bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systolic blood pressure and all-cause mortality in normoglycemia, prediabetes, and diabetes
Authors: Chen Chao-lei , Liu Lin , Huang Jia-yi , Yu Yu-ling , Lo Kenneth , Huang Yu-qing , Feng Ying-qing 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background The optimal blood pressure (BP) level for diabetic patients remains controversial, and population-based evidence on BP management for individuals with normoglycemia and prediabetes is insufficient. We aimed to investigate the associations between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and all-cause mortality among US adults with different glucose metabolism.Methods We used data from the 1999–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, n = 40,046) with comprehensive baseline examination and follow-up assessment. Restricted cubic spline was performed to examine dose-response relationship between continuous SBP and all-cause mortality. Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios of all-cause mortality for SBP categories.Results Over 32,5450 person-years of follow-up (median 8.1 years), 4745 all-cause death (11.8%) were recorded, corresponding to an event rate of 14.58 per 1000 patient years. U-shaped associations between SBP and all-cause mortality were observed regardless of glucose status. The lowest mortality risk of optimal SBP (mmHg) by group was 115–120 (normoglycemia), 120–130 (prediabetes), and 125–135 (diabetes). Compared with the reference group, SBP < 100 mmHg was significantly associated with 49% (HR = 1.49, 95%CI: 1.13–1.96), 57% (1.57, 1.07–2.3), and 59% (1.59, 1.12–2.25) higher mortality risk in normoglycemia, prediabetes, and diabetes, respectively. The multivariable-adjusted HRs of all-cause mortality for SBP of 150–159 mmHg and ≥ 160 mmHg were 1.35 (1.08–1.70) and 1.61 (1.31–1.98), 1.44 (1.13–1.83) and 1.66 (1.33–2.08), and 1.29 (1.02–1.65) and 1.37 (1.09–1.72), respectively.Conclusions U-shaped relationships between SBP and all-cause mortality existed regardless of diabetes status. The optimal SBP range for the lowest mortality was gradually higher with worsening glucose status.
IgG4 and IgG-positive plasma cell infiltration and high correlation with disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease undergoing colectomy
Authors: Yang Hong , Chen Bo , Wang Zheng , Sun Xiyu , Wu Bin , Jin Meng , Zhang Huimin , Lv Hong , Li Ji , Li Yue , Tan Bei , Qian Jia Ming 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

The aims of this study were to identify the distribution and the role of IgG-positive and IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration in colonic mucosa in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Methods

Patients with IBD who were free from immunosuppressive agents were consecutively enrolled from 2010 to 2014. Sections from surgical specimens were stained with monoclonal antihuman IgG4 and IgG antibody using standard immunohistochemical techniques.
Results

In total, 49 patients (30 CD and 19 UC) were included in this study. There was abundant infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells in 4 patients with UC (IgG4-present, 21.1%) and 6 patients with CD (IgG4-present, 20.0%). A significantly higher number of IgG-positive cells and IgG4-positive cells were found in patients with CD and UC than in control group. Higher proportions of IgG4 correlated with higher endoscopic activity scoring, higher revised Mayo score, lower haemoglobin, higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate, higher high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and higher D-dimer in patients with UC (P < 0.05). A significant difference was identified in terms of disease activity in the IgG-present group compared with the group with the IgG-absent group (69.2% vs 16.7% P < 0.05). If the cut-off value was set at 25 cells/HPF for IgG, the sensitivity and specificity of predicting severity potential in UC was 90.0% and 55.6%, respectively. The area under the curve was 0.633 by receiver operating characteristic analysis.
Conclusions

These findings suggest that IgG4 infiltration appears to be a relevant marker of inflammatory process caused by immune dysregulation in patients with IBD.
Factors Associated With Changes in Adequate Antenatal Care Visits Among Pregnant Women Aged 15-49 Years in Tanzania From 2004 to 2016
Authors: KASAGAMA ELIZABETH , Todd Jim , Renju Jenny 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background:
Antenatal care (ANC) is crucial for the health of the mother and the unborn child as it delivers highly–effective health interventions that can prevent maternal and newborn deaths and morbidity. In 2002, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended a minimum of four ANC visits for a pregnant woman with a positive pregnancy during the entire gestational period. Tanzania has sub-optimal adequate (four or more) ANC visits and the trend has been fluctuating over time. An understanding of the factors associated with changes in adequate ANC visits over years is crucial in improving the proportions of pregnant women attaining adequate ANC visits in Tanzania.
Methods
The study used secondary data from Tanzania Demographic Health Survey (TDHS) from 2004 to 2016. The study included 17976 women aged 15–49 years. Data were analyzed using stata version 13. Categorical and continuous variables were summarized using descriptive statistics and using the weighted proportions. A Poisson regression analysis was done to determine factors associated with adequate antenatal. A multivariable Poisson decomposition analysis was done to determine factors associated with changes in adequate ANC visits among pregnant women in Tanzania from 2004 to 2016.
Results
The overall proportion of women who had adequate ANC visits in 2004/05, 2010 and 2015/16 was 62%, 43% and 51% respectively. The identified determinants of adequate ANC visits were: early ANC initiation, zones, having more than one child, being aged 20 years and above, wanting pregnancy later, belonging to a richer and richest wealth quintile, having secondary and higher education, reporting distance to health facility not a big problem and watching TV at least once per week. Comparing 2004/05 and 2010 surveys, changes in the population structure contributed 4.2% of changes in adequate antenatal care visits while changes in coefficients contributed 95.8% of the changes. Also, comparing 2015/16 to 2010 surveys, changes in population structure and coefficients contributed 66.2% and 33.8% respectively.
Conclusion
Early ANC initiation has greatly contributed to increased proportion of pregnant women who attain four or more ANC visits overtime. More effort should focus on pregnant women to initiate ANC in the first trimester in order to increase proportion of women with adequate ANC visit.
Incidence of Helicobacter Pylori Infections in a group of patients in Erbil City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq and Its Association with Gastritis and Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Salim Tavga Hushiar , Balaky Salah Tofik Jalal , Al-Rawi Rafal , Abdulla Saman Salah eldeen , Mawlood Ahang Hasan , Jawhar Nazar 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Adenocarcinoma is one of the most common causes of Gastric cancer related deaths worldwide. Helicobacter pylori is the causative agent of most cases of gastritis, it can cause chronic active gastritis and known as a risk factor for the development of gastric cancer. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of H. pylori among patients with symptoms of dyspepsia and other gastritis related symptoms and its association with adenocarcinoma.Methods: This study was carried out during the period of January 2018 to October 2019 with a total of 227 patients with gastritis related symptoms. The presence of H. pylori was detected by Rapid Urease Test (RUT) and histo-pathological tests using biopsy specimens. Statistical Analysis was done by using Chi-square test. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Results: From the total of 227 patients with gastritis related symptoms, 26 cases (13.61%) were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. Their ages were between 13 and 90 years with mean of 47.81± 18.23. The result showed that low severity prevalence of H. pylori was highest (111 cases) compared to 17 and 63 cases for high and moderate severity, respectively. Comparison between positive low, moderate, and high H. pylori cases for rapid urease test was highly significant (P<0.000). The results showed no association between H. pylori severity across various age groups and gender. Moreover, goodness of fit test for metaplasia, activity, glandular atrophy, and endoscopic finding across severity status of H. pylori showed highly significant. Four composite categorized groups were initiated based on positive/negative prevalance of H. pylori and adenocarcinoma status. Results revealed statistical significance between combination of H. pylori and adenocarcinoma with inflammation, lymphoid aggregate, metaplasia, activity of neutrophils, glandular atrophy, rapid urease test, and endoscopic findings.Conclusion: Histopathology tests are reliable diagnostic tools for the detection of H. pylori. Data showed that H. pylori was seen more in middle age patients with mucosal lymphoid follicle formation and more than one third of patients with adenocarcinoma. Therefore, screening of these infections is an important strategy for preventing gastric adenocarcinoma.
Computational Investigation of the Stability of Stenotic Carotid Artery under Pulsatile Blood Flow Using a Fluid-Structure Interaction Approach
Authors: Manzoori Amirhosein , Fallah Famida , Sharzehee Mohammadali , Ebrahimi Sina 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Stenosis can disrupt the normal pattern of blood flow, and thus make the artery more susceptible to buckling which may cause arterial tortuosity. Although the stability simulations of the atherosclerotic arteries were conducted based on solid modelling and static internal pressure, the mechanical stability of stenotic artery under pulsatile blood flow remains unclear while pulsatile nature of blood flow makes the artery more critical for stresses and stability. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of stenosis on arterial stability under pulsatile blood flow.
Methods
To this end, fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulations of arteries stenosis under pulsatile flow were conducted. 3D idealized geometries of carotid arteries stenosis with symmetric and asymmetric plaques along with different percentages of stenosis were created. Arterial wall was modelled as an anisotropic hyperelasic material.
Results
It is observed that the stenosis percentage, symmetry/asymmetry of the plaque, and the stretch ratio can dramatically affect the buckling pressure. Buckling makes the plaque rupture (especially in asymmetric ones) more likely due to increasing the stresses on it. The dominant stresses on plaques are the circumferential, axial and radial ones, respectively. Also, the highest shear stresses on the plaques were detected in

\theta -z
and

r-\theta
planes for the symmetric and asymmetric stenotic arteries, respectively. In addition, the maximum circumferential stress on the plaques was observed in the outer point of the buckled configuration for symmetric and asymmetric stenosis as well as at the ends of the asymmetric plaque. Furthermore, the artery buckling caused a large vortex flow at the downstream of the plaque. As a result, the conditions for the penetration of lipid particles and the formation of new plaques were provided.
Conclusion
Buckling makes the plaque rupture more likely due to increasing the stresses on it especially in asymmetric plaques. In addition, the artery buckling provides the condition for the penetration of lipid particles and the formation of new plaques at the downstream of the plaque.
Transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of putative digestive proteases in the salivary gland and gut of Empoasca(Matsumurasca) onukii Matsuda
Authors: Shao Ensi , Song Yujuan , Wang Yaomin , Liao Yichen , Luo Yufei , Liu Sijun , Guan Xiong , Huang Zhipeng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Infestation by tea green leafhoppers, Empoasca (Matsumurasca) onukii, could cause a series of biochemical changes in tea leaves. As a typical cell-rupture feeder, E. onukii secretes proteases while probing with its stylet into the tender shoots of tea plants (Camellia sinensis). This study identified and analyzed proteases specifically expressed in the salivary gland (SG) and gut of E. onukii through enzymatic activity assays, complemented with an integrated analysis of transcriptome and proteome data.Results: In total, 129 contigs representing seven types of putative proteases were identified. Transcript abundance of digestive proteases and enzymatic activity assays showed that cathepsin B, cathepsin L, and serine proteases (trypsin and chymotrypsin) were highly abundant in the gut while moderately abundant in the SG. The abundance pattern of digestive proteases in the SG and gut of E. onukii differed from that of other hemipterans including Nilaparvata lugens, Laodelphax striatellus, Nephotettix cincticeps and Acyrthosiphum pisum. Phylogenetic analysis showed that aminopeptidase N-like proteins and serine proteases abundant in the SG or gut of hemipterans were distributed to two distinct clusters. Conclusions: Altogether, this study provide insightful information on the digestive system of E. onukii and observed different patterns of proteases abundant in the SG and gut of E. onukii, in comparison with other five hemipteran species. These results will be beneficial in understanding the interaction between tea plants and E. onukii.
Analysis of multiple cytokines in aqueous humor of patients with idiopathic macular hole
Authors: Wang Heping , Li Yuqi , Han Song , Niu Tongtong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Idiopathic macular hole is a common type of ophthalmic disease, and its pathogenesis is unknown. At present, little research about the pathogenesis, especially the immune mechanism, of idiopathic macular hole has been reported. To provide scientific guidance for the treatment and prognosis of idiopathic macular holes, this study examined and analyzed multiple cytokines levels in aqueous humor from patients with idiopathic macular hole.
Methods
Thirty-eight subjects were divided into cataract control group (n = 17) and idiopathic macular hole group (n = 21). The levels of 48 cytokines in aqueous humor were detected by multiple magnetic beads immunization.
Results
There were significant differences in cytokine levels in aqueous humor from idiopathic macular holes patients compared with the cataract control group. For example, HGF (p = 0.0001), GM-CSF (p = 0.0111), and IFN-γ (p = 0.0120) were significantly up-regulated, while TNF-α (p = 0.0032), GRO-α (p < 0.0001), and MIF (p < 0.0001) were significantly down-regulated. GM-CSF showed a significant positive correlation with IL-1 (r = 0.67904, p < 0.001), IL-4 (r = 0.76017, p < 0.001), and IFN-γ (r = 0.59922, p = 0.004097). Moreover, NGF and HGF also showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.64951, p = 0.001441).
Conclusion
Patients with idiopathic macular hole could exhibit significant variation of the immune reaction in aqueous humor after the disease, including the recruitment of immune cells and the regulation of cytokine expression. This study also implied that it is not rigorous to use macular hole as the control in current studies on aqueous humor cytokines in ophthalmic diseases.
Resveratrol Induces the Osteogenic Differentiation via MiR-320c by Targeting Runx2 and Is Involved in the Adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs
Authors: Zou Jilong , Du Jianyang , Tu Hualei , Chen Hongjun , Cong Kai , Bi Zhenggang , Sun Jiabing 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are multipotent progenitor cells and have been widely used in clinical therapies due to their multiple pluripotency. Recent publications have found that resveratrol (RSVL) could promote the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells; however, the underlying molecular mechanism of RSVL-induced BMSCs osteogenic differentiation needs to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the function of miRNAs in RSVL-treated BMSCs and its effects on the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.
Methods

BMSCs were cultured and treated with different concentrations of RSVL. After osteogenic differentiation for 20 days, ALP staining was performed to evaluate the ALP activity of BMSCs. And ARS staining was used to detect the matrix mineralization deposition of BMSCs. After adipogenic differentiation for 20 days, adipogenic differentiation was determined by ORO staining for lipid droplets. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed to assess the expression level of target genes. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay was ultilized to examine the relationship between miR-320c and its target gene. Western blot assay was used to analyze the protein expression level of target gene.
Results

Our results demonstrated that RSVL could promote the osteogenic differentiation and suppressed the adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, a novel regulatory axis containing miR-320c and its target Runx2 was found during the differentiation process of BMSCs under RSVL treatment. Overexpression of miR-320c inhibited the osteogenic differentiation, while knockdown of miR-320c promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. In contrast, overexpression of miR-320c accelerated the adipogenic differentiation, while knockdown of miR-320c restrained the adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Our results confirm that Runx2 was the directly target of miR-320c in RSVL-promoted osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.
Conclusions

The present study revealed that miR-320c might possess the potentials as a novel clinical target for medical intervention to regulate the biological functions of RSVL in BMSCs.
Evaluation of retinal and choroidal variations in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy using optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Yu Lanchu , Jiao Qin , Cheng Yu , Zhu Yanji , Lin Zhongjing , Shen Xi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
To investigate the difference in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, choroidal thickness (CT) and superficial retinal vessels between thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) patients and healthy controls. To identify the potential influencing factors for these parameters and evaluate their diagnostic abilities in TAO.
Methods
20 active TAO patients, 33 inactive TAO patients and 29 healthy participants were enrolled. TAO patients were divided according to the clinical activity score (CAS). RNFL thickness and CT were measured by HD-OCT, while foveal avascular zone (FAZ), vascular density and perfusion density were measured by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). SPSS software was used for statistical analysis.
Results
Active TAO patients had thinner RNFL thickness than the other two groups (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Both active and inactive TAO patients had significantly higher CT than controls in the macular region (all P < 0.05). The mean area of FAZ in the active TAO group was significantly larger than the other two groups (P = 0.045, P = 0.001). The inactive TAO group had significantly higher vessel length density than the other two groups (all P < 0.05). With regard to the perfusion density, significant differences were observed in the temporal and inferior areas (P = 0.045, P = 0.001), as well as the average values (P = 0.032). The FAZ area, vascular density and perfusion density in active and inactive TAO patients were not significantly correlated with different clinical variables (all P > 0.05). The AUC analysis indicated these parameters also exhibited a significant discriminatory power in TAO diagnosis.
Conclusions
TAO patients had significant variations in RNFL thickness, choroidal thickness, FAZ area and superficial retinal vessels. These parameters appeared to be potential adjuncts in TAO diagnosis.
Depot and sex-specific implications for adipose tissue expandability and functional traits in adulthood of late prenatal and early postnatal malnutrition in a precocial sheep model
Authors: Ahmad Sharmila , Lyngman Lise Kirstine , Mansouryar Morteza , Dhakal Rajan , Agerholm Jørgen Steen , Khanal Prabhat , Nielsen Mette Olaf 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Early life malnutrition in the prenatal and postnatal life is well recognized to have long-term implications on the development of offspring and neonate key metabolic organs and their function including adipose tissue later in life. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of malnutrition in prenatal and early postnatal life on the expandability and functional traits of adipose tissues in adulthood. Twin-pregnant ewes were fed NORM (~ requirements), LOW (50% of NORM) or HIGH (150% and 110% of energy and protein, respectively) diets the last 6 weeks pre-partum (term ~ 147-days). Lambs received moderate, low fat (CONV) or high-carbohydrate-high-fat (HCHF) diets from 3-days until 6-months of age and thereafter CONV diet. At 2½ years of age, histomorphometric and gene expression patterns were characterized in subcutaneous (SUB), perirenal (PER), mesenteric (MES) and epicardial (EPI) adipose tissue.Results SUB had sex-specific (males < females) upper-limits for adipocyte size and cell-number-indices, irrespective of early life nutrition. PER mass and contents of adipocytes were highest in females and HIGH males while adipocyte cross sectional area was lowest in LOW males. Pre- and postnatal nutrition affected gene expression sex-specifically in SUB and PER, but unrelated to morphological changes. In PER, LOW/LOW males were specific targets of gene expression changes. The EPI was affected by postnatal nutrition as HCHF sheep had enlarged adipocytes and upregulated expressions for adipogenic and lipogenic genes.Conclusion Upper-limits for SUB expandability were markedly lower in males. Major targets for prenatal malnutrition were PER and males. LOW males had the lowest PER expandability, whereas HIGH males had an adaptive advantage observed as increased hypertrophic ability equivalent to females. Fixed expandability in SUB meant PER became a determining factor for ectopic fat deposition, rendering LOW males particularly predisposed for obesity-associated metabolic risks. EPI, in contrast to other adipose tissues, was a particular target of early postnatal obesity, resulting in adipocyte hypertrophy in adulthood.