bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel Missense Mutation in the Gene Encoding Major Intrinsic Protein (MIP) in a Giant Panda with Cataracts
Authors: Bai Chao , You Yuyan , Liu Xuefeng , Xia Maohua , Wang Wei , Jia Ting , Pu Tianchun , Lu Yan , Zhang Chenglin , Li Xiaoguang , Yin Yanqiang , Liqin Wang , Zhou Jun , Niu Lili 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background : Cataracts are defects of the lens that cause progressive visual impairment and ultimately blindness in many vertebrate species. Most cataracts are age-related, but up to one third have an underlying genetic cause. Cataracts are common in captive zoo animals, but it is often unclear whether these are congenital or sporadic (age-related) lesions.Results: Here we used a functional candidate gene-screening approach to identify mutations associated with cataracts in a captive giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca ). We identified a novel missense mutation ( c.686G>A) in the MIP gene encoding major intrinsic protein, which is expressed in the lens and normally accumulates in the plasma membrane of lens fiber cells, where it plays an important role in fluid transport and cell adhesion. The mutation causes the replacement of serine with asparagine ( p.229S>N ) in the C-terminal tail of the protein, and modeling revealed that mutation-induced conformational changes may interfere with lens permeability and cell–cell interactions.Conclusions: The mutation was not found in healthy pandas, suggesting it could serve as a new informative marker to predict the risk of congenital cataracts in captive giant pandas.
Near and Distance Stereoacuity in Hyperopic Anisometropic Amblyopia Patients Treated after 6 Years of Age
Authors: Hayashi Rijo , Hayashi Shimmin , Machida Shigeki 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia is considered to have worse prognosis in stereoacuity especially when the treatment is begun at late childhood. The present study investigated both near and distance stereoacuity in hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia patients who began treatment after 6 years of age and had good visual acuity in the amblyopic eye. Methods Ten hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia patients who began their treatment after 6 years of age and improved the visual acuity of their amblyopic eye to over 0.9 were included. The age at which a patient started wearing spectacles corresponded to the age of treatment onset, whereas the number of months required to reach the best corrected visual acuity was considered as the period of treatment. Near and distance stereoacuity were measured. We performed correlational analyses between stereoacuity scores and several other variables, such as the age at which stereoacuity was measured, the binocular refractions differences, the age of treatment onset, and the period of treatment. Results The age of treatment onset ranged from 6 to 8 years. With the exception of two patients, all subjects obtained near stereoacuity better than 100 sec and distance stereoacuity better than 120 sec following treatment. Stereoacuity scores did not significantly correlate with the age of treatment onset or with the binocular refraction differences. Stereoacuity scores (both near and distance) significantly positively correlated with the period of treatment. Conclusion The stereoacuity of our patients reached normal levels following treatment. These findings suggested that anisometropic amblyopia should be treated aggressively even in patients older than 6 years of age.
A Key Management Scheme in Opportunistic Networks Based on Distributed Storage
Authors: Liu Ziwen , Zhou Jian , Ma Lifan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Aiming at the difficulty of key distribution and identity authentication in the opportunistic network, this paper proposes a self-organized public key management scheme. This solution solves the problem of nodes in the opportunistic network through distributed storage of public keys and public key strengthening mechanisms. The problem of difficult key distribution caused by poor connectivity. Simulation experiments show that the scheme can effectively guarantee secure communication and has good anti-attack ability.
Therapeutic Potential of Salvia Bucharica for Dyslipidemia and Vascular Dysfunction Induced through Two Different Pathways
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Ishfaq , Alamgeer  , Asif Hira , Irfan Hafiz Muhammad , Alotaibi Nasser Hadal , Alharbi Khalid Saad , Bukhari Syed Nasir Abbas 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The present study was endeavored to validate the antihyperlipidemic potential of Salvia bucharica (Lamiaceae) in lipofundin induced hyperlipidemia in rabbits and fructose treated hyperlipidemic rats. Method: Extract of Salvia bucharica and atorvastation (10 mg/kg) were given to the animals through oral route. At the end of study period, blood samples were taken for determination of lipid profile. Furthermore, thoracic aorta and liver were studied for vasorexalation and histopathological changes respectively. Results: Salvia bucharica has shown dose dependent antihyperlipidemic activity with a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the levels of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and triglycerides in both models. In addition, Studies performed on the isolated thoracic aorta and histolopathological studies on liver demonstrated that Salvia bucharica has endothelial dependent vasoprotective and hepatoprotective activity respectively as compared to fructose fed rats. The toxicity studies of Salvia bucharica revealed that plant extract is safer for oral use. Conclusion Hence, it was suggested that Salvia bucharica has the therapeutic potential against dyslipidemia and vascular dysfunction.
Epidemiology of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Bloodstream Infections from 2013-2017 at Chiang Mai University: What Changes Occurred from 2007-2011?
Authors: Krasaewes Kawisara , Yasri Saowaluck , Khamnoi Phadungkiat , Chaiwarith Romanee 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an established pathogen that causes hospital- acquired infections worldwide. Bloodstream infection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We conducted a study aimed at describing the epidemiology of MRSA bloodstream infections, to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the antibiotic vancomycin among MRSA isolates, and to determine the rate and risk factors of mortality.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted among patients aged ≥ 18 years whose blood culture grew MRSA at Chiang Mai University from January 2013 to December 2017Results: The annual prevalence of MRSA in S.aureus bloodstream infections from 2013 to 2017 were 32.8, 23.1, 26.8, 19.2 and 15.4%, respectively. This prevalence showed a non-significant decrease (p = 0.086). Eighty-four patients with 84 episodes of MRSA bloodstream infections were enrolled. Fifty-three patients (63.1%) were male, and the median age was 68.5 years (IQR 56, 79). Fifty-eight patients (69%) had bloodstream infections with other sites of infection: pneumonia (28 episodes, 43.1%), skin and soft tissue infections (16 episodes, 24.6%), osteomyelitis (7 episodes, 10.8%), infective endocarditis (4 episodes, 6.2%), septic arthritis (4 episodes, 6.2%), arterial graft infections (4 episodes, 6.2%), and urinary tract infections (2 episodes, 3.1%). Percentage of patients with vancomycin MICs ≥ 1.5 mg/L were 68.2%, 62.5%, 47.4%, 26.7%, and 75% from 2013 to 2017, respectively. (p = 0.325). The mortality rate was 64.3%. There was no significant difference in mortality rate between those infected with MRSA with a MIC of vancomycin < 1.5 and ≥ 1.5 mg/L (p = 0.172). Factors associated with mortality included age ≥ 40 years old (OR 11.35; 95% CI: 1.35–95.78, p = 0.026), presence of alteration of consciousness (OR 11.19; 95% CI: 2.83–44.18, p = 0.001) and concurrent pneumonia (OR 4.44; 95% CI: 1.09–18.14, p = 0.038).Conclusions: Methicillin-resistance among Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections showed a non-significant decrease of 50%, from 32.88% and 15.4%, between 2013 and 2017. Concurrent infection with pneumonia increased mortality. Although the vancomycin MIC was unchanged from 2013 to 2017, the mean MICs were > 1.0 mg/L. Careful monitoring of vancomycin MIC creep is crucial for the selection of the appropriate antibiotic dosage to prevent treatment failure.
Improving awareness and help seeking for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in ethnic minority youth
Authors: Jones Gazal , Jassi Amita , Thomas-Smith Kike 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Inequalities in access, and use of, mental health services by ethnic minorities have been consistently reported for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Mental health promotion may improve knowledge and help seeking. The present study trialled two methods of mental health promotion interventions for ethnic minority youth with OCD.Methods: Community organisations within an ethnically diverse area of London UK, were contacted; information stalls and teaching events on OCD were delivered as interventions. Participants completed questionnaires before and after the information stalls and teaching events. The questionnaires assessed knowledge of OCD, knowledge of identifying OCD in ethnic minorities and perceived help seeking. Participant questionnaire data collected through information stalls (N = 240) consisted predominantly of youth aged 18 years and under (51.2%) and of Black (39.0%) ethnicity. Participant questionnaire data collected at teaching events (N = 350) consisted predominantly of school staff (51.1%) where student ethnicity representation within the schools was 29.9% White, 34% Black, 13.5% South East Asian or Asian and 16.6% Mixed.Results: There were significant increases in knowledge of OCD, perceived help seeking or knowing how to seek help ratings pre to post information stalls and teaching events. Participants also rated their knowledge of identifying OCD in ethnic minority youth as higher after teaching events.Conclusions: Information stalls and teaching events may be useful in mental health promotion interventions in ethnic minority youth with OCD. Further research is needed to determine whether increase in knowledge and perceived help seeking led to increased referrals to mental health services.
A Network Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Empagliflozin at Different Doses in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Based on Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wu Qian , Liao Chen , He Mengyu , Li Can , Zou Fang , Hu Lei , Wei Yiping , Zhang Wenxiong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background and objective: As an oral hypoglycemic drug that significantly reduces cardiovascular risk, empagliflozin is used in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the dosage and administration of empagliflozin are still controversial clinically. To determine the appropriate treatment, we performed this network meta-analysis.Methods: We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about empagliflozin from databases including PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Scopus and Google Scholar. We analyzed the pharmacodynamics, adverse effects (AEs), and pharmacokinetics of empagliflozin at different doses.Results: We identified 8264 articles, of which 26 RCTs with 11796 patients were included. Regarding hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c ) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), high doses (10, 25, 50 mg) were significantly better than low doses (1, 2.5, 5 mg). For total AEs, there was a dose-response trend in which safety decreased with increasing doses. According to SUCRA sequencing, the order for lowering HbA1c was 25 > 50 > 10 > 2.5 > 5 > 1 mg, for lowering FPG was 50 > 25 > 10 > 5 > 2.5 > 1 mg and for safety was 1 > 2.5 > 5 > 25 > 10 > 50 mg. When considering HbA1c, FPG and total AEs, we performed a hierarchical cluster analysis and network meta-analysis to find that 25 mg performed best among different doses, which was more significant after long-term use (≥ 12 weeks). Pharmacokinetic parameters exhibited significant dose-response relationships .Conclusions: High doses (10, 25, 50 mg) had better efficacy than low doses (1, 2.5, 5 mg). When considering HbA1c, FPG and total AEs, 25 mg performed best among the different doses. More RCTs exploring unconventional doses are needed to confirm these conclusions.
The Synaptic Vesicle Protein 2a Interacts With Key Pathogenic Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease: Implications for Treatment
Authors: Kong Yanyan , Huang Lin , Liu Xuanting , Zhou Yinping , Liu Cuipin , Zhang Chencheng , Sun Bomin , Wang Jiao , Guan Yihui 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background:Alzheimer’s Disease(AD), a serious neurodegenerative disease,is pathologicallycharacterized by synaptic loss and dysfunction.Synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) is an indispensable vesicular protein specifically expressed in synapses and can be used as a biomarker for synaptic density. Nevertheless, the involvement of SV2A in the pathogenesis and development of ADand its relation to other hallmarks of AD pathology, such as amyloid precursor protein (APP), β-amyloid (Aβ), and tau protein are not fully understood.Methods:We first examined and compared the mRNA levels of SV2A in the hippocampus of AD patients and non-AD subject in the Allen Brain database,thenwe constructed SV2A knockout mouse model.Using PET imagingwe compared the expression of Aβ in SV2A knockout mice and WT mice, analyze the relationship between SV2A and AD related proteins by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blotting and ELISA.Results:Our results showed thatthe expression of SV2A was downregulated in the hippocampus of AD patients.In addition,SV2A colocalized with APPandwas downregulated at Aβ deposition. Moreover, we used APPswe293T cells lines to either silence or overexpress SV2A and found that SV2A deficiency leads to a simultaneous increase in Aβand Tau hyperphosphorylation,whileSV2A overexpression was associated with down-regulation of BACE1 and APOE. In addition, evidence gained in the study points PI3K signaling pathway as a possible mediator in SV2A regulation influencing the incidence and development of AD. Conclusions:Our research demonstrated that SV2A is an important regulator of AD, close interplay between SV2A and AD related proteins demonstrated in our studyprovide novel diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities of AD. This study provides guidelines and information regarding the mechanism of SV2A influence in the regulation of AD and possible future research of neurological diseases.
Does inflammation&nbsp;mediate the effect of pessimism on coronary heart disease? A ten-year follow-up study
Authors: Pänkäläinen Mikko , Kerola Tuomas , Kampman Olli , Kauppi Markku , Sarkkinen Hannu , Lappalainen Erja , Hintikka Jukka 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCoronary heart disease (CHD) is a notable cause of mortality worldwide. Psychosocial factors have been confirmed to have an effect on the risk for cardiovascular diseases and gradually pessimism has also been recognized as a risk factor for CHD. The mechanism by which pessimism elevates the risk for CHD is unknown. According to one theory pessimism increases low-level inflammation and an elevated inflammation level has in turn been connected with an increased risk for CHD. However, the theory of inflammation working as a mediator between pessimism and the onset of CHD has yet to be proven.MethodsWe conducted a ten-year prospective cohort study on a regional sample of three cohorts aged 52–56, 62–66, and 72–76 years at baseline (N=2,815). A revised version of the Life Orientation Test was used at baseline to define the levels of dispositional optimism and pessimism. The level of inflammation was determined by measuring the level of C-reactive protein using high sensitivity assays. These results and the data of new cases of CHD during the follow-up were used in the statistical analyses. The mediation effect of C-reactive protein between pessimism and new cases of CHD was calculated.ResultsStudy subjects with a new case of CHD during the follow-up were more pessimistic and had higher C-reactive protein values at baseline than other study subjects. The pessimism score and C-reactive protein value correlated statistically significantly. We found that the connection between pessimism and developing CHD during the study period was partially mediated via the level of C-reactive protein.ConclusionPessimism seemed to be a substantial risk factor for developing CHD. Pessimism was connected with the level of inflammation. The theory that elevated inflammation level mediates indirectly the connection between pessimism and the risk for CHD could be proved partially. Consequently, other mediators between pessimism and CHD remain unclear.
Evaluation of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratios as Reliable Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Perforated Acute Appendicitis: A Retrospective case control study
Authors: Zhou Hui , Xu Jinling , Han JianTao , Xie Xingwang , Xu HanBing 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

To investigate the relationship among neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR),platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) of patients with perforated acute appendicitis and its clinical significance༎
Methods

The present study selected 243 patients who underwent appendectomy presented with acute appendicitis from January 2013 and December 2015༎All patients were confirmed by pathology༎AA patients were divided into Perforated acute appendicitis(PAA)group and Non-perforated acute appendicitis༈NPAA༉ group༎The routine blood test results were collected pre-operation and calculated the NLR and PLR༎To analyze the relationship among the NLR,PLR, Age, Gender, WBC count, Operation approach in PAA group and NPAA group.
Results

The NLR and PLR of PAA group were significantly higher than that of the NPAA group (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.039);Cut-off value NLR (≥ 8.96) and PLR (≥ 173.03) of were PAA group were significantly higher than that of the NPAA group (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.012). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified NLR as independent variables.
Conclusions

We suggest that the preoperative NLR and PLR are useful parameters to differentiate among PAA and NPAA.
High serum Fetuin-B levels are associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome in women: a case-controlled study and interventional studies
Authors: Xue Shiyao , Ren Yuqian , Yang Mengliu , Zhan Bin , Yang Gangyi , Geng Shan , Deng Wuquan , Liu Hua , Liu Dongfang , Li Ling 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Previous studies have investigated circulating fetuin-B and its association with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the variation and regulatory factors of serum fetuin-B levels in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS) have not been explained. This study evaluated circulating fetuin-B concentrations in newly diagnosed individuals with MetS and analyzed the impacts of blood glucose, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) treatment on circulating fetuin-B in vivo.Methods: A total of 377 women (192 MetS and 185 healthy subjects) were recruited for cross-sectional study. The euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (EHC) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were implemented in healthy women and those with MetS. Serum fetuin-B were examined by an ELISA kit. For the GLP-1RA intervention experiment, twenty-four women with MetS were treated with Liraglutide for 6 months. Results: Serum fetuin-B levels were markedly higher in women with MetS as compared to healthy women. Circulating fetuin-B reflected a positive correlation with body mass index, waist hip ratio (WHR), the percentage of fat in vivo (FAT%), triglyceride, fasting blood glucose, 2-hour blood glucose after glucose overload, glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting plasma insulin, 2-hour plasma insulin after glucose overload, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), visceral adiposity index (VAI), and lipid accumulation product (LAP). Multivariate linear regression analyses demonstrated that triglyceride and WHR were independently related factors of serum fetuin-B. Serum fetuin-B levels were related to MetS by binary logistic regression analysis. In fact, serum fetuin-B was markedly elevated in healthy women after glucose loading and in MetS women during the EHC. After six months of GLP-1RA intervention, serum fetuin-B levels in MetS subjects decreased following improvement of metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Conclusions: Serum fetuin-B levels were associated with MetS and its components and regulated by glucose and insulin. GLP-1RA treatment can reduce serum fetuin-B levels in women with MetS. Clinical Trial Registration Number: ChiCTR-OCS-13003185. Registered 02/01 2016, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=6374
Identifying the determinants of health insurance coverage among Peruvian women of reproductive age: an assessment based on the national Peruvian demographic survey of 2017
Authors: Rosas Eduardo Ramos , Winkler Volker , Brenner Stephan , De Allegri Manuela 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Like many other Latin America- and Caribbean countries, Peru has introduced a tax-financed health insurance scheme called “Sistema Integral de Salud (SIS)” to foster progress towards Universal Health Coverage. The scheme explicitly targets the poorest sections of the population. Our study explores levels of health insurance coverage and their determinants among Peruvian women following the introduction of SIS. We wish to determine the extent to which the introduction of SIS has effectively closed gaps in insurance coverage and for whom. Methods: Relying on the 2017 round of ENDES (Encuesta Nacional Demográfica y de Salud Familiar) survey, we analyzed data for 33168 women aged 15-49. We used multinomial logistic regression to explore the association between health insurance coverage (defined as No Insurance, SIS, Standard Insurance) and women’s socio-demographic and economic characteristics. Results: Out of the 33168 women, 25.3% did not have any insurance coverage, 45.5% were covered by SIS and 29.2% were covered by a Standard Insurance scheme. Women in the SIS group were found to have lower educational levels, live in rural areas and more likely to be poorer. Women in the Standard insurance group were found to be more educated, more likely to be “Spanish”, and to be wealthier. Most uninsured women appeared to belong to a middle class, not poor enough to be eligible for SIS, but also not eligible for standard insurance. Conclusions: Our study confirms that SIS has been effective in increasing coverage among vulnerable women, with coverage rates comparable with those observed among men. Nevertheless, on its own, it has proven to be insufficient to ensure universal coverage among women. Further reforms are needed to ensure that coverage is extended to all population groups.