bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Personality Traits Predict Regression of Pelvic Girdle Pain after Pregnancy: A Longitudinal Follow-up Study.
Authors: Xiangsheng Tang , Yao Zhang Yao , Yingying Shi , Xiao An , Ping Yi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a multifactorial condition with a partly unknown etiology. This condition can be mentally and physically compromising both during and after pregnancy. To provide all-round preventive measures to improve the recovery from PGP, it is of a necessity for obstetricians and orthopaedists to develop predictive studies about the worse prognosis for this condition. Therefore, this study aims to determine whether personality traits can predict the consequences of long-term pregnancy-related PGP.Methods: This was a prospective study conducted from January 2015 to August 2018. A total of 387 pregnant women were enrolled in this study. According to whether they had experienced PGP during the past four weeks, the subjects were classified into no PGP and PGP groups. Persistent PGP after the pregnancy was deﬁned as a recurrent or continuous visual analog score (VAS) pain rating of ≥ 3 for more than one week. The Quick Big Five Personality Test (QBFPT) was used to assess personality traits. Data were obtained by mail or in the clinic. The authors collected data including age, BMI, educational level, annual household income, cesarean delivery, breastfeeding, unexpected sex of the baby, parity, sick leave, no or rare ability to take rest breaks at work, and LBP in the previous pregnancy. Results: Of 387 included women, 264 subjects experienced PGP during the pregnancy with the mean age of 26.3 ± 4.5 years. A total of 80 of 264 (30.3%) women experienced persistent PGP after the pregnancy. Persistent PGP after the pregnancy was associated with higher levels of neuroticism (OR= 2.12, P=0.001). Compared to persistent PGP after the pregnancy, women who reported higher levels of extraversion and conscientiousness were more likely to recover from this condition (OR=0.65, P = 0.001; OR= 0.82, P = 0.01, respectively). Besides, neuroticism was positively associated with higher pain scores (r=0.52, P=0.005). However, extraversion and conscientiousness domains showed negative correlations with pain score (r=-0.48, P=0.003; r=-0.36, P=0.001).Conclusions: Personality traits were significantly associated with the outcomes of PGP.
Relationship of Socio-Demographics, Comorbidities, Symptoms and Healthcare Access with Early COVID-19 Presentation and Disease Severity
Authors: Vaughan Laura , Veruttipong Darlene , Shaw Jonathan G. , Levy Noemie , Edwards Lauren , Winget Marcy 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: COVID-19 studies are primarily from the inpatient setting, skewing towards severe disease. Race and comorbidities predict hospitalization, however, ambulatory presentation of milder COVID-19 disease and characteristics associated with progression to severe disease is not well-understood. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review including all COVID-19 positive cases from Stanford Health Care (SHC) in March 2020 to assess demographics, comorbidities and symptoms in relationship to: 1) their access point of testing (outpatient, inpatient, and emergency room (ER)) and 2) development of severe disease.Results: 257 patients tested positive: 127 (49%), 96 (37%), and 34 (13%) at outpatient, ER and inpatient, respectively. Overall, 61% were age < 55; advanced age, > 75, was rarer in outpatient setting (11%) than ER (14 %) or inpatient (24%). Most patients presented with cough (86%), fever/chills (76%), or fatigue (63%). 65% of inpatients reported shortness of breath compared to 30-32% of outpatients and ER patients. Ethnic/minority patients had a significantly higher risk of developing severe disease (Asian OR=4.1 [1.5-10.9], Hispanic OR=3.1 [1.1-8.8]) as did Medicare-insured patients (OR=3.9 [1.0-14.8]), even after adjusting for age. Co-morbidities associated with developing severe disease included cardiovascular disease (OR=6.4 [1.7-24.5] and hypertension alone (OR=3.8 [1.4-10.6]). Among symptoms, shortness of breath predicted severe disease (OR=5.5 [2.3-13.0]). Conclusions: Early widespread symptomatic testing for COVID-19 in Silicon Valley included many less severely ill patients. Thorough manual review of symptomatology reconfirms the heterogeneity of COVID-19 symptoms, and challenges in using clinical characteristics to predict decline. We re-demonstrate that socio-demographics are consistently associated with severity.
Frailty and sarcopenia in elderly non-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3-5: a cross sectional study
Authors: Chang Jing , Wang Yan-Fei , Hou Wen-Wen , Li Yan-Chun , Qi Zhuo-Ran , Sun qianmei 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background

With the aging of the population, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and sarcopenia are the common diseases among the elderly. Non-dialysis patients with CKD account for a relatively high proportion, and the analysis of their general clinical characteristics has been more familiar. However, the study of sarcopenia in non-dialysis with CKD is not enough.
Methods

This is a cross sectional study. Non-dialysis patients with CKD stage 3–5 were continuously selected. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on the Fried scale, Non-frail group, Pre-frail group and Frail group. At the same time, muscle mass of the hospitalized patients was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and according to the test results, they were divided into sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia group. Baseline data and the measurement of the sarcopenia of the two groups were analyzed.
Results

A total of 102 elderly patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3–5 were continuously enrolled. There were 21 patients (20.6%) categorized as sarcopenia, 81 patients (79.4%) categorized as non-sarcopenia according to the measurement results of DXA. Frailty was assessed by the criteria of frailty phenotype, there were 13 patients of sarcopenia in the frail group, 6 patients of sarcopenia in the pre-frail group, and 2 patients of sarcopenia in the non-frail group, accounting for 31.7%, 20.0%, 6.5%, respectively. Moreover, the analysis of the related risk factors of sarcopenia showed that body mass index (BMI)༜23 kg/m2(OR = 3.82, 95%CI 1.33–10.97, P = 0.013), MNA-SF ≤ 11(OR = 3.97, 95%CI 1.08–14.58, P = 0.038) were the independent risk factors for sarcopenia in non-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3–5.
Conclusions

The prevalence of sarcopenia in elderly non-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3–5 was high, and sarcopenia was common in the frail patients. BMI༜23 kg/m2 and MNA-SF ≤ 11were the independent risk factors for sarcopenia in non-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3–5.
Scale Invariance of Cell Size Fluctuations in Starving Bacteria
Authors: Shimaya Takuro , Okura Reiko , Wakamoto Yuichi , Takeuchi Kazumasa 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
In stable environments, cell size fluctuations are thought to be governed by simple physical principles, as suggested by recent findings of scaling properties. Here, by developing a novel microfluidic device and using E. coli, we investigate the response of cell size fluctuations against starvation. By abruptly switching to non-nutritious medium, we find that the cell size distribution changes but satisfies scale invariance: the rescaled distribution is kept unchanged and determined by the growth condition before starvation. These findings are underpinned by a model based on cell growth and cell cycle. Further, we numerically determine the range of validity of the scale invariance over various characteristic times of the starvation process. Combining theory and simulations, we reveal the number of multifork replications is crucial for the scale invariance. Our results emphasize the importance of intrinsic cellular cycle processes in this problem, suggesting different distribution trends for bacteria and eukaryotes.
The SARS-CoV-2 main protease Mpro causes microvascular brain pathology by cleaving NEMO in brain endothelial cells
Authors: Lampe Josephine , Wenzel Jan , Müller-Fielitz Helge , Müller Kristin , Schuster Raphael , Zhang Linlin , Zille Marietta , Krohn Markus , Özorhan Ümit , Jiang Yun , Neve Vanessa , Fähnrich Anke , Ott Fabian , Binder Sonja , Busch Hauke , Collin Ludovic , Villasenor Roberto , Jöhren Olaf , Altmeppen Hermann , Pasparakis Manolis , Nogueiras Ruben , Prevot Vincent , Hilgenfeld Rolf , Glatzel Markus , Schwaninger Markus 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Several lines of evidence suggest that neurological symptoms in COVID-19 patients are partially due to damage to small vessels. However, the potential mechanisms are unclear. Here, we show that brain endothelial cells express SARS-CoV-2 receptors. The main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro) cleaves NEMO, the essential modulator of NF-κB signaling. By ablating NEMO, Mpro induces the death of human brain endothelial cells and a microvascular pathology in mice that is similar to what we find in the brain of COVID-19 patients. Importantly, the inhibition of receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIPK) 3, a mediator of regulated cell death, blocks the vessel rarefaction and disruption of the blood-brain barrier due to NEMO ablation. Our data suggest RIPK as a therapeutic target to treat the neuropathology of COVID-19.
Role of Melatonin in Monochromatic Light Affecting the Expression of Somatostatin in Hypothalamus and Pituitary of Chicks
Authors: Qin Xiaojing , Liu Xinfeng , Yan Xingyue , Long Meizhen , Wang Zixu , Dong Yulan , Chen Yaoxing , Cao Jing 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Melatonin (MEL) plays an important role in regulating the growth and development of organism and the metabolism of cells. A study was conducted to explore the effect of MEL-mediated monochromatic light on the secretion of somatostatin (SST) in the hypothalamus and pituitary.Results: The newly hatched broilers were exposed to white (WL), red (RL), green (GL) and blue (BL) lights through the pinealectomy model. The results showed that SST immunoreactive neurons and fibers were distributed in hypothalamus. The mRNA and protein levels of SST and SST receptor 2 (SSTR2) in hypothalamus and pituitary in RL were higher than those of in GL and BL. After pinealectomy, mRNA and protein levels of SST and SSTR2 in hypothalamus and pituitary in different light groups were increased and the differences were disapeared. Meanwhile, the trend of SSTR5 mRNA in pituitary is the same as the SSTR2 mRNA in pituitary. In vitro, the exogenous SST inhibited the growth hormone (GH) secretion, and SSTR2 and SSTR5 selective antogonists promoted GH secretion. While, melatonin receptor 1b (Mel1b) and Mel1c selective antagonists increased relative concentraitons of SST in adenohypophysis cells.Conclusion: Monochromatic light affected the expression of SST in chick hypothalamus and pituitary. MEL via Mel1b and Mel1c decreased SST secretion under GL, which is related to inhibiting the combination of SST, SSTR2 and SSTR5 in adenohypophysis cells.
PMSG Pretreatment Before Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination Improves the Reproductive Performance in Replacement Gilts
Authors: Zhao Qianqian , Tao Chenyu , Wei Qiaoli , Zhu Zhiwei , Wang Longyan , Liu Mingzhi , Huang Jing , Yu Fuxian , Chen Xiaoyu , Zhang Liang , Li Junjie , Pan Jianzhi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) uses exogenous reproductive hormones to regulate the sexual cycle of sows and realize the mating of pigs at a fixed-time without estrus identification. There is a great difference in litter size following FTAI, which may be due to the ovarian status before treatment. However, the specific underlying mechanism remains unclear.Results: We selected replacement gilts (n=104) and divided them into four groups: CON (n=35), EST (n=16), pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG)-15D (n=26), and PMSG-20D (n=27). The PMSG-15D and PMSG-20D groups were pretreated with PMSG for 15 and 20 days, respectively. The four groups were then subjected to the same FTAI treatment. Pretreatment with PMSG causes ovulation in the gilts, to artificially promote an estrus cycle. At 42 hours after ALT feeding stopped, The follicular diameter of PMSG-15D group (2.94±0.24 mm) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than the other groups.，and the proportion of gilts with follicular diameter greater than 3 mm in the PMSG-15D group was significantly higher than that in the CON group (37.50% vs 5.88%). The maximum follicular diameter before ovulation in the PMSG-15D group (6.28±0.23 mm) was significantly larger (P<0.05) than that of the PMSG-20D group (5.98±0.59 mm) and EST group (5.60±0.47 mm), indicating that the follicular development of the PMSG-15D group was better than that of the other groups. The ovulation time of the PMSG-15D group was concentrated on the 25th to 26th day of FTAI. The ovulation rate was as high as 94.5% in the optimal insemination window period and was more suitable for FTAI. Compared with the CON (52.70±12.71 h) and the PMSG-20D (47.88±13.98 h) groups, the GnRH to ovulation interval (42.33±5.87 h) was significantly shortened in the PMSG-15D group. The level of follicle-stimulating hormone of gilts in the PMSG-15D group was more uniform and significantly lower than that in the CON group (P<0.01) at 42 h after Altrenogest feeding. The pregnancy rate (80.77%), total litter size (10.44±2.83), and live litter size (10.00±2.61) of the PMSG-15D group were higher than those of the other groups.Conclusions: We feasibly optimized FTAI using PMSG pretreatments. When the ovaries of replacement gilts were in the luteal stage owing to PMSG pretreatment for 15 days, the follicular development and reproductive performance of replacement gilts were significantly improved.
SELEX-Based Direct Enzyme-Linked Aptamer Assay(DELAA) for Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis by Detection of SAG1 Antigen in Sera of Mice and Humans
Authors: Shen Xuhang , Cui Wen , Wang Cong , Cudjoe Obed , Zhao Liang , Tao Qing , Yu Li , Du Jian , Wang Wei , Shen Jilong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a single-celled parasite commonly found in mammals. Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis largely depends on measurements of the antibody and/or antigen and Toxoplasma-derived DNAs due to the presence of tissue dwelling quiescent cysts and latent infection of the parasite. As a major surface antigen of T.gondii tachyzoites, SAG1 is a key marker for laboratory diagnosis. However, at present, there are no methods available for SAG1 detection using aptamer-based technology.Methods: Recombinant truncated SAG1（r-tSAG1）of Toxoplasma WH3 strain (type Chinese 1) was prokaryotically expressed and subjected to the synthetic oligonucleotide library for selection of nucleic acid aptamer which targets the r-tSAG1, with systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) strategy. The screened specific aptamer-2 was used in direct enzyme-linked aptamer assay (DELAA) to detect native SAG1 obtained from tachyzoite lysates, mouse sera of acute infection, and human sera that had been verified to be positive for ToxoDNAs by PCR amplification. Results: The soluble r-tSAG1 protein was obtained from E.coli lysates by using 0.01M Tris-Cl in PBS, and was purified and identified by immunoblotting, and then labelled with biotin. The screened aptamers were amplified by PCR, followed by DNA sequencing. The results showed that the aptamer-2, with the highest affinity to nSAG1 among the four aptamer candidates, has a higher specificity and sensitivity when used in detection of nSAG1 in the sera of both animals and humans when compared with the commercial Toxoplasma circulating antigen testing kit.Conclusions: A new direct enzyme-linked aptamer assay (DELAA), with aptamer-2 as the recognition probe, was developed for detection of native SAG1 protein secreted by T.gondii. With increased sensitivity and specificity, stability during storage, easy and cheaper production, the aptamer-based technique is considered as a efficient method for the diagnosis of active and reactivated toxoplasmosis.
Safe and Effective Performance of Pediatric Spinal Deformity Surgery in Patients Unwilling to Accept Blood Transfusion: A Clinical Study and Review of Literature
Authors: Mihas Alexander , Subaraman Ramchandran , Rivera Sebastian , Mansour Ali , Asghar Jahangir , Shufflebarger Harry , George Stephen 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Pediatric deformity surgery traditionally involves major blood loss. Patients refusing blood transfusion add extra clinical and medicolegal challenges; specifically the Jehovah’s witnesses population. The objective of this study is to review the safety and effectiveness of blood conservation techniques in patients undergoing pediatric spine deformity surgery who refuse blood transfusion Methods: After obtaining institutional review board approval, we retrospectively reviewed 20 consecutive patients who underwent spinal deformity surgery and refused blood transfusion at a single institution between 2014 and 2018.We collected pertinent preoperative, intraoperative and most recent clinical and radiological data with latest follow-up (minimum two-year follow-up).Results: Twenty patients (13 females) with a mean age of 14.1 years were identified. The type of scoliotic deformities were adolescent idiopathic (15), neuromuscular (3) and congenital (2). The major coronal Cobb angle was corrected from 55.40 to 11.20 (80% correction, p< 0.001) at the latest follow-up. A mean of 11.4 levels were fused, 5.6 levels of Pontes osteotomies and 2.8 levels of thoracoplasty performed. 1 patient underwent L1 VCR and 3 patients had fusion to pelvis. Estimated blood loss and cell saver returned an average of 307.9 ml and 80ml, respectively. Operative times average at 214 min. The average drop in hemoglobin after surgery was 2.1mg/dl. The length of hospital stay averaged 5.1 days. There were no intraoperative complications. Three postoperative compilations were identified, none related to their refusal of transfusion. One patient had in-hospital respiratory complication, one patient developed a late infection, and one patient developed asymptomatic radiographic distal junctional kyphosis.Conclusions: Blood conservation techniques allow safe and effective spine deformity surgery in pediatric patients refusing blood transfusion without major anesthetic or medical complications.Level of Evidence: Level IV.
Morphological Analysis of Posterior-Medial Intertrochanteric Fracture Patterns Using Fracture-Mapping Technique
Authors: Ren Hanru , Wu Lianghao , Ao Rongguang , Jian Zheng , Jiang Xinhua , Yu Baoqing 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the fracture patterns of different posterior-medial wall types of intertrochanteric fractures by 3-D fracture-mapping technique and to further assess their clinical utility.Methods: In a retrospective analysis of interochanteric fractures treated in a large trauma center, fractures were classified into predesigned groups based on 3D-CT imaging techniques, and a 3-D template of the intertrochanteric region was graphically superimposed on the fracture line. Fracture characteristics were then summarized based on fracture-mapping. Finally, radiographic parameters, function, and range of motion were recorded in different fracture classification states.Results: A total of 348 intertrochanteric fractures were included. There were 111 patients (31.9%) in the posterolateral + posteromedial + medial group, with the most severe fracture displacement (typically characterized by fragmentation of the posteromedial wall into three isolated fragments). There were 102 cases (29.3%) in the posterolateral + posteromedial + simple medial group, and the most common fracture feature was a complete fragment posteromedially. A total of 81 cases (23.3%) were classified into the posterolateral + medial group, with the medial fracture line extending the anterior fracture line but leaving the lesser trochanter intact. In the isolated medial group of 33 cases (9.5%), the fracture type was similar to type IV, but the integrity of the greater trochanter was ensured. In the posteromedial + medial group of 12 cases (3.4%), the fracture was characterized by an interruption when the fracture line of the anterolateral wall extended to the posteromedial wall, often resulting in a complete isolated fragment posteromedially and medially. There were 9 patients (2.6%) in the isolated posterolateral group. In addition, we found significantly different radiographic scores and range of motion scores between groups.Conclusions: This morphometric study helps us to further characterize posterior-medial fracture patterns of intertrochanteric fractures, which may be closely related to different clinical outcomes. Further studies are needed to verify the reliability of this classification scheme in clinical application.Study Design: Crossover Study Design; Level of evidence, 3.
Clinical Value of Blood Markers to Assess the Severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Xiao Liuniu , Ran Xiao , Zhong Yan-Xia , Li Shu-Sheng 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is threatening the world with the symptoms of seasonal influenza. This study was conducted to investigate the patient characteristics and clinical value of blood markers to assess the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: 187 patients, diagnosed with COVID-19 (non-severe and severe cases) and admitted to hospital between January 27th and March 8th of 2020, were enrolled in the present study. Results: A higher proportion of clinical symptoms, including cough, expectoration, myalgia and fatigue were observed in non-severe group. Significant increased level of WBC count, neutrophils, CRP, IL-6 and IL-8 were noted in severe group. The level of neutrophils, CRP, IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly increased, while platelet was remarkely decreased in the severe group. The risk model based on lymphocyte, IL-6, IL-8, CRP and platelet had the highest area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC). The baseline of IL-6, IL-8 and CRP was positively correlated with other parameters except lymphocyte, hemoglobin and platelet. While the baseline of platelet was negatively correlated with other parameters except lymphocyte and hemoglobin. Additionally, there was no connection between severity of COVID-19 and cultures of blood, sputum and catheter secretion. Conclusions: The present study suggested that IL-6, IL-8, CRP and platelet played a critical role in deterioration of COVID-19 with potential value for monitoring the severity of COVID-19.