bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TGF-β1 in Seminal Plasma Promotes Endometrial Mesenchymal Stem Cell Growth via p42/44 and Akt Pathway in Endometriosis
Authors: Li Jing , Dai Yongdong , Li Chao , Zhu Haiyan , Jin Xiaoying , Lin Xiang , Zhang Yanling , Zhang Songying 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The cause of endometriosis, which is characterized by the existence of functional endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, is poorly understood. Seminal plasma (SP) is rich in multiple cytokines may promote endometrial tissue survival. Methods: We evaluated the effect of SP on growth of endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from women with endometriosis (E-MSCs), and women without endometriosis (NE-MSCs). Additionally, effects of SP on endometriotic implants were analyzed using a xenograft model of endometriosis in immunodeﬁcient nude mice.Results: Proliferation, cell foci formation, cell cycle progression, and growth marker expression of E- and NE-MSCs were promoted by SP. SP signiﬁcantly stimulated phosphorylation of p42/44 and Akt and increased expression of the proliferation marker in E- and NE-MSCs, which was attenuated by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) receptor inhibitor SB431542, Akt inhibitor LY294002, or p42/44 MAPK inhibitor PD98059. SP enhanced CDK2 and CDK6 expression and accelerated cell cycle progression in E-MSCs. Xenografts exposed to SP exhibited a three-fold increase in volume and four-fold increase in weight after 14 days.﻿Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that TGF-β1 in SP may promote endometrial tissue survival. These effects may be mediated through activation of TGF-β1, Akt, and p42/44 signaling, which enhances CDK2 and CDK6 expression and accelerates cell cycle progression.
Association of Epicardial Fat Thickness with Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in a Community Population
Authors: Ma Wei , Zhang Baowei , Yang Ying , Qi Litong , Zhou Jin , Li Min , Jia Jia , Zhang Yan , Yong Huo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction can be a sole cause of all-cause mortality, while increased epicardial fat thickness (EFT) is significantly correlated with impairment of LV diastolic function. Herein, we examined the relationship between EFT measured by echocardiography and LV diastolic function in a Beijing community population.Methods We included 1004 participants in this study. Echocardiographic parameters including E and A peak velocity, the early diastolic velocities (e’) of the septal and lateral of mitral annulus using tissue doppler imaging, E/e’, and EFT, were measured. EFT1 was measured perpendicularly on the right ventricular free wall at end-diastole in the extension line of the aortic root. EFT2 was the maximum thickness measured perpendicularly on the right ventricular free wall at end-diastole. Multivariate linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between EFT and the mean e’ and E/e’.Results The mean age of the participants was 63.91 ± 9.02 years old (51.4% men). EFT1 and EFT2 were negatively correlated with e’ lat, e’ sep, and e’ mean (p < 0.05), and positively correlated with E/e’ lat, E/e’ sep, and E/e’ mean. Multivariate regression analysis showed that EFT1 and EFT2 were independently and negatively correlated with e’ mean (EFT1: β = −0.089 [95% confidence interval = −0.177, −0.000, p = 0.050]; EFT2: β = −0.078 [95% confidence interval = −0.143, −0.012, p = 0.020]). There were no interactions between EFT and any covariates, including age or heart groups, sex, BMI, or presence of hypertension, diabetes, or coronary heart disease in relation to LV diastolic dysfunction.Conclusions EFT was negatively and independently correlated with e’ mean, suggesting that more attention to this type of adipose fat is required for cardiovascular disease therapy.
Architectural Ruins: A Geoheritage Essay on the Anatomy of Buildings
Authors: Bianco Lino 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Ruins are a statement on the building materials used and the construction method employed. Malta is the smallest European Union Member State with a significantly high density of cultural heritage. Casa Ippolito, which is now in ruins, is a typical representative of seventeenth-century aristocratic country residences on this Central Mediterranean island. This paper scrutinises these ruins as a primary source in the reconstruction of the architecture of the building. It considers the building elements and materials as the essential tissue of architecture. Such ruins are not just geocultural remains of historical built fabric. They are open wounds in the built structure; they underpin the anatomy of the building and support insights into its dynamics when it was in operation. Ruins are an essay in the geoheritage of material culture and building physics. By reconstructing the mechanics of the building one can strive to comprehend how it functioned in terms of serviceability and well-being, how it provided both shelter and sensory nutrition. Architectural ruins of masonry structures are geoheritage rendered in stone. These ruins facilitate not only the reconstruction of spaces but also places for its users; they are a statement on the well-being of humanity throughout history.
Discharge Against Medical Advice and Risk of Readmission After Sepsis Hospitalization
Authors: Lin Zhen , Zhai Yinghong , Han Hedong , Cao Yang , Wu Cheng , Wei Xin , He Jia 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: To describe characteristics of sepsis patients who discharged against medical advice (AMA), identify factors associated with AMA discharges in the patients, and evaluate the association of AMA discharge with 30-day unplanned readmission and outcomes of readmission.Methods: Using the National Readmission Database of the United States, we identified inpatients with sepsis who discharged AMA or discharged home between 2010 and 2017. The baseline characteristics were compared between the two groups. Multivariable models were used to identify factors related to AMA discharge, evaluate the association between AMA discharge and 30-day unplanned readmission, and elucidate the relationship between the AMA discharges and in-hospital outcomes.Results: AMA discharges accounted for 2.29% of all the hospitalized sepsis patients. The prevalence of AMA discharge in sepsis patients increased from 1.99% in 2010 to 2.55% in 2014 (p for trend < 0.001).The unplanned 30-day readmission rates of sepsis patients who discharged AMA and who discharged home are 25.51% and 12.26%, respectively. AMA discharge is statistically significantly associated with 30-day [odds ratio (OR), 2.24; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.15–2.33], 60-day (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.99–2.15), and 90-day (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.90–2.05) readmission. AMA discharge is also associated with longer length of stay in 30 days (0.44 day, 95% CI, 0.12 days-0.76 days, p=0.007), whereas there was no statistically significant difference in hospitalization costs and in-hospital mortality for patients discharged AMA versus those discharged home.Conclusions: Due to the high risk of readmission, vulnerable patients should be early identified. Medical institutions should conduct post-discharge interventions for patients with AMA discharge, such as follow-up visits and psychological counseling, to reduce readmission.
Similarity Comparison of Multiple Coronavirus Sequences from 2D to 1D Linearizing Transformation
Authors: Deng Feng , Zheng Jeffrey 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Many studies on COVID-19 have been carried out, and it is interesting to apply methods and models to process the whole sequence of RNA. Similarity comparison of SARS-CoV-2 genomes plays a key role in naturally tracing its origin in scientific exploration, and further explorations are required. In this paper, an innovative of transformation from a 2D density matrix to 1D measuring vector is proposed based on the A5 module of the MAS for visualization. The core transformation projects whole RNA sequences of multiple coronaviruses in 2D matrices and then forms 1D measuring vectors on variant maps. The relationships of SARSCoV-2 genomes are compared by their similarity properties and genomic index of entropy quantities applied to classify relevant results into groups.
Ivermectin as a promising RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitor and a therapeutic drug against SARS-CoV2: Evidence from in silico studies
Authors: Swargiary Ananta 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Purpose: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV2 virus is a contagious disease affecting millions of lives throughout the globe. Currently, there are no clinically approved drugs for SARS-CoV2 although some drugs are undergoing clinical trials. The present study investigates the binding property of ivermectin on four important drug targets, spike protein, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, 3-chymotrypsin- and papain-like proteases of SARS-CoV2. Methods: The 3D structure of ivermectin along with known antiviral drug lopinavir, simeprevir and four nucleotides ATP, GTP, CTP, and UTP were downloaded from PubChem database. Crystal structures of proteins were downloaded from PDB database. PDB files were converted into pdbqt file using AutoDock tools. After proper processing and grid formation, docking was carried out in AutoDock vina. Furthermore, the co-crystallized RNA and its binding interactions with RdRp were studied using various visualization tools including Discovery studio.Results: Docking study showed that ivermectin is the best binding drug compared to lopinavir and simeprevir. The best binding interaction was found to be -9.7kcal/mol with RdRp suggesting potential inhibitor of the protein. Twenty-one amino acid residues of RdRp were found to interact with ivermectin including the catalytic residue Asp760. Furthermore, RNA-RdRp complex revealed that the catalytic active residues Ser759 and Asp760 of RdRp formed strong interactions with RNA chain. Binding of ivermectin in the active site of RdRp make clash with the nucleotides of RNA chain suggesting the possible inhibition of replication.Conclusions: The present study suggests ivermectin as a potential inhibitor of RdRp which may be crucial to combat the SARS-CoV2.
Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infections and Associated Factors Among Under-five Children Visiting Wolaita Sodo University Teaching and Referral Hospital: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Demissie Birhanu Wondimeneh , Amele Esayas Aydiko , Yitayew Yibeltal Asmamaw , Yalew Zemen Mengesha 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Lower respiratory tract infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in children younger than five years. Even if the burden of lower respiratory tract infections in children under-five years had decreased dramatically in the last ten years, it is still the main cause of morbidity and mortality in under five years old children in developing countries. So, this study was aimed to assess lower respiratory tract infections and associated factors among under-five children visiting Wolaita Sodo University Teaching and Referral Hospital.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1-30, 2019, among under-five children attended the Pediatrics outpatient department of Wolaita Sodo University Teaching and Referral Hospital. The data was collected using a semi-structured pre-tested interviewer guided questionnaire. Epi -info (version 7.1.2.0) was used for data entry, and Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 was used for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression, crude and adjusted odds ratio with their 95% confidence interval were computed. Finally, p-value <0.05 was used to identify variables that had a significant association with acute lower respiratory tract infection.Result: The prevalence of acute lower respiratory tract infections among under-five children was 40.3% (95%CI: 35.7%- 44.9%). Unvaccinated children (AOR: 2, 95% CI, (1.27-3.16)), non-exclusive/replacement feeding (AOR: 1.85, 95% CI, (1.18-2.91)), households mainly used unclean fuel for cooking (AOR: 2.12, 95% CI, (1.07-4.19)), absence of separate kitchen (AOR: 1.7, 95% CI, (1.09-2.65)), and absence of window in the kitchen room (AOR: 1.69, 95% CI, (1.07-2.68)) showed significant association with acute lower respiratory tract infection.Conclusion: The prevalence of acute lower respiratory tract infections was 40.3%. Unvaccinated children, non-exclusive/replacement feeding, households mainly used unclean fuel for cooking, absence of a separate kitchen, and absence of window in the kitchen room showed significant association with acute lower respiratory tract infection. Therefore, special attention should be given for the environmental sanitation and family health component of the health extension packages.
Anterior Spinal Cord Syndrome is a Complication Following Embolisation of Bleeding Intercostal Artery in Penetrating Trauma: A Case Report
Authors: Vo Tovi , Harris Daniel , Foo Ngee , Eillis Daniel 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background:Transcatheter arterial embolisation of intercostal vessels is a minimally invasive procedure that is increasingly being used in the management of haemothorax in the trauma patient, however significant complications – such as spinal ischaemia can occur. We present a rare case of paralysis in a patient following embolisation of the intercostal arteries due to bleeding from penetrating trauma.Case presentation:A 46-year-old male presented to the Emergency department with two stab wounds to the right posterior chest. Computed tomography scan of the chest revealed active contrast extravasation from the right 9th intercostal artery. Selective embolisation of the right 9th intercostal artery using Gelfoam® and coils as well as further embolisation of the 7th, 8th and 10th intercostal arteries was performed. Unfortunately due to ongoing bleeding and hypotension, the patient subsequently required emergency surgery that revealed two penetrating injuries to the right inferior lobe of the lung. After the patient was extubated, he was found to have bilateral motor from the level of L4 and below and sensory deficits from L2 and below. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine showed spinal cord infarction at the level of T11 and T12 that was thought to be secondary to the embolisation of the intercostal arteries inadvertently affecting the artery of Adamkiewicz.Conclusions:Transcatheter arterial embolisation has an established roll in haemostasis of the trauma patient – particularly in intercostal arteries for the management of haemothorax. Although extremely rare, spinal complications from this procedure can be significantly life changing for the patient. The variable anatomy of the artery of Adamkiewicz should be carefully considered on a case-by-base basis in the stable trauma patient and balance of risk versus benefit be determined if the artery is unable to be identified on pre-procedure angiography.
Efficacy of Acupuncture in Subpopulations with Constipation: A protocol for a Systematic Review and Individual Patient data Meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Chao , Liu Baoyan , He Liyun , Lv Xiaoying , Guo Shengnan , Ai Yanke 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Several systematic reviews have suggested that acupuncture is effective against constipation, but the factors predicting the effect of acupuncture in subpopulations with constipation are still unknown.Methods: We will search six major English and Chinese electronic databases and two clinical trial registries from inception for randomized controlled trials that evaluate acupuncture for constipation. Two authors will independently identify the relevant studies, extract the information from the papers, and assess the risk of bias using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. We will contact the primary researchers of the eligible trials for individual patient data (IPD). IPD from four trials are available from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences CliniRsearch Data Management System. The primary outcomes are the change in weekly complete spontaneous bowel movements. IPD from the researchers will be standardized and harmonized. A one-stage approach will be used to synthesize the IPD. Our primary analysis will examine the efficacy of acupuncture in subpopulations with constipation using a general linear mixed model.Discussion: This review will provide an IPD meta-analysis of acupuncture in constipation and demonstrate how the benefits of acupuncture may vary among subgroups of patients with constipation.Systematic review registration: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (Number: CRD42020188366)
Corticosteroids treatment in severe patients with COVID-19: a propensity score matching study
Authors: Chen Qian , Song Yang , Wang Lu , Zhang Yipeng , Han Lu , Liu Jingru , Yang Mengyu , Ma Jingdong , Wang Tao 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objectives
Explore the efficacy of corticosteroid treatment in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia and the association between corticosteroid use and patient mortality.
Methods
A retrospective investigation was made on the medical records of the patients with severe and critical patients with COVID-19 pneumonia from January to February 2020. First, the patients who received corticosteroid treatment were compared with patients without given corticosteroid treatment. Then a propensity score matching method was used to control confounding factors. Cox survival regression analysis was used to evaluate the effect of corticosteroid therapy on the mortality of severe and critical patients with COVID-19.
Results
A total of 371 severe and critical patients were enrolled in our statistics. 209 patients were treated with corticosteroid therapy. Most of them were treated with methylprednisolone (197[94.3%]). The median corticosteroid therapy was applied 3(IQR 2–6) days after admission, 13(IQR 10–17) days after symptoms appeared. Temperature on admission(OR = 1.255,[95%CI 1.021–1.547],p = 0.032), ventilation(OR = 1.926,[95%CI 1.148–3.269],p = 0.014) and ICU admission(OR = 3.713, [95%CI 1.776–8.277],p < 0.001) were significantly associated with corticosteroids use. After PS matching, the cox regression survival analysis showed that corticosteroid use was significantly associated with a lower mortality rate (HR = 0.592, [95%CI 0.406–0.862], p = 0.006).
Conclusion
Corticosteroid therapy use in severe and critical patients with COVID-19 pneumonia leads to lower mortality but may cause other side effects. Corticosteroid therapy should be used carefully.
Regulatory Effects of Nitric Oxide on Reproduction and Melanin Biosynthesis in Onion Pathogenic Fungus Stemphylium Eturmiunum
Authors: Zhao Yanxia , Yuan Wenwen , Sun Mengni , Zhang Xiuguo , Zheng Weifa 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The formation of propagules (conidia and ascospores) is the critical stage for the transmission of the pathogenic fungus Stemphylium eturmiunum. However, how the development of these propagules is regulated remains to be fully understood. Here, we show that nitric oxide (NO) is necessary for the formation of conidia and pseudothecia in S. eturmiunum. Application of NO scavenger carboxy-CPTIO (cPTIO) or soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) inhibitor NS2028 abolishes the formation of conidia and pseudothecia. In the culture of S. eturmiunum, supplement of NO-releasing compound sodium nitroprusside (SNP) results in an increased formation of conidia at 0.2 mmol/L, and pseudothecia at 2 mmol/L. SNP supplement also triggered increased biosynthesis of melanin, which can be inhibited partially upon the addition of either arbutin or tricyclazole, the specific inhibitors for 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) synthetic pathway, respectively. Intriguingly, enhanced melanin biosynthesis triggered an increased formation of propagules; while its inhibition impaired their formation. The SNP-induced increment in the formation of propagules can be also compromised upon supplement of cPTIO or NS-2028. RT-PCR analysis showed that SNP at 0.2 mmol/L promoted transcription of the genes encoding the conidiation co-regulators brlA, abA, and wetA, and inhibited at 2 mmol/L. In contrast, application of SNP at 2 mmol/L increased transcription of the genes encoding mat1, and mat2, the genes related to sexual reproduction, and the transcription of two DNH melanin synthetic genes pks1 and pks2, and the key gene tyr for DOPA melanin biosynthesis. However, the increased transcription of these genes is down-regulated or blocked upon supplement of cPTIO or NS-2028. Thus, NO regulates asexual and sexual development, as well as melanin synthesis in S. eturmiunum possibly through NO-sGC-GMP signaling pathway.
Heerfordt-Waldenström Syndrome, A Rare Presentation of Sarcoidosis in a Patient with Old Ocular Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Mobini Maryam , Amiri Ahmad Ahmadzade , Ghasemian Roya , Torabizadeh Zhila , Fakhar Mahdi 
Published: September 2020

Background:
There are similarities between the ophthalmic presentation of toxoplasmosis
and sarcoidosis, and there are some concerns of immunosuppressive treatments for sarcoidosis,
which may lead to T. gondii reactivation. We report a rare case with acute sarcoidosis (Heerfordt-
Waldenström syndrome) with a history of ocular toxoplasmosis from the North of Iran.

Case presentation:
The patient was a 36-year-old woman with left painful eye and swollen parotid,
right facial paresis, maculopapular rash in left eyebrow and erythema nodosa on both legs.
Anti–Toxoplasma IgG antibody was positive, and IgM was not detectable. Radiographic findings
on the chest revealed bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy. The initial treatment was sulfamethoxazole-
trimethoprim to prevent the recurrence of retinal toxoplasmosis and corticosteroid and mycophenolate
mofetil for sarcoidosis. The patient showed clinical and vision improvement without
recurrences during three months follow-up.

Discussion:
Ophthalmological examinations and laboratory test to rule out toxoplasmosis could be considered in known
cases of sarcoidosis particularly in ocular sarcoidosis status. To the best of our knowledge this is first report of co-morbidity
of ocular toxoplasmosis / sarcoidosis from Iran and possibly the world.
Multi-objective Optimization Model for Clustering Based Secure Routing with Congestion Avoidance in Mobile ADHOC Networks
Authors: Murugan Srinivasan , Mohan Jeyakarthic 
Published: September 2020

Introduction:
In Mobile Ad-Hoc Network (MANET), some of the major design issues are
clustering, routing, and security. Clustering and routing techniques distribute the load to many network
correlations so as to attain better utilization of resources, improved throughput and reduction in
response time and workload. Besides, trust-based schemes help in sending messages in a secured
manner and prevent the data from attackers by integrating authorized sender and receiver inside the
network.

Aim:
The aim of the research article is to propose a new Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO)
technique which intends to allocate the available networking resources properly, and balance the load
in network, security, and effective data transmission.

Method:
The projected model operates on three major processes such as clustering, secured routing
and data aggregation-based transmission scheme. MOO model involves different processes such as
Fuzzy Logic (FL)-based clustering process, Lion Whale optimization algorithm with Congestion
Avoidance (LW-CA) technique for routing process and integrated XOR and Huffman (IXH)-based
data transmission process. So, the proposed model is collectively called FCAXH technique which
achieves energy efficiency, proper load balancing and security.

Results:
Simulations were carried out using network simulator tool and the model was verified with
and without the presence of attackers. The proposed method attained the maximum results in terms
of throughput, Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR) and energy efficiency.

Conclusion:
The projected FCAXH model achieved energy efficiency, proper load balancing and
security over other compared approaches even under the presence of attackers in the network.