bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of the grade/price of and thickness of cigarette on the PM2.5 concentration of smoke
Authors: Ji Shengzhe , Liu Zhen , Sha Yuxue , Wang Yiwen , Wang Qaing , Liu Peng 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Due to lower tar and nicotine, high grade/price and slim cigarette are believed as “safe cigarette” and cause less tobacco smoke pollution (TSP) advocated by cigarette producers. However, cigarette smokes comprise thousands of harmful constituents, only two substances cannot represent TSP. Then in this study, we wanted to discover if the grade/price and thickness of cigarette affect TSP.Methods: Slim (S) and regular (R) cigarette with different grades/prices were selected to investigate TSP via measurement PM2.5 in a closed chamber (1 m3). Sidestream smoke was collected through cigarette combustion. Mainstream smoke was collected using piston-operated smoking machine. Results: In sidestream smoke, cigarette grade/price did not affect PM2.5 of R or S cigarette. But in mainstream smoke, grade/price acted discrepancy roles in different thickness cigarette. In R cigarette, PM2.5 of lowest grade/price (R5) was lowest. While in S cigarette, PM2.5 of lowest grade/price (S5) was highest. Cigarette thickness obviously affected PM2.5. PM2.5 of R cigarette was 116% higher than S cigarette in sidestream. In mainstream smoke, magnification was down to 31%, despite PM2.5 of R cigarette was also higher.Conclusions: Irrespective of sidestream or mainstream smoke, the grade/price of cigarette did not obviously affect PM2.5. But which was significantly influenced by cigarette thickness. Although S cigarette PM2.5 was significantly lower than R cigarette, it cannot mean that S cigarette was less harmful. Because harmfulness of smoke was not only affected by cigarette but also by smoker inhale habits. It needs further experiments to evaluate the harmfulness of slim cigarette.
Disease progression modelling from preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to AD dementia
Authors: Cho Soo Hyun , Woo Sookyoung , Kim Changsoo , Kim Hee Jin , Jang Hyemin , Kim Byeong C. , Kim Si Eun , Kim Seung Joo , Kim Jun Pyo , Jung Young Hee , Lockhart Samuel , Ossenkoppele Rik , Landau Susan , Na Duk L. , Weiner Michael , Kim Seonwoo , Seo Sang Won 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: To characterize the course of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) over a longer time interval, we aimed to construct a disease course model for the entire span of the disease using two separate cohorts ranging from preclinical AD to AD dementia. Methods: We used longitudinal data from 127 participants with preclinical AD and 309 participants with mild cognitive impairments (MCI) due to AD from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. In order to develop a model of progression from preclinical AD to AD dementia, we estimated Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale 13 (ADAS-cog 13) scores according to the follow-up time for each cohort, determined the time point at which the estimated scores of ADAS-cog 13 for the two cohorts first overlapped, and shifted the ADAS-cog 13 scores for the latter cohort at this time point to connect the two cohorts and to combine the data into a single unified progression course. Results: The estimated years for progression from the median ADAS-cog 13 score in the preclinical AD cohort (9.3 points) to the median ADAS-cog 13 score at the time of progression in the participants who progressed from preclinical AD to MCI due to AD (16.0 points) was 7.8 years. The estimated years for progression from preclinical AD to the median ADAS-cog 13 score at the time of progression in those who progressed from MCI to due AD to AD dementia (26.8 points) was 15.2 years. ADAS-cog 13 scores deteriorated most rapidly in female APOE ε4 carriers and most slowly in male APOE ε4 non-carriers ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our results suggest that disease progression modelling from preclinical AD to AD dementia may help clinicians to estimate where patients are in the disease course and provide information on variation in the disease course by sex and APOE ε4 status.
A genetic variant in the promoter of lncRNA MALAT1 is related to susceptibility of ischemic stroke
Authors: wang yan , Gu Xi-Xi , Huang Hua-Tuo , Liu Chun-Hong , Wei Gui-Jiang , Wei Ye-Sheng 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript-1 (MALAT1) was aberrantly expressed in diverse diseases including ischemic stroke (IS). This study aimed to investigate the association between MALAT1 polymorphism and IS risk. We performed the genotyping of rs600231, rs1194338, rs4102217 and rs591291 in the promoter of MALAT1 by SNPscan method. Quantitative PCR was used to determine the levels of MALAT1 relative expression. We found the rs1194338 C>A variant in MALAT1 promoter was associated with IS risk (AC vs. CC: adjusted OR = 0.623, 95% CI, 0.417-0.932, P = 0.021; AA vs. CC: adjusted OR = 0.474, 95% CI, 0.226-0.991, P = 0.047; AC/AA vs. CC: adjusted OR = 0.596, 95% CI, 0.406-0.874, P = 0.008; A vs. C adjusted OR = 0.658, 95% CI, 0.487-0.890, P = 0.007). The IS patients showed higher expression levels of MALAT1 compared with the control group ( P < 0.05), but patients with AC/AA genotypes of rs1194338 have no significant difference compared to CC genotype ( P > 0.05). In addition, no significant differences were observed in blood lipid levels among SNPs of MALAT1 ( P > 0.05). These results suggest that the rs1194338 AC/AA genotypes may be a protective factor for IS, which mechanism needs to be further explored.
A novel Tweak/ Stat1/ Snhg3 positive feedback circuit contributes to the glial cell activation in temporal lobe epilepsy mice
Authors: Chen Li , Shi Rui , Zhang Xin , Hou Chen , Zhang Xiaohui , Chong Li , Yuan Rui , Li Rui 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Gliosis is an important feature of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), but the regulatory mechanism of glial cell activation remains unclear. Small nucleolar RNA host gene 3 (Snhg3) has been reported to be involved in cell proliferation and migration in various cancers. However, its role in the development of TLE has been hardly explored. Here, we established a mouse TLE model by injecting intraperitoneally with pilocarpine, and found that Tweak expression was significantly induced in TLE mice. Inhibiting Tweak expression by the injection of siRNA notably rescued the glial cell activation, neuroinflammatory cytokine secretion and cognitive behavior disorder in TLE mice. Molecular mechanism studies showed that cell proliferation, migration, inflammatory factor secretion, Stat1 pathway activation and Snhg3 expression were promoted after we incubated Tweak recombinant protein (rTweak) with mouse astrocytes (MAs). The Tweak neutralizing antibody (anti-Tweak) showed the opposite effect to that of rTweak. In subsequent researches, we found that Stat1 directly bound to Snhg3 promoter and they elevated the expression of each other. Moreover, both of them boosted cell proliferation, migration, inflammatory factor secretion and Tweak expression. Thus, we found a feedback regulation loop consisting of Tweak/Fn14, Stat1/ p-Stat1 and Snhg3 in the MAs, which increased cell activation. In vivo experiment demonstrated that the reduction of Snhg3 inhibited glial cell activation induced by TLE, and Tweak/Stat1/Snhg3 feedback circuit also existed in TLE mice. In short, our research testified a feedback regulation loop consisting of Tweak/Stat1/Snhg3, which was involved in the activation of hippocampal glial cells in TLE mice.
Dysfunctional cerebrovascular tone contributes to cognitive impairment in a non-obese rat model of prediabetic challenge: Role of suppression of autophagy and modulation by anti-diabetic drugs
Authors: Fakih Walaa Kamel , Mroueh Ali , Salah Houssein F. , Eid Ali , Obeid Makram F. , Kobeissy Firas F. , Darwish Hala , El-Yazbi Ahmed F. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Early stages of metabolic dysfunction, including prediabetes, pose a high risk for cardiovascular and cognitive impairment. While several pathological mechanisms linked advanced manifestations of metabolic deterioration, such as hypoglycemia, to neuronal inflammation and cognitive decline, little is known about the detrimental processes in effect at the early stages. To address this gap, we used a non-obese rat model of prediabetes developed in our laboratory. After 12 weeks of mild hypercaloric feeding, these rats developed hyperinsulinemia and increased fat/lean ratio without an increase in blood glucose level or body weight. These rats showed vascular dysfunction manifested as exaggerated contractility as a consequence of perivascular adipose inflammation. In this study, the mild metabolic challenge was associated with impaired hippocampal-dependent cognitive functions, spatial learning and memory and spontaneous object recognition. In line with our previous findings in this model, prediabetic rats had an augmented cerebrovascular myogenic tone demonstrated as an increased pressure-evoked contraction in pressure myography experiments on rat middle cerebral artery segments. The presumed brain hypoperfusion was accompanied by increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1a in the hippocampus, together with markers of mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress. In parallel, increased p62 expression and LC3 puncta in the prediabetic rat hippocampus, as well as increased Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin phosphorylation indicated a possible repression of autophagic flux. Consequently, the examination of the hippocampal CA1 area revealed increased CD68 and IBA-1 staining consistent with microglial activation and neuroinflammation, in addition to increased TUNEL staining and caspase-3 activity indicative of elevated neuronal apoptosis. Interestingly, a two-week treatment with non-hypoglycemic doses of metformin or pioglitazone, previously shown to improve adipose inflammation and vascular function, reversed the cerebrovascular and molecular alterations in the hippocampus. This was associated with an amelioration of cognitive function. The results of the present study indicate that early metabolic challenge leads to cerebrovascular alteration potentially leading to hippocampal hypoxia and mitochondrial dysfunction. Together with suppression of autophagy, these effects culminate in hippocampal inflammation and apoptosis possibly underlying the cognitive impairment.
Screening hypoxia-related genes as prognostic biomarkers and modeling the individualized prognostic predictor in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Guo Hao , Zhang Jun Yan , Lv Shu Jing , Wang Zhi , Zhang Wei Wei , Liu Kun Li , Cheng Yan , Zhou Jing 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Hypoxia closely relates to malignant progression and appears to be prognostic for outcome in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our research aims to mine the Hypoxic related genes (HRGs) on the role of clinical prognosis in HCC. Moreover, we construct and define a model of prognostic predictor (PP) to estimate and improve prognosis of HCC patients.Results 37 differentially expressed HRGs were obtained. It contained 28 up-regulated and 9 down-regulated genes. After the univariate Cox regression model analysis, we obtained 27 prognosis-related HRGs. Of these, 25 genes were risk factors for cancer and 2 genes were protective factors. The PP was composed of the 10 key genes (HDLBP, SAP30, PFKP, DPYSL4, SLC2A1, PGK1, ERO1A, LDHA, ENO2, TPI1), and significantly divided patients of HCC into high- and low-risk groups according to overall survival (OS) ( P <0.001). We got the Area Under Curve(AUC) value of risk score calculated by PP was 0.777, which much bigger than other clinical parameters. Besides, PP was verified as an independent prognosis-related parameter (in univariate analyse, HR=1.484, 95% CI=1.342–1.642, P<0.001; in multivariate analyse, HR=1.414, 95% CI=1.258–1.588, P <0.001). Finally, the application of PP in clinic was concluded that the higher the patient's risk score, the higher the corresponding tumor stage and T stage, and the patient's prognosis was poor.Conclusions This study provides hypoxic related molecular targets for the therapeutic intervention. In addition, an individualized prognostic predictor was constructed to predict prognosis for HCC patients .
Delayed Laser photocoagulation following intravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor injection allows immature retinal vessels to regrow without recurrence of retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Nam Ki Yup , Lee Ji Eun , Lee Joo Eun , Kim Hyun Wong , Lee Sang Joon 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Purpose: The effects of delayed laser photocoagulation (LP) for ROP patients who received intravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor injections (IVAs) on peripheral vascularization and disease recurrence in ROP patients. Methods: A total of 26 consecutive infant eyes of 14 patients who received IVA treatments were retrospectively investigated. The patients were divided into two groups depending on the initial treatment as follows: IVA group and prompt LP group. Recurrence of ROP, growth of the retinal vessels, and associated complications were evaluated. Results: There were 16 eyes in the IVA group and 10 eyes in the LP group. In the IVA group, delayed LP was performed in six eyes due to recurrences of ROP. In 16 eyes of the IVA group, the retinal vessels grew upto Zone III in eyes received IVA only. Among the IVA groups, Delayed LP was needed in six eyes due to ROP recurrence following IVA. Delayed LP was performed average 7~8 weeks after IVA, which could give the immature neurovascular tissues time to continue vascular development upto Zone II without further ROP recurrence. However, the prompt LP group did not show vessel development beyond the laser scar. Conclusions: Delayed LP following IVA might provide a chance for retinal vessel development in the immature retina to continue without unexpected ROP recurrences.
Exploring the risk of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome- coronavirus among expatriate healthcare workers. A comparative epidemiological study of Saudi Arabian and South Korean healthcare workers
Authors: Qureshi Mohammed Owais , Chughtai Abrar , Seale Holly 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background In comparison to South Korea, which was able to contain the outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus (MERS-CoV) in 2015, new cases are still emerging in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Arabian healthcare sector, which is dependent on the expatriate workforce to cater to its growing local healthcare demands, has been reporting multiple healthcare-associated MERS-CoV outbreaks since 2012. In this paper, we compare the epidemiology of MERS-CoV among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Saudi Arabia and South Korea and to ascertain the risks of MERS-CoV among expatriate HCWs. Methods Data were collected from publicly available resources such as World Health Organization and health department websites. A line list of all reported cases of MERS-CoV among HCWs in Saudi Arabia and South Korea was prepared and analysed. Results Among the total infected HCWs in Saudi Arabia, 84.6% (n=192/227) were expatriates. The mean age of infected HCWs in both settings was similar (Saudi Arabia 38 years, South Korea 39 years). Female HCWs were more likely to be infected, while male HCWs were more likely to die. In Saudi Arabia, 36.5% (n= 68/186) of HCWs with MERS-CoV were asymptomatic, compared to 7% (n=2/28) HCWs in South Korea. Most of the expatriate HCWs in Saudi Arabia were asymptomatic (78%, n=53/68) to MERS-CoV. Unlike South Korea, in Saudi Arabia, a diversity of HCWs other than doctors, and nurses were also infected with MERS-CoV. Conclusions A high proportion of expatriate HCWs were infected with MERS-CoV in Saudi Arabia which highlights the need for adequate training and education in this group about emerging infectious diseases and the appropriate strategies to prevent acquisition. Also, we did not find any policy statements restricting the contact of HCWs, vulnerable to MERS-CoV like pregnant HCW, HCWs over the age 60, HCWs with underlying comorbidity etc, from getting in proximity with a suspected or potential MERS-CoV infected patient. Policy development in this regard should be a priority, to contain healthcare-associated transmission of emerging and remerging infectious diseases like MERS-CoV. Further studies should be conducted to determine social, cultural and other factors contributing to high infection rate among expatriate HCWs.
The efficacy of two different doses of hepatitis B immunoglobulin in interrupting mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fu Shan , Yao NaiJuan , Feng YaLi , Li Juan , Wu YuChao , Tian Zhen , Yang Yuan , Yan TaoTao , Chen Yaolong , Zhao Yingren , Chen Tianyan , Liu Jinfeng 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: There isn’t consensus about the optimal dose of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) in combination with hepatitis B vaccine to preventing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus(HBV).Methods: We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library from database inception to Jan 16, 2019 for studies. The primary outcome was HBsAg and/or HBV DNA positive in infants at 6-12 months old. We performed a meta-analysis with a random-effects model to calculate a pooled estimate of MTCT.Results: We included 31 studies, comprising of 12151 infants. There wasn't significant differences in the pooled MTCT rates between 100 IU HBIG group and 200 IU HBIG group (5% vs 5%, P = 0.757). When further stratified according to HBeAg status, in HBeAg(+) mothers, 7% (95%CI 4%-11%) infants became chronic HBV infection in 100 IU HBIG group compared to 7% (95%CI 5%-9%）in 200 IU group. The rates were 1% (95%CI 0%-2%) in 100IU group and 0% (95%CI 0%-1%) in 200IU group in infants born to HBeAg(-) mothers, respectively. When further comparing MTCT in infants from mothers with HBV DNA≥1×10^6 IU/mL, the pooled MTCT rate was 12% (95%CI 7%-17%) in 100IU group and 8% (95%CI 5%-13%) in 200IU group, respectively. In addition, comparative analysis of four studies concerning two different dosages of HBIG further manifested the comparability.Conclusion: 100 IU HBIG is sufficient in preventing MTCT for infants from chronic hepatitis B infected mothers, regardless of maternal HBeAg status or viral load.
Further report on the higher frequency of withdrawal as contraception among Iranian women: demand for more powerful education programs in health care systems
Authors: Karami Fatemeh , Gholami Fatemeh , Ghasemi Asemeh 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Family planning has critical role in improvement of various aspects of community health. Owing to the limited and incomplete previously performed studies, the present work was conducted to determine the frequency of contraception methods and most important factors in selection of them among women of Tehran province.Methods: The present assay was designed as analytical and observational cross-sectional study. A questionnaire including 24 questions was filled for 395 women (18-40 years old) refereed to multiple private clinics in three selected strict of Tehran. Questions were designed in order to address the type of contraception method besides multiple social, economic and cultural factors which may affect the selection and demographic characteristics of enrolled samples.Results: The frequency of the type of contraceptive methods was significantly different among women in different age categories (p-value=0.01). Overall rate of using contraceptive methods was 75.2% while remaining of the participants believed in no need for contraception. The most prevalent contraceptive methods were traditional methods (55.9%), modern methods (29.1%), combination of methods (8.1%) and surgery methods (6.8%), respectively. Status of housing was the only factor among economic issues which was meaningfully associated with the selection of the method. Conclusion: High prevalence of natural contraceptive methods even among highly educated women is relying on the demand for more education regarding the selection of best methods based on the background information, obstetrics history, age and economic status of women. Results of the present study can be implicated in further health programs to improve family planning.
Frequency and predictors of the Lupus Low Disease Activity State in Chinese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Gao Dai , Hao Yanjie , Mu Lin , Xie Wenhui , Fan Yong , Ji Lanlan , Zhang Zhuoli 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder with significant risk of organ damage. Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) was generated as a potential treatment target for SLE. Previous studies had validated that the maintenance of LLDAS can predict reduced damage accrual or flare. The objective of this study was to estimate the time to LLDAS and the predictors of time to LLDAS in our prospective observational cohort of Chinese patients with SLE. Methods Patients were from Peking University First Hospital SLE cohort and those having not fulfilled LLDAS at enrolment were included in this study. The time to LLDAS and annual cumulative probabilities of LLDAS achievement were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier approach. The predictors of time to LLDAS were identified by univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards. Results A total of 574 patients with SLE were included and 435 (75.8%) of them achieved LLDAS during a median 4.2 years of follow-up. The median time to LLDAS was 19.0 months and the cumulative probabilities at 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 years were 19.8%, 57.6%, 72.0%, 85.1% and 98.0%, respectively. In multivariable Cox models, older age at disease onset, treatment-naïve and hydroxychloroquine prescription were found to be independent predictors of shorter time to LLDAS, after adjusted by daily prednisone dose, SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 and physician’s global assessment. Finally, we developed a matrix model based on the identified independent predictors to present the time to LLDAS in patients with respective characteristics. Conclusions Our study proved that LLDAS is attainable as an early treatment target for SLE in Chinese patients. The older age at disease onset, treatment-naïve and hydroxychloroquine prescription were independent predictors of shorter time to LLDAS.
Gestational and age-specific cystatin C reference intervals for newborns in China
Authors: Tong Chao , Liu Yalan , Wu Yanqiu , Li Qiong , Wu Yipin , Wang Lin , Chen Yan 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Backgroud : To establish reference values of serum cystatin C (CysC) in Chinese newborn infants. Methods: Serum CysC levels were measured in 1919 blood samples from 1044 newborns during their first 28 days of life. CysC levels were analyzed for association between subgroups dichotomized by postnatal age (PA) and gestational age (GA). Reference intervals of serum CysC were determined according to the PA and GA. The association between serum CysC level and other biochemical parameters as well as perinatal factors were also analyzed. Results: In this study, the mean GA was 35.75±2.90 weeks and birth weight was 2613.77±696.72 g. Reference ranges of serum CysC were determined and a general decreasing trend of CysC levels was observed as GA increased. CysC levels differed significantly among the PA and GA groups (P＜0.001). Serum CysC levels were relatively stable throughout GA, except being impacted by white blood cell count within postnatal 24 hours. Moreover, their levels always correlated positively with serum creatinine concentrations (P<0.001). Conclusion: The reference level of serum CysC should be determined according to PA and GA. In contrast to creatinine, serum CysC is a dependable index for assessing renal function in neonate, for there are rare factors influencing it.