bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictive values of multiple serum biomarkers in women with suspected preeclampsia: a prospective study
Authors: Wang Jing , Hu Honghai , Liu Xiaowei , Zhao Shenglong , Zheng Yuanyuan , Jia Zhaoxia , Chen Lu , Zhang Chunhong , Xie Xin , Zhong Junhui , Dong Ying , Liu Jingrui , Lu Yifan , Zhao Zhen , Zhai Yanhong , Zhao Juan , Cao Zheng 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Preeclampsia is a common obstetric multisystem disorder causing maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality; it’s been shown that the prediction improves preeclampsia outcomes in pregnancy. However, the current serum biomarkers had low clinical application values and still lack validation studies. Here we aimed to evaluate the preeclampsia prediction values of a series of serum biomarkers in Chinese pregnant women of > 20 weeks of gestation. Methods: Singleton pregnant women with preeclampsia-related clinical and/or laboratory presentations were recruited and had blood drawn at their first visits. The prospective cohort was further divided into preeclampsia-positive and preeclampsia-negative groups based on the follow-up results. The following markers were tested using the collected serum samples: soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1); placental growth factor (PlGF); thrombomodulin (TM); tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor complex (tPAI-C); compliment factors C1q, B, and H; glycosylated fibronectin (GlyFn); pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A2 (PAPP-A2); blood urea nitrogen (BUN); creatinine (Cre); uric acid (UA); and cystatin C (Cysc). Results: A total of 196 women with suspected preeclampsia were recruited with follow-up medical records. Twenty-five percent (n=49) of the recruited subjects developed preeclampsia before delivery, and 75% remained preeclampsia-negative (n=147). The serum levels of sFlt-1, BUN, Cre, UA, Cysc and PAPP-A2 were significantly elevated, and the PlGF level was significantly decreased in the preeclampsia-positive patients. In the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses, the area under the curves were listed in the order of decreasing values: 0.73 (UA), 0.67 (sFlt-1/PlGF), 0.66 (Cysc), 0.65 (GlyFn/PlGF), 0.64 (PAPP-A2/PlGF), 0.63 (BUN), 0.63 (Cre), and 0.60 (PAPP-A2). With the cut-off values obtained from the ROC analyses, the positive predictive values of these serum markers were between 33.1% and 58.5%, and the negative predictive values were between 80.9% and 89.5%. Conclusions: Although several serum markers were found to be significantly changed with current prospective cohort, their limited predictive values in preeclampsia development posed potential barrier in clinical implementation. Further studies with larger cohort are warranted to further reveal the clinical utilities of the serum markers in preeclampsia prediction.
Effects of empagliflozin versus placebo on cardiac sympathetic activity in acute myocardial infarction patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: the EMBODY trial
Authors: Shimizu Wataru , Kubota Yoshiaki , Hoshika Yu , Mozawa Kosuke , Tara Shuhei , Tokita Yukichi , Yodogawa Kenji , Iwasaki Yu-ki , Yamamoto Takeshi , Takano Hitoshi , Tsukada Yayoi , Asai Kuniya , Miyamoto Masaaki , Miyauchi Yasushi , Kodani Eitaro , Ishikawa Masahiro , Maruyama Mitsunori , Ogano Michio , Tanabe Jun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Protection from lethal ventricular arrhythmias leading to sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a crucial challenge after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic activity can be noninvasively assessed using heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate turbulence (HRT). The EMBODY trial was designed to determine whether the Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor improves cardiac nerve activity.Methods: This prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included patients with AMI and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Japan; 105 patients were randomized (1:1) to receive once-daily 10-mg empagliflozin or placebo. The primary endpoints were changes in HRV, e.g., the standard deviation of all 5-min mean normal RR intervals (SDANN) and the low-frequency–to–high-frequency (LF/HF) ratio from baseline to 24 weeks. Secondary endpoints were changes in other sudden cardiac death (SCD) surrogate markers such as HRT.Results: Overall, 96 patients were included (46, empagliflozin group; 50, placebo group). The changes in SDANN were +11.6 and +9.1 msec in the empagliflozin (P=0.02) and placebo groups (P=0.06), respectively. Change in LF/HF ratio was –0.57 and –0.17 in the empagliflozin (P=0.01) and placebo groups (P=0.43), respectively. Significant improvement was noted in HRT only in the empagliflozin group (P=0.01). Whereas intergroup comparison on HRV and HRT showed no significant difference between the empagliflozin and placebo groups. Compared with the placebo group, the empagliflozin group showed significant decreases in body weight, systolic blood pressure, and uric acid. In the empagliflozin group, no adverse events were observed.Conclusions: This is the first randomized clinical data to evaluate the effect of empagliflozin on cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic activity in patients with T2DM and AMI. Early SGLT2 inhibitor administration in AMI patients with T2DM might be effective in improving cardiac nerve activity without any adverse events. Trial Registration: The EMBODY trial was registered by the UMIN in November 2017 (ID: 000030158). UMIN000030158; https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000034442
Differential Expression in Leaves of Saccharum Genotypes Contrasting in Biomass Production Provides Evidence of Genes Involved in Carbon Partitioning
Authors: Correr Fernando Henrique , Hosaka Guilherme Kenichi , Barreto Fernanda Zatti , Valadão Isabella Barros , Balsalobre Thiago Willian Almeida , Furtado Agnelo , Henry Robert James , Carneiro Monalisa Sampaio , Margarido Gabriel Rodrigues Alves 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe development of biomass crops aims to meet industrial yield demands, in order to optimize profitability and sustainability. Achieving these goals in an energy crop like sugarcane relies on breeding for sucrose accumulation, fiber content and stalk number. To expand the understanding of the biological pathways related to these traits, we evaluated gene expression of two groups of genotypes contrasting in biomass composition.ResultsFirst visible dewlap leaves were collected from 12 genotypes, six per group, to perform RNA-Seq. We found a high number of differentially expressed genes, showing how hybridization in a complex polyploid system caused extensive modifications in genome functioning. We found evidence that differences in transposition and defense related genes may arise due to the complex nature of the polyploid Saccharum genomes. Genotypes within both biomass groups showed substantial variability in genes involved in photosynthesis. However, most genes coding for photosystem components or those coding for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylases (PEPCs) were upregulated in the high biomass group. Sucrose synthase (SuSy) coding genes were upregulated in the low biomass group, showing that this enzyme class can be involved with sucrose synthesis in leaves, similarly to sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) and sucrose phosphate phosphatase (SPP). Genes in pathways related to biosynthesis of cell wall components and expansins coding genes showed low average expression levels and were mostly upregulated in the high biomass group.ConclusionsTogether, these results show differences in carbohydrate synthesis and carbon partitioning in the source tissue of distinct phenotypic groups. Our data from sugarcane leaves revealed how hybridization in a complex polyploid system resulted in noticeably different transcriptomic profiles between contrasting genotypes.
The Objective Structured Clinical Examination as an Assessment Strategy for Clinical Competence in Novice Nursing Practitioners in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Sue-Hsien , Chen Shu-Ching , Lai Yo-Ping , Chen Pin-Hsuan , Yeh Kun-Yun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The conventional written tests and professional assessment have limitation in fair judgement of clinical competence. Because the examiners may not have total objectivity and may lack standardization throughout the assessment process. We sought to design a valid method of competence assessment in medical and nursing specialties. This work was aimed to develop an Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) to evaluate novice nursing practitioners’ (NNPs’) clinical competency, work stress, professional confidence, and career satisfaction. Methods: A Quasi-experimental study (pre-post). Fifty-five NNPs received the OSCE three-months following their graduation, which consisted of four stations: history taking, physical examination, problem-directed management, interpersonal communication, and the required techniques of related procedures. The examiners had to complete an assessment checklist, and the participants had to complete a pre-post questionnaire (modified from a Nursing Competency Questionnaire, a Stress scale, and Satisfaction with Learning scale). Results: Among the NNPs, 41 of them (74.5%) passed the exam with a mean score of 61.38 ± 8.34. There was a significantly higher passing rate among nurses who were working in medical-surgical wards (85.7%) and the intensive care unit-emergency department (77.8%) compared to NNPs working in other units. All the NNPs at Station A had poor performance in assessing patients with a fever. OSCE performance was more associated with educational attainment and work unit, rather than the gender. Finally, the participants showed statistically significant increases in their clinical competency, confidence in their professional competence, satisfaction with the clinical practice, and decreased work stress after the OSCE. Conclusions: We found that the OSCE process had a positive educational effect, in providing a meaningful and accurate assessment of the competence of NNPs. Although the implementation of an OSCE remains costly, the consequent benefits for NNPs, educators, and administrators can outweigh its costs, demonstrated by the increased competence and workforce stability following OSCE training.
Dissecting the Mechanism of Yuzhi Zhixue Granule on Ovulatory Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding by Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Li Jialin , Luo Hua , Liu Xinkui , Zhang Jingyuan , Zhou Wei , Guo Siyu , Chen Xiuping , Liu Yingying , Jia Shanshan , Wang Haojia , Li Bingbing , Cheng Guoliang , Wu Jiarui 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Yuzhi Zhixue Granule (YZG)is a traditional Chinese patent medicine for treating excessive menstrual flow caused by ovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding (ODUB) accompanied by heat syndrome. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms, potential targets, and active ingredients of this prescription are still unknown. Therefore, it is imperative to explore the molecular mechanism of YZG.Methods: The active compounds in YZG were screened by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). The putative targets of YZG were collected via TCMSP and Search Tool for Interacting Chemicals (STITCH) databases. The Therapeutic Target Database (TTD) and Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB) databases were used to identify the therapeutic targets of ODUB. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network containing both the putative targets of YZG and known therapeutic targets of ODUB was built. Furthermore, bioinformatics resources from the database for annotation, visualization and integrated discovery (DAVID) were utilized for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Finally, molecular docking was performed to verify the binding effect between the YZG screened compounds and potential therapeutic target molecules.Results: The study employed a network pharmacology method, mainly containing target prediction, network construction, functional enrichment analysis, and molecular docking to systematically research the mechanisms of YZG in treating ODUB. The putative targets of YZG that treat ODUB mainly involved PTGS1, PTGS2, ALOX5, CASP3, LTA4H, F7 and F10. The functional enrichment analysis suggested that the produced therapeutic effect of YZG against ODUB is mediated by synergistical regulation of several biological pathways, including apoptosis arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism, serotonergic synapse, complement and coagulation cascades and C-type lectin receptor signaling pathways. Molecular docking simulation revealed good binding afﬁnity of the seven putative targets with the corresponding compounds.Conclusion: This novel and scientific network pharmacology-based study holistically elucidated the basic pharmacological effects and the underlying mechanisms of YZG in the treatment of ODUB.
The effectiveness of preoperative rehabilitation programmes on postoperative outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction: a systematic review.
Authors: Carter Hayley , Littlewood Chris , Webster Kate , Smith Benjamin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background To explore the effectiveness of preoperative rehabilitation programmes (PreHab) on postoperative physical and psychological outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Method A systematic search was conducted from inception to November 2019. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in English were included. Risk of bias was assessed using Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment system was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. Results The search identified 739 potentially eligible studies, three met the inclusion criteria. All included RCTs scored ‘high’ risk of bias. PreHab in all three RCTs was an exercise programme, each varied in content (strength, control, balance and perturbation training), frequency (10 to 24 sessions) and length (3.1- to 6-weeks). Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were reported for quadriceps strength (one RCT) and single leg hop scores (two RCTs) in favour of PreHab three months after ACLR, compared to no PreHab. One RCT reported no statistically significant between-group difference for pain and function. No RCT evaluated post-operative psychological outcomes. Conclusion Very lLow -quality evidence suggests that PreHab that includes muscular strength, balance and perturbation training offers a small benefit to quadriceps strength and single leg hop scores three months after ACLR compared with no PreHab. There is no consensus on the optimum PreHab programme content, frequency and length.; this requires future consideration including the development of Further research is needed to develop PreHab programmes that consider psychosocial factors and the measurement of relevant post-operative outcomes such as psychological readiness and return to sport. PROSPERO trial registration number CRD42020162754
Identification of Prognosis-related RNA&nbsp;Binding Proteins to Reveal the Role of RNA&nbsp;Binding Proteins in the Progression and Prognosis of Colon Cancer
Authors: Zou Qi , Ding Yue , Dong Yuxiang , Wu Dejun , Wang Junyi , Liu Ping , Han Wei , Min Zhijun , Yang Xiaoping 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are now under discussion as novel promising bio-markers for patients with colon cancer. The purpose of our study is to identify several RBPs related to the progression and prognosis of colon cancer, and to further investigate the mechanism of their influence on tumor progression. Methods: The transcriptome data of colon cancer as well as clinical characteristics used in this study were downloaded from the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis and Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed to elucidate the gene functions and relative pathways. Cox and lasso regression analysis were used to analyze the effect of immune genes on the prognosis of breast cancer. Immune risk scoring model was constructed based on the statistical correlation between hub immune genes and survival. Meanwhile, multivariate cox regression analysis was utilized to investigate whether the immune genes risk score model was an independent factor for predicting the prognosis of breast cancer. Nomogram was constructed to comprehensively predict the survival rate of breast cancer. P< 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The results of the difference analysis showed that 473 RBPs exhibited differential expression between normal and colon cancer tissues (p<0. 05). Univariate cox regression analysis revealed 25 RBPs statistically correlated with colon cancer related survival risk (P<0.05). In addition, a 10-RBPs based risk scoring model was constructed through multivariate cox regression analysis. KM curve indicated that patients in high-risk were associated with poor outcomes (p<0.001). ROC curve indicated that the immune risk score model was reliable in predicting survival risk (5-year OS, AUC=0.782). Our model showed satisfying AUC and survival correlation in the validation dataset (5-year OS AUC=0.744). Furthermore, multivariate cox regression analysis confirmed that the immune risk score model was an independent factor for predicting the prognosis of colon cancer. A nomogram was established to comprehensively predict the survival of colon cancer patients with the results of multivariate cox regression analysis. Finally, we found that 10 RBPs and risk scores were significantly associated with clinical factors and prognosis, and were involved in multiple oncogenic pathways. Conclusion: Collectively, RBPs played an essential role in the progression and prognosis of colon cancer by regulating multiple biological pathways. Furthermore, RBPs risk score was an independent predictive factor of colon cancer, indicating a poor survival.
Microscopic research on the olfactory organ of the Far Eastern brook lamprey Lethenteron reissneri (Pisces, Petromyzontidae)
Authors: Kim Hyun-Tae , Park Jong-Young 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The olfactory anatomy and histology of Lethenteron reissneri were researched using a stereo microscope, a light microscope, and a scanning electron microscope. As in other lampreys, it shows same characters as follows: i) a single olfactory organ, ii) a single tubular nostril, iii) a single olfactory chamber with gourd-like form, iv) a nasal valve, v) a nasopharyngeal pouch, vi) a sensory epithelium (SE) of continuous distribution, vii) a supporting cells with numerous long cilia, viii) an accessory olfactory organ. However, the description of a pseudostratified columnar layer in the SE and Non SE is a first record, not reported in sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus. In particular, both 19 to 20 lamellae in number and olfactory receptor neuron’s quarter ciliary length of the knob diameter differ from those of P. marinus. From these results, it might be considered that the olfactory organ of L. reissneri shows well adaptive structure of a primitive fish to slow flowing water with gravel, pebbles, and sand and a hiding habit into sand bottom at daytime. The lamellar number and neuron’s ciliary length may be a meaningful taxonomic character for the class Petromyzonida.
Characterisation of the Vaginal Microbiota Using Culturomics and Metagenomics Suggests Transplantation of Gut Microbiota Into the Vagina During Bacterial Vaginosis
Authors: Diop Khoudia , Fall Ndeye Safietou , Levasseur Anthony , Diagne Nafissatou , Bachar Dipankar , Bretelle Florence , Sokhna Cheikh , Lagier Jean-Christophe , Raoult Didier , Fenollar Florence 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Bacterial vaginosis is a very common vaginal disorder, with a gynaeco-obstetrical impact, but remains poorly understood. Current antibiotic treatment most often fails. Our objective was to exhaustively map the bacterial community present in bacterial vaginosis and normal flora, using not only a molecular approach but also a highly efficient culture approach, culturomics. Vaginal bacterial diversity was evaluated using both strategies for 24 Caucasian French women, including 7 cases of bacterial vaginosis, and 10 rural Senegalese women, including 5 cases of bacterial vaginosis. An additional 16 specimens (three cases of bacterial vaginosis and 13 normal flora) obtained during the follow-up visits of five French women with bacterial vaginosis were analysed using metagenomics.Results: The combination of culturomics and metagenomics reveals the richness and diversity of vaginal microbiota. Our data demonstrated that compared to healthy women, those with bacterial vaginosis present a shift in vaginal flora. The microbiota of the bacterial vaginosis group can be easily distinguished from that of healthy group by their increased bacterial diversity, abundance of Bacteroidales and Leptotrichiaeceae, and depletion of Proteobacteria and Lactobacillaceae species. In addition, a complex of 10 genera was associated with bacterial vaginosis: Gardnerella, Atopobium, Snethia, Aerococcus, Prevotella, Gemella, Facklamia, Porphyromonas, Mycoplasma, and Urinacoccus. Overall, the microbial population detected in bacterial vaginosis flora was largely similar to the bacterial communities found in gut microbiota. The two approaches showed a diverse vaginal microbiota that was largely non-overlapping, with only 146 common species. Furthermore, culturomics extends the repertoire of human-associated bacteria with the isolation of 27 new bacterial species.Conclusions: This study provides the most representative topology of the vaginal microbiota of normal flora and bacterial vaginosis and suggests the transplantation of gut microbiota into the vagina during bacterial vaginosis. Several sets of clinically relevant anaerobic bacteria and new species were also isolated from the human vagina, confirming that some previously “uncultivated” species may be cultivated using an appropriate strategy. Exhaustive characterisation of vaginal microbiota will enable a better understanding and management of bacterial vaginosis. Obtaining isolates will allow us to explore the bacterial interactions of the vaginal microbiota and will serve as a basis for the potential development of bacteriotherapy to prevent or treat vaginal dysbiosis.