark Andrew G. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundImmune responses need to be initiated rapidly, and maintained as needed, to prevent establishment and growth of infections. At the same time, resources need to be balanced with other physiological processes. On the level of transcription, studies have shown that this balancing act is reflected in tight control of the initiation kinetics and shutdown dynamics of specific immune genes. ResultsTo investigate expression dynamics and trade-offs after infection genome-wide and with high temporal resolution, we performed an RNA-seq time course on D. melanogaster with 20 time points post-LPS injection. A combination of methods, including spline fitting, cluster analysis, and Granger Causality inference, allowed detailed dissection of expression profiles, lead-lag interactions, and functional annotation of genes through guilt-by-association. We identified genes encoding antimicrobial peptides and co-expressed, less well characterized genes, as immediate-early response genes with a sustained up-regulation up to five days after stimulation. In contrast, stress response genes and additional immune genes, among which were Bomanins, demonstrated early and transient responses. We further observed a strong trade-off with metabolic genes, which strikingly recovered to pre-infection levels before the immune response was fully resolved. ConclusionsThis high-dimensional dataset enabled the comprehensive study of immune response dynamics through the parallel application of multiple temporal data analysis methods. Multivariate Granger causality analysis proved to be a valuable addition to classical time course analysis methods such as clustering, due to its ability to define directed networks of lead-lag patterns.
Lung cancer with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection in a different lobe: A case report
Authors: Watanabe Hikaru , Kanauchi Naoki 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Anomalous pulmonary venous connection (APVC) is a congenital malformation in which the pulmonary veins connect to the systemic venous system but not to the left atrium. APVC can be classified as total or partial (PAPVC). PAPVC is rare among surgical patients with lung cancer, and most cases are detected incidentally during surgery. We herein report a patient with lung cancer in whom PAPVC was diagnosed before surgery, which made it difficult to determine the surgical procedure.Case presentation: A 71-year-old man was followed-up as an outpatient after surgery for renal cell carcinoma. Chest computed tomography showed a 22-mm nodule in the right lower lobe and PAPVC in the right upper lobe. He was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma (cT1cN0M0 stage IA3) and scheduled for surgery. Preoperative catheterization showed a pulmonary to systemic flow ratio (Qp/Qs) of 1.64 and mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) of 16 mmHg. Surgical repair of PAPVC is indicated when a patient is symptomatic and has a Qp/Qs ≥1.5–2.0. The patient was scheduled for right lower lobectomy, but postoperative worsening of right heart strain was considered. Concomitant PAPVC repair was therefore considered, but he had no atrial septal defect and was asymptomatic; therefore, PAPVC treatment was considered unnecessary. However, we planned to perform concomitant PAPVC repair if his circulatory dynamics worsened during surgery or if his MPAP exceeded 25 mmHg. His MPAP was 20 mmHg and his circulatory dynamics remained stable, and right lower lobectomy was therefore completed. His postoperative course was favorable. Follow-up catheterization at 6 months showed a Qp/Qs of 1.19 and MPAP of 18 mmHg, with no evidence of increased right heart strain. There was no evidence of right heart failure or recurrence of lung cancer at last follow-up at 18 months after surgery.Conclusions: We present a case of right lower lung cancer complicated by PAPVC in the right upper lobe. This case suggests that concomitant repair of PAPVC in the right upper lobe may not be necessary when performing right lower lobectomy, although the patient’s Qp/Qs and MPAP should be considered.
Characterization of 17th Century Papers from Valvasor's Collection of the Zagreb Archdiocese
Authors: Dragojevic Andreja , Tomažič Jedert Vodopivec , Gregor-Svetec Diana , Lozo Branka 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Valvasor's library is a unique example of a 17th-century personal library, which also includes over 7.300 prints. Today, it is part of the Metropolitan Library of the Archdiocese of Zagreb. In this study, the 17th-century papers in Valvasor's collection of unknown origin and composition were analysed. In order to determine the composition of these papers, a dual approach was used, by combining results obtained by non-destructive and destructive analyses from two sets of samples. On 144 paper sheets from Valvasor’s collection only non-destructive analyses were performed, whereas both, non-destructive and destructive analyses were performed on the second set of samples, 10 historical paper fragments, dating from 16th to 19th centuries. Among non-destructive analyses, surface imaging, measurements of thickness, surface pH and optical properties (brightness, yellowness, opacity, and gloss) of papers were carried out. Optical properties characterized the samples as yellowish, opaque papers without gloss. Destructive analyses performed on the historical paper fragments went deeper into their composition and properties. Initially, spot tests were performed to determine absorbency, an identify lignin and starch in paper samples. Of the elementary analyses, SEM-EDS and XRF analyses for the identification of inorganic elements and FTIR analysis to identify chemical bonds in fibers, fillers, and sizes were applied. Microscopic analyses were performed in two ways - the paper surface was imaged with a digital microscope and the morphological characteristics of the fibers were studied using an optical microscope. Different fibers and components were discovered in fragments of historical papers, thus confirming their presence in handmade paper over four centuries. The dominant fibers were flax and hemp, with a smaller proportion of cotton. Also, thick and thin light brown fibers resembling straw were observed. The presence of calcium containing components, probably calcium carbonate as filler, gelatin and alumn could be confirmed. Relating the composition of historical papers with surface pH and optical properties of papers enabled us to predict the composition of 17th-century papers in Valvasor's collection.
Systematic Review of Radiological Analysis of Total Hip Replacement via Direct Anterior Approach in Comparison to Other Approaches – Study Protocol
Authors: Maciąg Bartosz , Radzimowski Kuba , Stępiński Piotr , Szymczak Jakub , Albrewczyński Tomasz , Stolarczyk Artur 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Total hip arthroplasty (THR) is considered as the most effective available method of treatment of end-stage hip osteoarthritis (OA). This surgery can be performed via many different approaches. One of the newly developed technique is called direct anterior approach (DAA). It gains popularity and recognition as the least traumatic to the soft tissues, thus quickening rehabilitation and improving joint stability in the early postoperative period. There are no systematic reviews covering this subject in terms of potential differences in radiological prosthesis placement, and while there is still unsatisfactory evidence concerning long-term outcomes of DAA, such review may prove useful in the debate. The objective of our study was to systematically collect and review available data from randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) regarding radiographic assessment of prosthesis placement after total hip arthroplasty using direct anterior approach compared to other common approaches.Methods A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) will be conducted. SciFinder, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Embase, Clinical Key and The Cochrane Library databases will be searched without restriction to date up to June 2020. Primary outcomes will include measurements related with the radiological analysis of trials comparing use of DAA to other approaches used for THR, containing at least two of the following: femoral stem alignment, mean radiographic cup inclination, mean radiographic cup anteversion, mean radiographic cup abduction, position in Lewinnek's safe zone. Study selection will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and the methodological appraisal of the studies will be assessed by the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool for RCTs. Discussion This systematic review will provide missing information regarding influence of differences between DAA and other surgical approaches in total hip replacement on prosthesis implants placement in case of femoral stem and cup. This may result in improving knowledge and awareness of surgeons, improving patients satisfaction and functional outcome and lowering the risk of hip dislocations and other complications. Trial registration International Registration of Systematic reviews (PROSPERO) number CRD42019122675