bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activating organ’s immunizing power against COVID–19–learning from SARS
Authors: Wang Yi , Xia Chuanxin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Coronaviruses cause respiratory diseases in many animals, including humans. Spike protein is an important component of coronavirus structure and the formation of ACE2 (angiotensin converting enzyme 2)–spike complex mediates virus entry to host cells. C–type lectin family are widely distribute on the surface of human cells and have been shown to activate the immune system. In this article, we first illustrate why we can “learn from SARS” with phylogenetic analysis. Then, we use SARS spike protein structure, to inferring our molecular docking experiment, revealing the potential capacity of C–type lectin to directly interact with spike protein obstructs the formation of spike–ACE2 complex. Considering the expression profile of C–type lectin family changing significantly during infection, we predict certain members of this kind of protein as potential therapeutic target and verify their assumed function by inferring an C–type lectin–dependent CD4/CD28 T cell survival molecular network with endogenous molecular network theory (EMT) and comparing the predicted expression trend corresponding to each molecular with experiment data. Methods Alignments are inferred by MAFFT V7 ( G–ins–i, Blosom). Maximum likelihood analyses and bootstrap test carried out by RAXML V8.2 ML+BP online platform. Protein structure is predicted by SWISSMODELLING online platform. Molecular docking experiment is carried out by Z–dock Version 3.0.2. C–type lectin–dependent CD4/CD28 T cell Network is inferred by EMT theory. Result Our molecular docking experiment revealing the potential capacity of C–type lectin to directly interact with spike protein obstructs the formation of spike–ACE2 complex. Based on the expression profile of C–type lectin family during infection, we predicting certain member of this kind of protein as potential therapeutic target such as Clec7a, Clec12a and Clec11a, corresponding immune cell types such as CD4/CD28 T cell simulated by EMT theory and verified by experiment data, antigen adjuvant with similar C–type lectin receptor–TDM and some immune–boosting drugs–radix sophorae, lactoferrin and Astragalus membranaceus, for future testing. Conclusions C–type lectin and their corresponding immune cells predicted in this work may be the potential therapeutic targets for the disease caused by COVID–19. C–lectin with the capacity of directly interact with spike protein inhibiting the formation of ACE2–spike complex may be the way they execute anti–virus function. The corresponding cell type such as CD4/CD28 T cell may participate and against virus while Clec7a, Clec12a and Clec11a presumed capacity for facilitating CD4/CD28 T cell survival during infection being verified by EMT combining with experiment data. Our prediction at least suggest the possibility of activating organ’s immunizing power to prevent from COVID–19 and the drugs we suggested are all need to be further tested. Trial registration Retrospectively registered. Keywords C–type lectin, spike protein, coronavirus, COVID–19, TDM.
LPL methylation of peripheral blood leukocytes - Prophet of atherothrombotic stroke
Authors: Xiao Minjia , Xiao Zhijie 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is a glycoprotein enzyme playing a pivotal role in energy and lipoprotein metabolism. It hydrolyzes triglyceride-rich lipoprotein and produces fatty acids as well as monoacylglycerol. Multiple risk factors including age, sex, hypertension, smoking and hyperlipidemia contribute to ischemic stroke (IS). Hyperlipidemia is an extremely pivotal risk factor for ischemic stroke especially atherothrombotic stroke (ATS) in that it can lead to intracranial or extracranial vessels’ atherosclerosis analogous to atherosclerosis of coronary artery. However, potential epigenetic mechanisms contributing to IS are not been explored thoroughly. The aim of this study was to illuminate relationship among individuals’ peripheral blood leukocytes methylation level of LPL-promoter-CpG dinucleotides, serum lipid and ATS of Chinese Han population in Hunan Province. Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from acute atherothrombotic stroke patients and healthy people, and methylation level of cytosine–phosphate–guanine (CpG) island in LPL promoter region was measured by qPCR and pyrosequencing. Biochemical and anthropometric variables have also been taken into consideration.Results: Integral LPL-promoter-CpG dinucleotides methylation level of case group is evidently higher than control group (38.8±8.4% percentile vs 25.7±6.6% percentile, P value=0.000). DNA methylation at the CpG9~16 locus and CpG20~21 locus was related to ATS after adjusting for gender, previous history of diabetes and hypertension, smoking, drinking, body mass index, and blood lipid levels(CpG9 49.3±24.9, 31.3±13.6, P value =0.02; CpG10 61.3±24.5, 34.0±18.4, P value =0.002; CpG11 71.3±17.3, 32.0±21.1, P value =0.000; CpG12 75.3±17.7, 44.7±19.6, P value =0.000; CpG13 72.0±20.4, 50.0±25.4, P value =0.014; CpG14 63.3±18.0, 45.3±22.0, P value =0.021; CpG15 56.7±13.5, 34.7±14.6, P value =0.000; CpG16 50.0±12.5, 31.3±20.0, P value =0.005; CpG20 52.0±13.2, 27.3±20.9, P value =0.001; CpG21 55.3±11.9, 34.0±22.3, P value =0.004). There is no statistically significant connection between either carotid atherosclerosis or gender and methylation level. Besides, we found a negative association between LPL methylation status and HDL-C levels, whereas LPL gene methylation was linked with LDL-C levels and age positively.Conclusion: We illustrate that epigenetic modification of LPL methylation may have an influence on lipids metabolism and occurrence of ATS, which may be a promising indicator for occurrence risk of ischemic stroke. Whether these findings are valid need further warrant and future prospective.
Factors affecting the implementation of the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) for reproductive health during crisis: the case of Eritrean refugees in northern Ethiopia
Authors: Kahsay Alemayehu Bayray , Haftu Alemshet Teshale , Nigusse Afewerki Tesfahunegn 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) is a series of crucial actions required to respond to reproductive health needs at the onset of every humanitarian crisis. Moreover, MISP is a coordinated priority activity to prevent and manage the consequences of sexual violence; prevent excess maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality; reduce HIV transmission; and plan for comprehensive RH services beginning in the early days and weeks of an emergency. During conflicts, natural disasters and public health emergencies, sexual and reproductive health needs are often overlooked. Women and girls may lose access to family planning services, exposing them to unintended pregnancy in dangerous conditions. Women and girls also become more vulnerable to sexual violence, exploitation and HIV infection. In this article we document the practices and factors associated with availability and implementation of services as measured by the MISP for reproductive health in the Eritrean refugee camp, Northwestern zone of Tigray, Ethiopia. Methods: we conducted an institution based cross sectional study from October 07- 30, 2019 among female reproductive age groups (15-49yrs) who arrived and lived in the refugee camp from June 01 to October 07, 2019. A systematic random sampling method was applied to recruit 422 participants. We collected the data through face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Binary Logistic regression was applied to assess factors associated with MISP implementation. Results: About 38% of the refugees utilized Minimum Initial Service Package of reproductive health during their stay in the camp. Factors like age of 15–24 years [AOR = 0.38(95% CI,0.20-0.73)], being rural residents in home country [AOR =0 .53(95% CI,0.34-0.83], short time length of stay in the refugee camp [AOR = 0 .56(95% CI,0.33-0.95)] were negative predictors, while previous exposure to health information[ AOR = 2.24(95% CI1.44-3.48)] was a positive predictor of MISP services utilization among the refugees in the reproductive age. Conclusion: The MISP of reproductive health utilization in the refugee camp is relatively high . Previous information on reproductive health helped the refugees in utilizing the service, while a short stay in the refugee camp, being rural residents in their home country and being young age were barriers to utilization of MISP of RH. Strengthening and introducing sexual and reproductive health services for the youth during early crisis would prevent morbidity in refugees. Key words: MISP, RH, Eritrean Refugee camp, Ethiopia
Prognostic and predictive value of a mRNA signature in peripheral T-cell lymphomas: a mRNA expression analysis
Authors: Tu Jiannan , Kuang Zhixing , Xie Xiaoliang , Wu Shizhen , Wu Ting , Chen Shengchi 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Current international prognostic index is widely questioned on the risk stratification of peripheral T-cell lymphoma and do not accurately predict the outcome for patients. We postulated that multiple mRNAs could combined into a single model to improve risk stratification and to guide Clinicians implementing personalized therapeutic regimen for these patients. Methods: The gene expression profiles with clinical characteristics were selected and downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to screening genes in selected module which most closely related to PTCLs. Then build a gene classifier using a Lasso Cox Regression model and validated the prognostic accuracy of this mRNA signature in an internal validation cohort. Finally, a prognostic nomogram was constructed and performance was assessed by calibration plot and the concordance index (C-index). Results: 799 WGCNA-selected mRNAs in black module were identified and a mRNA signature which based on DOCK2, GSTM1, H2AFY, KCNAB2, LAPTM5 and SYK for PTCLs was developed. Significantly statistical difference can be seen in overall survival of PTCLs between low risk group and high risk group(training set :hazard ratio [HR] 4.3, 95% CI 2.4–7.4, p<0·0001; internal testing set :hazard ratio [HR] 2.4, 95% CI 1.2–4.8, p<0·01).Multivariate regression demonstrated that the signature was an independently prognostic factor contrast to age and gender. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that this signature exhibited excellent diagnostic efficiency for overall survival. Moreover, the nomogram which combined the six-genes risk signature and multiple clinical factors suggesting that predicted survival probability agreed well with the actual survival probability. Conclusions: The signature is a reliable prognostic tool for patients with PTCLs and it has the potential for clinicians to implement personalized therapeutic regimen for patients with stage PTCLs.
Availability and affordability of essential medicines and diagnostic tests for diabetes mellitus in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review.
Authors: KIBIRIGE Davis , Sanya Richard E , Sekitoleko Isaac , Katende David , Atuhe David , Milln Jack , Schwartz Jeremy I , Nyirenda Moffat J 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Currently, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is experiencing a steady increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) coupled with a prevailing high burden of communicable diseases. To effectively address this burgeoning burden of DM, optimal access to affordable essential medicines and diagnostic tests for DM in healthcare systems should be prioritised. We conducted a systematic review of the evidence on the availability and affordability of essential medicines and diagnostic tests for DM in SSA as recommended by the World Health Organization Package of Essential Non-communicable Disease Interventions for Primary Health Care in Low-Resource Settings. Methods PubMed, Science Direct and African Journals Online databases were searched for original research articles conducted in sub-Saharan Africa and published between 2000 and 2018 reporting availability and affordability of essential medicines and diagnostic tests for diabetes mellitus. Results Twenty one original cross-sectional studies were included in the systematic review, with the majority conducted in Eastern Africa (n=11, 58%). The availability of essential medicines and diagnostic tests was largely sub-optimal. For oral hypoglycaemic agents and insulin, angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors, statins and aspirin, availability ranged from 0-100%, 0-96.5%, 0-84% and 53%-100% respectively. Considering diagnostic tests, availability of blood glucose tests, urine protein and ketone tests, serum creatinine tests, lipid profile tests and electrocardiography ranged from 6-100%, 33.3-100%, 0-86.4%, 0-65.9% and 5.7-54.6% respectively. The lowest priced generic (LPG) glibenclamide, metformin and aspirin cost <1.2 days’ wages. However, the cost of LPG insulin (any type), captopril and simvastatin ranged from 3.85-18.7 days’ wages, 1.2-6.41 days’ wages and 6.5-30 days’ wages respectively. Blood glucose tests, urine protein and ketone tests and serum creatinine tests cost <3.3 days’ wages. Conclusions Optimal access to affordable essential medicines and diagnostic tests for DM remains a significant challenge in SSA. This represents a significant barrier towards the attainment of sustainable development goals and universal health coverage. Pragmatic region-specific solutions are urgently needed to address this challenge.
Comparison of the effectiveness of the piston-pump method versus the pressure-infusor method for rapid infusion of fluids
Authors: Hashimoto Wataru , Takenaka Ichiro , Yasunami Keisuke , Minami Tomoko 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background The piston-pump method is a simple method for rapid administration of fluids. However, some problems regarding effectiveness in increasing the flow rate of fluid administration, occurrence of excessive pressure in the infusion circuit and vessel, and bacterial contamination of fluids are unsolved. We compared the effectiveness of using the piston-pump method with that of the pressure-infusor method.Methods Twelve anesthesiologists were classified randomly into the piston-pump and pressure-infusor groups. They were asked to infuse 500 ml of 0.9% saline three times successively through a 16-G intravenous cannula as rapidly as possible using a pump with a 50-ml syringe or a pressure-infusor at 300 mmHg. The time taken for infusion, the pressure in the infusion circuit and substitute vessel, and bacterial contamination were examined. Results The infusion time (mean ± SD) in the pressure-infusor and piston-pump groups was 233 ± 19 s and 301 ± 48 s, respectively (P < 0.01). There was a significant difference in the infusion time at the first and third attempts of infusion only in the piston-pump group (P < 0.05). The pressure (in mmHg) in the circuit was 131 ± 9 and > 200 (P < 0.01) and in the substitute vessel was 5 ± 1 and 17 ± 7 (P < 0.01) in the pressure-infusor and piston-pump groups, respectively. A pressure of -200 mmHg or less occurred at all infusion attempts in the piston-pump group. Bacterial infection was not observed in either group. Conclusions If fluids must be administered rapidly, use of the pressure-infusor is more efficient than the piston-pump method because the latter is less effective in infusing fluids rapidly and associated with excessive positive and negative pressure in the infusion circuit. However, this method should be considered as first aid until a commercially available rapid transfusion and infusion system has been prepared.
Quantitative Assessment of Renal Function In Children with UPJO By Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound: A Pilot Study
Authors: Chen Shuofan , Lin Defu , Liu Pei , Sun Ning , Han Wenwen , Li Minglei , Zhang Weiping , Song Hongcheng , Li Zhenwu , Liu Qinglin , Wang Xiaoman 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is a new potential modality for the quantitative evaluation of the microvascular perfusion of a parenchymal organ.Objective: To prospectively evaluate the diagnostic value of CEUS in assessing renal function in patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO).Methods: The study protocol was approved by the local ethics committee, and written informed consent was obtained from the patients’ parents or guardians.Ultrasonography (US), CEUS, and radioisotope renography were performed in 51 children (42 boys, 9 girls; mean age, 6.75 ± 4.14 years) with unilateral UPJO. The slope of the ascending curve (A), time to peak (TTP), peak intensity (PI), and area under the curve (AUC) were recorded during CEUS; the quantitative data were calculated by the QLAB system (semiautomated border tracking, Philips Healthcare) software. Sensitivity and specificity values were determined for CEUS and compared with radioisotope renography.Results: CEUS depicted 102 kidneys in 51 patients, in whom the perfusion time-intensity curve（TIC）was determined. The TIC of renal cortical perfusion in all groups showed an asymmetrical single-peak curve, which could be clearly distinguished between the experimental group and the control group. Compared to the control group, the TTP was markedly prolonged but A was significantly decreased in the experimental group (P < 0.05). The ROC curve drawn to differentiate the differential renal function (DRF) using the TTP value provided an area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of 0.86. The diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced US was better than that of US, as the sensitivity and specificity values were 92.86% and 76.14%, respectively.Conclusions: This preliminary experience represents the first report of evaluating the diagnostic value of CEUS in assessing renal function in children with UPJO. CEUS is a highly sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective diagnostic imaging modality for detecting and monitoring renal function noninvasively.
Supplementation of c-type natriuretic peptide during the whole in vitro growth period benefits the development of murine secondary follicles
Authors: Li Ang , Cao Haixia , Li Hongxia , Li Ruijiao , Wang Huaixiu , Guo Xingping 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Supplementation of c-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) in the culture medium shortly before in vitro maturation (IVM) has been reported to be effective in delaying meiotic resumption of murine oocyte. The present study investigated the effect of CNP supplementation during the whole period of in vitro growth (IVG) on the development of murine secondary ovarian follicles.Methods Late secondary ovarian follicles isolated from ovaries of Kunming mice were cultured in vitro with and without supplementation of CNP. In experiment 1, CNP was supplemented at the early stage and the follicle development was evaluated. In experiment 2 and 3, CNP was supplemented during the whole period of IVG. In experiment 2, follicle development and oocyte maturity were evaluated. In group 3, follicle development and rate of cleaved embryos after in vitro fertilization (IVF) was assessed.Results In control group in all 3 experiments, granulosa cells migrated from within follicle and adhered to the plate at different degrees. The follicles flattened and could not reach antral stage. About 39.8% (39/98) of the oocytes ovulated nakedly. As no antral follicle was obtained, IVF was not performed in control group in experiment 3. In experiment group in all 3 experiments, no migration of guanulosa cells was observed and the follicles grew three-dimensionally. Ovulation of naked oocyte decreased substantially. The rate of antral stage follicle were 45% (18/40) in experiment 1. This parameter was 75.9% (44/58) in experiment 2 and 3 combined. In experiment 2, in preovulatory follicles without ovulation induction, oocytes at germinal vesicle (GV) stage and germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) stage were 87.5% (14/16) and 12.5% (2/16), respectively. In preovulatory follicles with ovulation induction, no GV stage oocyte was retrieved, oocytes at GVBD and metaphase II (MII) stage were 50% (8/16), respectively. In experiment 3, among 18 follicles cultured, 12 cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) ovulated automatically after ovulation induction. Eleven oocytes were fertilized and cleaved. Compared with control groups, the follicle development assessed by naked oocyte ovulation and follicle stage (preantral follicle and antral follicle) in experiment groups were significantly superior (p<0.0001). CNP effectively maintained oocytes’ meiotic arrest and enhanced fertilization competency.Conclusions The supplementation of CNP in culture system of murine late secondary follicle during the whole period of IVG could sustain the 3-dimensional structure of follicle, increase the antral formation rate. As a result, the oocyte’s competency to be fertilized was greatly improved.
Construction of a nomogram to predict overall survival for patients with lung large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: analysis of the SEER database
Authors: Han Dong , Gao Fei , Li Nan , Wang Hao , Fu Qi 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Lung large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (L-LCNEC) has a poor prognosis with lower survival rate than other NSCLC patients. The estimation of an individual survival rate is puzzling. The main purpose of this study was to establish a more accurate model to predict the prognosis of L-LCNEC.Methods Patients aged 18 years or older with L-LCNEC were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database from 2004 to 2015. Cox regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with survival time. The results were used to construct a nomogram to predict 1-year, and 3-year survival probability in L-LCNEC patients. Overall survival (OS) were compared between low risk group and high risk group by the Kaplan–Meier analysis.Results A total of 3216 patients were included in the study. We randomly divided all included patients into 7:3 training and validating groups. In multivariable analysis of training cohort, age at diagnosis, sex, stage of tumor, surgical treatment, radiotherapy and chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for OS. All these factors were incorporated to construct a nomogram, which was tested in the validating cohort.Conclusions we constructed a visual nomogram prognosis model, which had the potential to predict the 1-year and 3-year survival rate of L-LCNEC patients, and could be used as an assistant prediction tool in clinical practice.