bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overall and sex-specific associations between methylation of the ABCG1 and APOE genes and ischemic stroke or other atherosclerosis-related traits in a sibling study of Chinese population
Authors: Qin Xueying , Li Jin , Wu Tao , Wu Yiqun , Tang Xun , Gao Pei , Li Lin , Wang Mengying , Wu Yao , Wang Xiaowen , Chen Dafang , Hu Yonghua 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Identifying subjects with a high risk of ischemic stroke is fundamental for prevention of the disease. Both genetic and environmental risk factors contribute to ischemic stroke, but the underlying epigenetic mechanisms which mediate genetic and environmental risk effects are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to explore whether DNA methylation loci located in the ATP-binding cassette G1 (ABCG1) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genes, both involved in the metabolism of lipids in the body, are related to ischemic stroke, using the Fangshan/Family-based Ischemic Stroke Study in China. We also tested if these CpG sites were associated with early signs of cardiovascular atherosclerosis (carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT), ankle–brachial index (ABI), and brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV)).

Results
DNA methylation at the cg02494239 locus in ABCG1 was correlated with ischemic stroke after adjusting for gender, previous history of diabetes and hypertension, smoking, drinking, body mass index, and blood lipid levels (above vs below mean, OR = 2.416, 95% CI 1.024–5.700, P = 0.044; 75–100% percentile vs 0–25% percentile, OR = 4.461, 95% CI 1.226–16.225, P = 0.023). No statistically significant associations were observed for the cg06500161 site in ABCG1 and the cg14123992 site in APOE with ischemic stroke. The study detected that hypermethylation of the ABCG1 gene was significantly associated with cIMT, hypermethylation of the APOE gene was significantly related to ABI, and methylation of the APOE gene was statistically negatively correlated with baPWV. The above relationships demonstrated gender differences.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that epigenetic modification of ABCG1 and APOE may play a role in the pathway from disturbed blood lipid levels to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Future prospective validation of these findings is warranted.
Huge abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst following ventriculoperitoneal shunt: a case report
Authors: Koide Yasuhiro , Osako Takaaki , Kameda Masahiro , Ihoriya Hiromi , Yamamoto Hirotsugu , Fujisaki Noritomo , Aokage Toshiyuki , Yumoto Tetsuya , Date Isao , Naito Hiromichi , Nakao Atsunori 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Introduction
Abdominal pseudocysts comprising cerebrospinal fluid are an uncommon but significant complication in patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunt. We present a successfully treated 12-year-old boy with a history of ventriculoperitoneal shunting and a huge abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst.

Case presentation
A12-year-old Japanese boy presented with a deteriorated consciousness and a palpable and elastic large lower abdominal mass. Computed tomography of his abdomen demonstrated a collection of homogenous low-density fluid near the catheter tip of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Cerebral computed tomography revealed an increased ventricular size. Based on the clinical diagnosis of abdominal pseudocyst, the peritoneal shunt catheter was secured and divided into two parts by cutting it on the chest; then, the proximal side of the peritoneal shunt catheter was externalized for extraventricular drainage. The cyst was percutaneously aspirated with ultrasound guidance, and the distal side of the peritoneal shunt catheter was removed. The distal side of the peritoneal shunt catheter was reinserted in another position into his abdomen after 3-week extraventricular drainage management.

Conclusion
Emergency physicians should know about this potential complication as an important differential diagnosis resulting from acute abdominal complaints in patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts.
Psychometric properties of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy: a COSMIN systematic review protocol
Authors: Williams Brett , Beovich Bronwyn 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundEmpathy is an important characteristic to possess for healthcare professionals. It has been found to improve communication between professionals and patients and to improve clinical health outcomes. The Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE) was developed to measure this quality and has been used extensively, and psychometrically appraised, with a variety of cohorts and in different cultural environments. However, no study has been undertaken to systematically examine the methodological quality of studies which have assessed psychometric factors of the JSE. This systematic review will examine the quality of published papers that have reported on psychometric factors of the JSE.MethodsA systematic review of studies which report on the psychometric properties of the JSE will be conducted. We will use a predefined search strategy to identify studies meeting the following eligibility criteria: original data is reported on for at least one of the psychometric measurement properties described in the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) Risk of Bias checklist, examines the JSE in a healthcare cohort (using the student, physician or health profession versions of the JSE), and is published from January 2001 and in the English language. Conference abstracts, editorials and grey literature will be excluded. Six electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, PsychInfo, PubMed, Web of Science and CINAHL) will be systematically searched for articles meeting these criteria and studies will be assessed for eligibility by two review authors. The methodological quality of included papers will be examined using the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist.DiscussionA narrative description of the findings will be presented along with summary tables. Recommendations for use of the JSE with various cohorts and circumstances will be offered which may inform future research in this field.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42018111412
A perspective on graph theory-based stability analysis of impulsive stochastic recurrent neural networks with time-varying delays
Authors: Iswarya M. , Raja R. , Rajchakit G. , Cao J. , Alzabut J. , Huang C. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn this work, the exponential stability problem of impulsive recurrent neural networks is investigated; discrete time delay, continuously distributed delay and stochastic noise are simultaneously taken into consideration. In order to guarantee the exponential stability of our considered recurrent neural networks, two distinct types of sufficient conditions are derived on the basis of the Lyapunov functional and coefficient of our given system and also to construct a Lyapunov function for a large scale system a novel graph-theoretic approach is considered, which is derived by utilizing the Lyapunov functional as well as graph theory. In this approach a global Lyapunov functional is constructed which is more related to the topological structure of the given system. We present a numerical example and simulation figures to show the effectiveness of our proposed work.
Discordant transmission of bacteria and viruses from mothers to babies at birth
Authors: Maqsood Rabia , Rodgers Rachel , Rodriguez Cynthia , Handley Scott A. , Ndao I. Malick , Tarr Phillip I. , Warner Barbara B. , Lim Efrem S. , Holtz Lori R. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe earliest microbial colonizers of the human gut can have life-long consequences for their hosts. Precisely how the neonatal gut bacterial microbiome and virome are initially populated is not well understood. To better understand how the maternal gut microbiome influences acquisition of the infant gut microbiome, we studied the early life bacterial microbiomes and viromes of 28 infant twin pairs and their mothers.ResultsInfant bacterial and viral communities more closely resemble those of their related co-twin than unrelated infants. We found that 63% of an infant’s bacterial microbiome can be traced to their mother’s gut microbiota. In contrast, only 15% of their viral communities are acquired from their mother. Delivery route did not determine how much of the bacterial microbiome or virome was shared from mother to infant. However, bacteria-bacteriophage interactions were altered by delivery route.ConclusionsThe maternal gut microbiome significantly influences infant gut microbiome acquisition. Vertical transmission of the bacterial microbiome is substantially higher compared to vertical transmission of the virome. However, the degree of similarity between the maternal and infant gut bacterial microbiome and virome did not vary by delivery route. The greater similarity of the bacterial microbiome and virome between twin pairs than unrelated twins may reflect a shared environmental exposure. Thus, differences of the inter-generation transmissibility at birth between the major kingdoms of microbes indicate that the foundation of these microbial communities are shaped by different rules.
Reduction patterns of Japanese encephalitis incidence following vaccine introduction into long-term expanded program on immunization in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Hu Xiao-Ting , Li Qiong-Fen , Ma Chao , Zhao Zhi-Xian , He Li-Fang , Tang Ting-Ting , Yu Wen , Owiti Philip 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a leading cause of childhood viral encephalitis both at global level and in China. Vaccination is recommended as a key strategy to control JE. In China most JE cases have been reported in southwest provinces, which include Yunnan. In this study, we quantify the epidemiological shift of JE in Yunnan Province from 2005 to 2017, covering before and after the introduction of JE vaccination into routine Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in 2007.

Methods
We used routinely collected data in the case-based JE surveillance system from 2005 through 2017 in Yunnan. Cases were reported from hospital and county-level Centers for Disease Control in line with the National JE Surveillance Guideline. Epidemiological data were extracted, analysed and presented in appropriate ways. Immunization coverage was estimated from actual JE doses administered and new births for each year.

Results
A total 4780 JE cases (3077 laboratory-confirmed, 1266 clinical and 437 suspected) were reported in the study period. Incidence of JE (per 100 000 population) increased from 0.95 in 2005 to 1.69 in 2007. With increase in vaccination coverage, incidence rates decreased steadily from 1.16 in 2009 to 0.17 in 2017. However, seasonality remained similar across the years, peaking in June–September. Banna (bordering Myanmar and Laos), Dehong (bordering Myanmar), and Zhaotong (an inland prefecture) had the highest incidence rates of 2.3, 1.9, and 1.6, respectively. 97% of all cases were among local residents. As vaccination coverage increased (and incidence decreased), proportion of JE cases among children < 10 years old decreased from 70% in 2005 to 32% in 2017, while that among adults ≥20 years old increased from 12 to 48%. There were a large number of JE cases with unknown treatment outcomes, especially in the earlier years of the surveillance system.

Conclusions
The 13-year JE surveillance data in Yunnan Province showed dramatic decrease of total incidence and a shift from children to adults. Improving vaccination coverage, including access to adults at risk, and strengthening the JE surveillance system is needed to further control or eliminate JE in the province.
Could Management of Blood Pressure Prevent Dementia in the elderly?
Authors: Mogi Masaki 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundHypertension is one of the most relevant risk factors in vascular aging, stroke and vascular dementia (VD). In the elderly, the prevalence of mixed dementia, which consists of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and VD, is increased. Moreover, disorders of blood vessels are reported to be involved in the onset and progression of AD. Thus, hypertension generally plays an important role in dementia overall.Main TextMid-life hypertension is reported to be related to the incidence of dementia, but it is reported that antihypertensive treatment in aged people cannot prevent the onset and progression of dementia. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is deeply involved in not only hypertension but also lifestyle-related diseases, and may contribute to the pathological mechanism in dementia; thus, RAS regulation is expected to prevent dementia. Small vessel structural changes in lifestyle-related diseases may play a role in dementia in the elderly.ConclusionHere, we discuss the role of blood pressure elevation in dementia and the therapeutic possibility of antihypertensive treatment against dementia.
Turkish version of the Yale Food Addiction Scale: preliminary results of factorial structure, reliability, and construct validity
Authors: Buyuktuncer Zehra , Akyol Aslı , Ayaz Aylin , Nergiz-Unal Reyhan , Aksoy Burcu , Cosgun Erdal , Ozdemir Pınar , Pekcan Gulden , Besler Halit Tanju 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) was established to identify individuals exhibiting signs of addiction towards certain types of food. This study aimed to develop a Turkish version of the Yale Food Addiction Scale and test its psychometric properties.

Methods
The backward translation techniques were used to develop Turkish versions of the YFAS, and its reproducibility was assessed. Turkish version of the YFAS was administered to a total of 1033 participants (439 men and 594 women), aged 19–65 years. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to examine the factorial structure of the tool. Construct validity was assessed by principal component factor analysis with varimax rotation. Reliabilities were estimated with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The criterion-related validity was tested by the administration of Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26) to all participants.

Results
The primary factor loadings for seven items were ranged between 0.45 and 0.79, and no items cross-loaded onto other factors. The fit indices showed that eight items of the YFAS were a good representation of the item responses and each item loaded significantly on the specified factor (p < 0.001 for each). YFAS subscales had a high internal consistency and test–retest reliability. The criterion-related validity of the tool showed a positive relationship with scales of the EAT-26.

Conclusion
Current study suggested that the Turkish version of the YFAS is a reliable, valid, and useful tool for assessing the signs of food addiction in a non-clinical sample.
Use of a “critical difference” statistical criterion improves the predictive utility of the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index score in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Behrens Frank , Koehm Michaela , Schwaneck Eva C. , Schmalzing Marc , Gnann Holger , Greger Gerd , Tony Hans-Peter , Burkhardt Harald 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) is used to assess functional status in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the change required for meaningful improvements remains unclear. A minimum clinically important difference (MCID) of 0.22 is frequently used in RA trials. The aim of this study was to determine a statistically defined critical difference for HAQ-DI (HAQ-DI-dcrit) and evaluate its association with therapeutic outcomes.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from adult German patients with RA enrolled in a multicenter observational trial in which they received adalimumab therapy at the decision of the treating clinician during routine clinical care. The HAQ-DI-dcrit, defined as the minimum change that can be reliably discriminated from random long-term variations in patients on stable therapy, was determined by evaluating intra-individual variation in patient scores. Other outcomes of interest included Disease Activity Score-28 joints and patient-reported pain and fatigue.ResultsThe HAQ-DI-dcritwas calculated as an improvement (decrease) from baseline of 0.68 in a discovery cohort (N = 1645) of RA patients on stable therapy and with moderate disease activity (mean DAS28 [standard deviation] of 4.4 [1.6]). In the full patient cohort (N = 2740), 22.1% of patients achieved a HAQ-DI-dcritimprovement at month 6. Compared with patients with a small improvement in HAQ-DI (decrease of ≥0.22 to < 0.68) or no improvement (< 0.22), patients achieving a HAQ-DI-dcritat month 6 had better therapeutic outcomes at months 12 and 24, including stable functional improvements. Change in pain was the most important predictor of HAQ-DI improvement during the first 6 months of therapy.ConclusionsA HAQ-DI-dcritof 0.68 is a reliable measure of functional improvement. This measure may be useful in routine clinical care and clinical trials.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT01076205. Registered on February 26, 2010 (retrospectively registered).
Apsu — A new compact surface nuclear magnetic resonance system for groundwater investigation
Authors: Larsen Jakob Juul , Liu Lichao , Grombacher Denys , Osterman Gordon , Auken Esben 
Published: December 2019

Surface nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is emerging as a competitive method for aquifer exploration due to its direct sensitivity to subsurface water, but the method still has several shortcomings, for example, a signal-to-noise ratio that is often poor, long survey times, and bulky equipment. We have developed Apsu, a new surface NMR system designed for near-surface groundwater investigations. It provides several features such as a compact transmitter unit, separated, small receiver coils, wireless connections between multiple receivers, quasi-zero dead time, and robust phase determination. The transmitter unit is powered by a lightweight generator, and it drives a triangular current in an untuned [Formula: see text] transmitter coil. The peak current of the triangular waveform is up to 145 A, with an effective peak current of 105 A at a Larmor frequency of 2 kHz, corresponding to a 30 m depth of investigation. The frequency and amplitude in each half-oscillation of the transmit pulses can be modulated independently, which gives great flexibility in the pulse design. The receiver uses low-noise preamplifiers and multiple receivers linked to a central unit through Wi-Fi. The use of small receiver coils and wireless connections to multichannel receivers greatly improves the layout configuration flexibility and survey efficiency. The performance of the system under field conditions is demonstrated with high-quality data collected near Silkeborg, Denmark, using on-resonance and numerically optimized modulation pulses.
Forcing contacts between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum extends lifespan in a Drosophila model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Garrido-Maraver Juan , Loh Samantha H. Y. , Martins L. Miguel 
Published: December 2019

Eukaryotic cells are complex systems containing internal compartments with specialised functions. Among these compartments, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays a major role in processing proteins for modification and delivery to other organelles, whereas mitochondria generate energy in the form of ATP. Mitochondria and the ER form physical interactions, defined as mitochondria-ER contact sites (MERCs) to exchange metabolites such as calcium ions (Ca2+) and lipids. Sites of contact between mitochondria and the ER can regulate biological processes such as ATP generation and mitochondrial division. The interactions between mitochondria and the ER are dynamic and respond to the metabolic state of cells. Changes in MERCs have been linked to metabolic pathologies such as diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and sleep disruption.
Here we explored the consequences of increasing contacts between mitochondria and the ER in flies using a synthetic linker. We showed that enhancing MERCs increases locomotion and extends lifespan. We also showed that, in a Drosophila model of Alzheimer's disease linked to toxic amyloid beta (Aβ), linker expression can suppress motor impairment and extend lifespan. We conclude that strategies for increasing contacts between mitochondria and the ER may improve symptoms of diseases associated with mitochondria dysfunction.
Rhinovirus 2A is the key protease responsible for instigating the early block to gene expression in infected cells
Authors: Smart David , Filippi Irene , Blume Cornelia , Smalley Benjamin , Davies Donna , McCormick Christopher J. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) express 2 cysteine proteases, 2A and 3C, that are responsible for viral polyprotein processing. Both proteases also suppress host gene expression by inhibiting mRNA transcription, nuclear export and cap-dependent translation. However, the relative contribution that each makes in achieving this goal remains unclear. In this study, we have compared both the combined and individual ability of the two proteases to shut down cellular gene expression using a novel dynamic reporter system. Our findings show that 2A inhibits host gene expression much more rapidly than 3C. By comparing the activities of a representative set of proteases from the three different HRV species, we also find variation in the speed at which host gene expression is suppressed. Our work highlights the key role that 2A plays in early suppression of the infected host cell response and shows that this can be influenced by natural variation in the activity of this enzyme.
Cyclic uniaxial mechanical stretching of cells using a LEGO® parts-based mechanical stretcher system
Authors: Boulter Etienne , Tissot Floriane S. , Dilly Julien , Pisano Sabrina , Féral Chloé C. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
Mechanical cues are essential for the regulation of cell and tissue physiology. Hence, it has become an utmost necessity for cell biologists to account for those mechanical parameters when investigating biological processes and they need devices to manipulate cells accordingly. Here, we report a simple mechanical cell-stretching system that can generate uniaxial cyclic mechanical stretch on cells in tissue culture. This system is based upon a low-cost battery-powered uniaxial cyclic mechanical stretcher exclusively built out of LEGO® parts combined with a stretchable poly(dimethylsiloxane) tissue culture plate in order to grow and stretch cells. We characterize the system and show that it can be used in a wide variety of downstream applications, including immunofluorescence, western blotting and biochemical assays. We also illustrate how this system can be useful in a study as we investigated the behavior of integrin adhesion complexes upon cell stretching. We therefore present a cost-effective, multipurpose cell-stretching system that should help to increase understanding of mechanical signaling.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.