bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resveratrol attenuates cigarette smoke induced endothelial apoptosis by activating Notch1 signaling mediated autophagy
Authors: Zong Dandan , Liu Xiang-ming , Li Jin-hua , Ouyang Ruo-yun , Long Ying-jiao , Chen Ping , Chen Yan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Increasing evidences have showed that endothelial apoptosis contributes to cigarette smoke (CS)-induced disease progression, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our previous studies have validated Notch1 as an anti-apoptotic signaling in CS-induced endothelial apoptosis. Resveratrol (RESV) is a naturally occurring polyphenol that exhibits an anti-apoptotic activity in endothelial cells that exposed to many kinds of destructive stimulus. However, the effects of resveratrol on Notch1 signaling in CS-induced endothelial apoptosis have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine whether RESV can protect endothelial cells from CS-induced apoptosis via regulating Notch1 signaling. Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were pretreated with RESV for 2 h, followed by cotreatment with 2.5%CSE for 24h to explore the role of RESV in CSE induced endothelial apoptosis. 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or rapamycin was used to alter autophagic levels. Lentivirus Notch1 intracellular domain (LV-N1ICD) or γ-secretase inhibitor (DAPT) were used to change Notch1 expression. The expression of Notch1, autophagic and apoptotic markers were examined by Western blot and the apoptosis rate was detected by Flow cytometry analysis.Results: Our results showed that activating autophagy reduced CSE-induced endothelial apoptosis, while blocking autophagy promoted cell apoptosis in HUVECs. RESV pretreatment attenuated the CSE-induced endothelial apoptosis and activated Notch1 signaling. RESV pretreatment also increased LC3b-II and Beclin1 production, decreased p62 and mTOR expression. 3-MA treatment inhibited autophagy and aggravated CSE induced apoptosis, while rapamycin promoted autophagy, led to a decrease in cell apoptosis. LV-N1ICD transfection upregulated autophagy and reduced apoptosis. However, this protective effect was abolished by 3-MA treatment. In cells treated with DAPT, autophagy was decreased, while apoptosis was increased. RESV partly rescued the DAPT induced apoptosis by activating Notch1 signaling. Conclusion: In HUVECs, RESV attenuates CSE induced endothelial apoptosis by inducing autophagy in a Notch1-dependent manner.
Impact of short-read sequencing on the misassembly of a plant genome
Authors: Wang Peipei , Meng Fanrui , Moore Bethany M. , Shiu Shin-Han 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Availability of plant genome sequences has led to significant advances. However, with few exceptions, the great majority of existing genome assemblies are derived from short read sequencing technologies with highly uneven read coverages indicative of sequencing and assembly issues that could significantly impact any downstream analysis of plant genomes. In tomato for example, 0.6% (5.1 Mb) and 9.7% (79.6 Mb) of short-read based assembly had significantly higher and lower coverage compared to background, respectively.Results: To understand what the causes may be for such uneven coverage, we first established machine learning models capable of predicting genomic regions with variable coverages and found that high coverage regions tend to have higher simple sequence repeat and tandem gene densities compared to background regions. To determine if the high coverage regions were misassembled, we examined a recently available tomato long-read based assembly and found that 27.8% (1.41 Mb) of high coverage regions were potentially misassembled of duplicate sequences, compared to 1.4% in background regions. In addition, using a predictive model that can distinguish correctly and incorrectly assembled high coverage regions, we found that misassembled, high coverage regions tend to be flanked by simple sequence repeats, pseudogenes, and transposon elements. Conclusions: Our study provides insights on the causes of variable coverage regions and a quantitative assessment of factors contributing to plant genome misassembly when using short reads.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Ethiopian Pediatricians concerning Childhood Eye Diseases
Authors: Regassa Tolosa Tufa , Daba Kumale Tolesa , Fabian Ido Didi , Mengesha Aemero Abateneh 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Eye examination and vision assessment are vital for the detection of conditions that result in blindness. Childhood blindness seriously impacts the development, education, and future employment opportunities of affected children. Pediatricians’ knowledge of eye diseases is critical for the prevention of blindness through early diagnosis, allowing proper treatment and identification of conditions requiring referral to an ophthalmologist to preserve or restore vision. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Ethiopian pediatricians concerning childhood eye diseases.Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional descriptive study of pediatricians working in various hospitals and clinics in Ethiopia. Participants were selected via a convenient sampling technique. Data were collected using both closed and open-ended semi-structured questionnaires. Responses were entered into EpiData 3.1 and transferred to SPSS version 21.0 software for analysis.Results: A total of 79 pediatricians participated in the study. Our findings showed that the attitude of all but 2 participants towards improving the management of childhood eye diseases was positive, even though this was not reflected in actual knowledge or practice. Even though attitudes were positive, knowledge was often poor and practice inadequate owing to barriers such as inadequate undergraduate training, lack of ophthalmology options during pediatric residency, and unavailability of ophthalmic equipment.Conclusions: Participants’ attitudes towards improving treatment for childhood eye diseases are positive, but their insufficient knowledge of eye diseases makes their practice poor in this respect.
Patterns and Correlates of Mis-implementation in State Chronic Disease Public Health Practice in the United States
Authors: Padek Margaret , Mazzucca Stephanie , Allen Peg , Weno Emily Rodriguez , Tsai Edward , Luke Douglas A. , Brownson Ross C. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Much of the disease burden in the United States is preventable through application of existing knowledge. State-level public health practitioners are in ideal positions to affect programs and policies related to chronic disease, but the extent to which mis-implementation occurring with these programs is largely unknown. Mis-implementation refers to ending effective programs and policies prematurely or continuing ineffective ones. Methods: A 2018 comprehensive survey assessing the extent of mis-implementation and multi-level influences on mis-implementation was reported by state health departments (SHDs). Questions were developed from previous literature. Surveys were emailed to randomly selected SHD employees across the Unites States. Spearman’s correlation and multinomial logistic regression were used to assess factors in mis-implementation. Results: Half (50.7%) of respondents were chronic disease program managers or unit directors. Forty nine percent reported that programs their SHD oversees sometimes, often or always continued ineffective programs. Over 50% also reported that their SHD sometimes or often ended effective programs. The data suggest the strongest correlates and predictors of mis-implementation were at the organizational level. For example, the number of organizational layers impeded decision-making was significant for both continuing ineffective programs (OR=4.70; 95% CI=2.20, 10.04) and ending effective programs (OR=3.23; 95% CI=1.61, 7.40). Conclusion: The data suggest that changing certain agency practices may help in minimizing the occurrence of mis-implementation. Further research should focus on adding context to these issues and helping agencies engage in appropriate decision-making. Greater attention to mis-implementation should lead to greater use of effective interventions and more efficient expenditure of resources, ultimately to improve health outcomes.
Identification of Potential Biomarkers for Abdominal Pain in IBS Patients by Bioinformatics Approach
Authors: Lin Zhongyuan , Wang Yimin , Lin Shiqing , Liu Decheng , Mo Guohui , Zhang Hui , dou Yunling 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal disease characterized by chronic abdominal discomfort and pain. The mechanisms of abdominal pain, as a relevant symptom, in IBS are still unclear. We aimed to explore the key genes and neurobiological changes specially involved in abdominal pain in IBS.Methods: Gene expression data (GSE36701) was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Fifty-three rectal mucosa samples from 27 Irritable Bowel Syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) patients and 40 samples from 21 healthy volunteers (HV) as controls were included. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between two groups were identified using the GEO2R online tool. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed on the DAVID database. Then a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and visualized using STRING database and Cytoscape. Results: The microarray analysis demonstrated a subset of genes (CCKBR, CCL13ACPP, BDKRB2, GRPR, SLC1A2, NPFF, P2RX4, TRPA1, CCKBR, TLX2, MRGPRX3, PAX2, CXCR1) specially involved in pain transmission. Among these genes, we identified GRPR, NPFF and TRPA1 genes as potential biomarkers for irritating abdominal pain of IBS patients.Conclusions: Overexpression of certain pain-related genes (GRPR, NPFF and TRPA1) may contribute to chronic visceral hypersensitivity, therefore be partly responsible for recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort in IBS patients. Several synapses modification and biological process of psychological distress may be risk factors of IBS.
Factors associated with quality of life among joint and nuclear families: A population-based study
Authors: Lodhi Fahad Saqib , Rabbani Unaib , Khan Adeel Ahmed , Raza Owais , Naieni Kourosh Holakouie , Yaseri Mehdi , Farooq Umer , Montazeri Ali 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Family affects the quality of life (QOL) of an individual. However, there is scarcity of literature about QOL among joint and nuclear family systems. This study aimed to assess the factors associated with QOL in joint and nuclear family systems.Methods: We conducted a population based cross sectional study in all 52 Union Councils (UCs) of District Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan from March 2015 to August 2015. Multistage cluster sampling technique was used to select participants from both nuclear and joint family houses. The validated Urdu version of World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) was used to assess quality of life among participants. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to explore the associations of different socio demographic variables with QOL among both family systems. Also a multilevel linear regression using backward analysis to obtain final model for each domain was performed to find out the variables that are associated with QOL score in each of family systems.Results: A total of 2063 participants were included in this study (51.0% joint family, 49.0% nuclear family) with the response rate of 97.4%. In multiple linear regression analysis of each domain for joint and nuclear family systems, rural residence compared to urban (p < 0.001), being female (p <0.001), older age (p <0.001), having comorbidity (p<0.001) and lower socioeconomic status (p<0.001) were found to be a strong predictor of poorer QOL. Furthermore, social capital (p < 0.001) had a positive effect on joint and nuclear family QOL scores. Conclusion: This study was the first of its kind which determined the factors of QOL in joint and nuclear families using the validated Urdu version of WHOQOL-BREF in Pakistan. Male gender, urban residence, younger age, higher socioeconomic status and social capital were positive predictors of QOL score while older age and presence of illness were associated with lower QOL scores among both family systems.
Associations between metabolic syndrome and type of dementia: Analysis based on the National Health Insurance Service database of Gangwon province in South Korea
Authors: KIM YEO JIN , Kim Sang Mi , Jeong Dae Hyun , Lee Sang-Kyu , Ahn Moo-Eob , Ryu Ohk-Hyun 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between metabolic syndrome and dementia has remained controversial. Using nationwide population cohort data, we investigated the association between metabolic syndrome and dementia, according to the dementia type.

Methods

We analyzed data of 84,144 individuals, in the aged group of more than 60 years, between January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2009, at Gangwon province by using the information of the (Korean) National Health Insurance Service. After eight years of gap, in 2017, we investigated the relationship between metabolic syndrome and dementia. We classified Dementia either as dementia of the Alzheimer type (AD) or vascular dementia (VD). AD and VD were defined as per the criteria of International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Multiple logistic regression analyses examined the associations between metabolic syndrome or five metabolic syndrome components and dementia. Analyses included factors like age, sex, smoking, alcohol, physical inactivity, previous stroke, and previous cardiac disease.

Results

Metabolic syndrome was associated with AD (OR= 11.48, 95% CI 9.03-14.59), not with VD. Each of five components of metabolic syndrome were also associated with AD. (high serum triglycerides: OR= 1.87, 95% CI 1.60-2.19; high blood pressure: OR =1.85, 95% CI 1.55-2.21; high glucose: OR= 1.77, 95% CI 1.52-2.06; abdominal obesity: OR= 1.88, 95% CI 1.57-2.25; low serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol: OR= 1.91, 95% CI 1.63-2.24) However, among components of metabolic syndrome, only the high glucose level was associated with VD. (OR= 1.26, 95% CI= 1.01-1.56) Body Mass Index (BMI), fasting glucose, and smoking were also associated with AD. (BMI: OR=0.951, 95% CI= 0.927-0.975; fasting glucose: OR=1.003, 95% CI=1.001-1.005; smoking: OR=1.020, 95% CI 1.003-1.039) A history of the previous stroke was associated with both AD and VD. (AD: OR=1.827, 95% CI 1.263-2.644; VD: OR 2.775, 95% CI 1.747-4.406)

Conclusions

Metabolic syndrome was associated with AD but not with VD. Patients with metabolic syndrome had an 11.48 times more likeliness to develop AD compared to those without metabolic syndrome. VD was associated only with several risk factors that could affect the vascular state rather than a metabolic syndrome. We suggested that the associations between metabolic syndrome and dementia would vary depending on the type of dementia.
The microbiologic spectrum of dacryocystitis
Authors: Luo Ban , Li Mu , Xiang Nan , Hu Weikun , Liu Rong , Yan Xiaoqin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: To investigate the microbiologic spectrum of dacryocystitis in adult and pediatric groups, specifically the microbiologic differences between chronic dacryocystitis with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) and acute dacryocystitis in pediatric group.Methods: This retrospective study was reviewed for demographic and microbiologic profile of dacryocystitis. The culture results were reported. Results: Sixty-four adults and one hundred and five pediatrics with dacryocystitis were included in this study. Of all adults, only chronic dacryocystitis with NLDO was observed. Of all pediatric patients, 89 had chronic dacryocystitis with NLDO and 16 had acute dacryocystitis. Gram positive and negative isolates were numerically equal in adult group (both 36(48.65%)), while gram positive isolates were the major organism in pediatric group (71(58.68%)). Streptococcus pneumonia was the most common isolate in both adult (11(14.86%)) and pediatric (30(24.79%)) dacryocystitis. For both pediatric subgroups, gram positive isolates were the major organism (59(57.84%) for chronic dacryocystitis with NLDO and 12 (63.16%) for acute dacryocystitis). However, the leading isolates in those two subgroups were distinct, with Streptococcus pneumonia (29(28.43%)) being most common in chronic dacryocystitis with NLDO and Staphylococcus aureus (8(42.11%)) being most common in acute dacryocystitis. Conclusions: In adult group, gram negative isolates were more common in dacryocystitis than before. In pediatric group, gram positive isolates were still the major infection pathogen. Moreover, the more virulent organisms were more common in acute dacryocystitis than chronic dacryocystitis with NLDO.
Transplanted embryonic retinal stem cells have the potential to repair the injured retina in mice
Authors: Feng Xia , Chen Peng , Zhao Xin , Wang Jing , Wang Hong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Stem cell transplantation has been reported as one of the promising strategies to treat retinal degenerative diseases. But, the application and the role of retina stem cells (RSCs) in the treatment of patients with retinal degenerative diseases have not been fully revealed. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of transplantation of the embryo-derived RSCs into the vitreous cavity in repairing the damaged retina in mice.Methods: RSCs were isolated from Kunming mice E17 embryonic retina and ciliary body tissues, and labeled with 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridin (BrdU). Retinal optic nerve crush injury was induced in left eyes in male Kunming mice by ring clamping the optic nerve. The 6th-generation of BrdU-labeled RSCs were transplanted into the damaged retina by the intravitreal injection, and saline injected eyes were used as the control. Hematoxylin and eosin histological staining, and BrdU, Nestin and Pax6 immunostaining were performed. Electroretinogram (ERG) was used for assessing the electrical activity of the retina.Results: Embryo-derived RSCs were identified by the positive stains of Pax6 and Nestin. BrdU incorporation was detected in the majority of RSCs. The damaged retina showed cellular nuclear disintegration and fragmentation in the retinal tissue which progressed over the periods of clamping time, and decreased amplitudes of a and b waves in ERG. In the damaged retina with RSCs transplantation, the positive staining for BrdU, Pax6 and Nestin were revealed on the retinal surface. Notably, RSCs migrated into the retinal ganglion cell layer and inner nuclear. Transplanted RSCs significantly elevated the amplitudes of a waves in retina injured eyes.Conclusions: Embryonic RSCs have similar characteristics to neural stem cells. Transplantation of RSCs by intravitreal injection would be able to repair the damaged retina.
Autopsy and Statistical Evidence of Disturbed Hemostasis Progress in COVID-19: Medical Records from 407 Patients
Authors: Jiang Tiebin , Lv Bo , Liu Hongxia , He Shiwen , Zhang Guogang , Li Chanyi , Li Wanqiong , Li Weilin , He Yaqi , Zhang Tong , Wang Yunyun , Mo Wu , yi ning , Peng Luying , Li Ying , Ruan Chunhong , Li Chengyuan , Liu Yaqi , Luo Peipei , Jiang Huan , xue zhigang , Liu Liang , Wang Wenjun 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The progression of coagulation in COVID-19 patients with confirmed discharge status and the combination of autopsy with complete hemostasis parameters have not been well studied.Objective: To clarify the thrombotic phenomena and hemostasis state in COVID-19 patients based on epidemiological statistics combining autopsy and statistical analysis.Methods: Using autopsy results from 9 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and the medical records of 407 patients, including 39 deceased patients whose discharge status was certain, time-sequential changes in 11 relevant indices within mild, severe and critical infection throughout hospitalization according to the Chinese National Health Commission (NHC) guidelines were evaluated. Statistical tools were applied to calculate the importance of 11 indices and the correlation between those indices and the severity of COVID-19.Results: At the beginning of hospitalization, platelet (PLT) counts were significantly reduced in critically ill patients compared with severely or mildly ill patients. Blood glucose (GLU), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and D-dimer levels in critical patients were increased compared with mild and severe patients during the entire admission period. The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) score was also high in critical patients. In the relatively late stage of nonsurvivors, the temporal changes in PLT count, PT, and D-dimer levels were significantly different from those in survivors. A random forest model indicated that the most important feature was PT followed by D-dimer, indicating their positive associations with disease severity. Autopsy of deceased patients fulfilling diagnostic criteria for DIC revealed microthromboses in multiple organs.Conclusions: Combining autopsy data, time-sequential changes and statistical methods to explore hemostasis-relevant indices among the different severities of the disease helps guide therapy and detect prognosis in COVID-19 infection.
Evaluation of Earth System Model and Atmospheric Inversion using Total Column CO2 Observations from GOSAT and OCO-2
Authors: Patra Prabir K , Hajima Tomohiro , Saito Ryu , Chandra Naveen , Yoshida Yukio , Ichii Kazuhito , Kawamiya Michio , Kondo Masayuki , Ito Akihiko , Crisp David 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The measurements of one of the major greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide (CO2), are being made using dedicated satellite remote sensing since the launch of the greenhouse gases observing satellite (GOSAT) by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in 2009 and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2). In the past 10 years, estimation of CO2 fluxes from land and ocean using the earth system models (ESMs) and inverse modelling of in situ atmospheric CO2 data have also made significant progress. We attempt, for the first time, to evaluate the CO2 fluxes simulated by an earth system model (MIROC-ES2L) and the fluxes estimated by an inverse model (MIROC4-Inv) using in situ data by comparing with GOSAT and OCO-2 observations. Both MIROC-ES2L and MIROC4-Inv fluxes are used in the MIROC4-atmospheric chemistry transport model (referred to as ACTM_ES2LF and ACTM_InvF, respectively) for calculating total column CO2 mole fraction (XCO2) that are sampled at the time and location of the satellite measurements. Both the ACTM simulations agreed well with the GOSAT and OCO-2 satellite observations, within 2 ppm for the spatial maps and time evolutions of the zonal mean distributions. Our results suggest that the inverse model using in situ data are more consistent with the OCO-2 retrievals, compared to those of the GOSAT XCO2 data due to the higher accuracy of the former. This suggests that the MIROC4-Inv fluxes are of sufficient quality to evaluate MIROC-ES2L simulated fluxes. The ACTM_ES2LF simulation shows a slightly weaker seasonal cycle for the meridional profiles of CO2 fluxes, compared to that from the ACTM_InvF. This difference is revealed by greater XCO2 differences for ACTM_ES2LF vs GOSAT, compared to those of ACTM_InvF vs GOSAT. Using remote sensing based global products of leaf area index (LAI) and gross primary productivity (GPP) over land, we show a weaker sensitivity of MIROC-ES2L biospheric activities to the weather and climate in the tropical regions. Our results clearly suggest the usefulness of XCO2 measurements by satellite remote sensing for evaluation of large-scale ESMs, which so far remained untested by the sparse in situ data.