bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fetal sex and maternal insulin resistance during mid-pregnancy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yamashita Hiroshi , Yasuhi Ichiro , Koga Megumi , Sugimi So , Umezaki Yasushi , Fukuoka Misao , Suga Sachie , Fukuda Masashi , Kusuda Nobuko 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Recent studies have suggested that fetal sex influences maternal glucose and insulin metabolism during pregnancy. We examined whether fetal sex is associated with maternal insulin resistance and the β-cell function during mid-pregnancy. Methods: This retrospective study included singleton pregnant women who underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24–34 weeks of gestation due to positive diabetic screening. In addition to plasma glucose (PG), we measured plasma insulin during the OGTT to obtain surrogate indices associated with insulin resistance (IR), including homeostasis assessment model (HOMA) -IR and insulin sensitivity index (IsOGTT), and β-cell function, including insulinogenic index (II), HOMA-β, and area under the curve of insulin response. We compared these indices between women carrying male fetuses to those carrying female fetuses.Results: The study population included 617 women (mean age, 32.4 ± 4.9 years) with a mean pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) of 22.6±4.5. They underwent the 75g-OGTT at 29.0 ± 2.5 weeks. Two hundred fifty-eight (42%) women were diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GDM). There was no significant difference in maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational age at OGTT, PG at OGTT, or the prevalence of GDM between women with a male fetus (n=338) (male group) and those with a female fetus (n=279) (female group). Regarding the indices of IR, IR was significantly higher and insulin sensitivity was lower in the female group than in the male group (HOMA-IR: 7.0 [5-9.6] vs. 6.2 [4.6-8.8], p<0.05; IsOGTT: 5.86 [4.29-7.83] vs. 6.29 [4.59-8.84], p<0.01) (median [quartile range]). These differences remained significant after adjustment for maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational age and fasting PG at OGTT, and the diagnosis of GDM. In contrast, the β-cell function did not differ between the two groups.Conclusion: Maternal IR during mid-pregnancy was significantly higher in women carrying a female fetus than in those with a male fetus. The sex of the fetus may affect maternal insulin sensitivity during mid-pregnancy.
Effects of solvents on total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of ginger extracts
Authors: Ezez Dessie , Tefera Molla 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a popular spice which used for the treatment of different gastrointestinal and inflammatory discomfort. In the present study, the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of ginger extract using four solvents (ethanol, methanol, acetone and ethyl acetate) were determined. Among the four solvents, methanol extract showed that the maximum phenolic (1183.813 mg GAE/100 g at Ayikel and 1022.409 mg GAE/100 g at Mandura) and the least were found in acetone extract (748.865 mg GAE/100 g at Ayikel and 690.152 mg GAE/100 g at Mandura). In addition, the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (84.868% at Ayikel and 82.883% at Mandura) was observed in methanol. However, acetone showed the least DPPH radical scavenging activity (73.864% at Ayikel and 70.597% at Mandura). Antioxidant activities of ginger extracts were also expressed as IC50 values and acetone extract has maximum IC50 value (0.654 and 0.812 mg/mL) followed by ethyl acetate and ethanol, while the lowest for methanol extracts (0.481 and 0.525 mg/mL). The result of this study showed that extraction solvents significantly affected the total phenolic content and antioxidant activities of ginger. Thus, ginger can be regarded as promising candidates for natural sources of antioxidants with high value of phenolic contents.
Comprehensive Analysis of miRNA-mRNA/lncRNA During Gonadal Development of Triploid Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Huang Tianqing , Gu Wei , Liu Enhui , Shi Xiulan , Wang Bingqian , Xu Gefeng , Yao Zuochun 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Polyploidy is an important force to improve biological evolution. Chromosomal ploidy manipulation is one of the means to create excellent germplasm. It has an important significance to understand the effect of genome duplication on fertility in polyploidy breeding. In this study, coding and non-coding RNAs involved in gonadal development were characterized, and their relationships were explored. Results: By high-throughput sequencing, we compared the expression profiles of gonadal mRNA, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and microRNA (miRNA) at different developmental stages [65 days post fertilisation (dpf), 180 dpf, and 600 dpf] between the diploid (XX) and triploid (XXX) rainbow trout. A majority of differentially expressed (DE) RNAs was screened. The overlapped DE mRNAs of three stages were functionally annotated by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. According to the overlapped miRNAs, the predicted miRNA-mRNA/lncRNA network was constructed based on the target pairs of lncRNA-miRNA and mRNA-miRNA. Also, RT-qPCR was performed to validate the credibility of the network. Conclusions: Lots of lncRNAs involved in fertility were characterised by this network, which provided a reference sequence for further research. In summary, this study explored the potential interplay between coding and noncoding RNAs during the gonadal development of polyploid fish and elaborated the effect of triploidization on fertility.
Atherogenic index of plasma predicts cerebrovascular accident occurrence in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis
Authors: Ahn Sung Soo , Lee Lucy Eunju , Pyo Jung Yoon , Song Jason Jungsik , Park Yong-Beom , Lee Sang-Won 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate whether atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) at diagnosis is associated with the occurrence of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or coronary artery disease (CAD) in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). Methods: The medical records of 167 AAV patients on initial diagnosis was reviewed, and 300 healthy controls were included. AIP was calculated using the following equation: AIP = Log (triglyceride [mg/dL] / high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [mg/dL]). AAV patients were divided into two groups according to the AIP cut-off of 0.11. The event of stroke, transient ischemic attack, and cerebral hemorrhage was recorded as CVA, and CAD events consisted of either myocardial infarction and angina pectoris. CVA- and CAD- free survival rate between those with AIP ≥ 0.11 and < 0.11 were compared by the Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox hazard analysis was conducted to identify predictors of CVA.Results: The median age of AAV patients were 59.0 years, and 54 (32.3%) patients were male. One-hundred and fifteen (68.9%) patients had AIP < 0.11 and 52 (31.1%) had AIP ≥ 0.11. The mean Birmingham vasculitis activity score in AAV patients with AIP < 0.11 was lower than that seen in patients with AIP ≥ 0.11 (12.0 vs. 14.0, P = 0.041). AAV patients had a significantly higher AIP compared to controls (mean -0.01 vs. -0.10, P < 0.001). During follow-up, the occurrence of CVA and CAD was observed in 16 (9.6%) and 14 (8.4%) patients, respectively. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, AAV patients with AIP ≥ 0.11 had significantly lower CVA-free survival rates than in those with AIP < 0.11 (P = 0.027), whereas there was no difference in CAD according to AIP (P = 0.390). Multivariable Cox analysis indicated that AIP ≥ 0.11 at diagnosis was the sole predictor of CVA (Hazard ratio 3.392, 95% confidence interval 1.076, 10.696, P = 0.037). Conclusions: AIP is significantly higher in AAV patients than in healthy controls, and AIP ≥ 0.11 at diagnosis is a significant predictor of CVA during follow-up. Stringent surveillance should be provided in AAV patients with AIP ≥ 0.11 regarding the occurrence of CVA. Trial registration: Retrospectively registered.
Characterization of the leaf microbiome from whole-genome sequencing data of the 3000 rice genomes project.
Authors: Roman-Reyna Veronica , Pinili Dale , Borja Frances Nikki , Quibod Ian Lorenzo , Groen Simon C. , Alexandrov Nikolai , Mauleon Ramil , Oliva Ricardo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The crop microbial communities are shaped by interactions between the host, microbes and the environment, however, their relative contribution is beginning to be understood. Here, we explore these interactions in the leaf bacterial community across 3,024 rice accessions. Findings: By using unmapped DNA sequencing reads as microbial reads, we characterized the structure of the rice bacterial microbiome. We identified central bacteria taxa that emerge as microbial “hubs” and may have an influence on the network of host-microbe interactions. We found regions in the rice genome that might control the assembly of these microbial hubs. To our knowledge this is one of the first studies that uses raw data from plant genome sequencing projects to characterize the leaf bacterial communities. Conclusion: We showed, that the structure of the rice leaf microbiome is modulated by multiple interactions among host, microbes, and environment. Our data provide insight into the factors influencing microbial assemblage in the rice leaf and also opens the door for future initiatives to modulate rice consortia for crop improvement efforts.
Bone mineral density reference values in Singaporean adults and comparisons for osteoporosis establishment – The Yishun Study
Authors: Chen Kexun , Wee Shiou-Liang , Pang Benedict Wei Jun , Lau Lay Khoon , Jabbar Khalid Abdul , Seah Wei Ting , Sriniva Sivasubramanian , Mallya Jagadish Ullal , Ng Tze Pin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: While there have been studies in Singapore on the prevalence and economic burden of osteoporotic hip fracture, there is a severe lack of reference data on bone mineral density and prevalence of osteoporosis. The purpose of this study is to establish the reference values for BMD and compare prevalence of osteoporotic conditions using other available reference values so as to better understand the status of bone health in Singaporean adultsMethods: We carried out a population-based cross-sectional study using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (Hologic Discovery Wi) to measure the bone mineral density of Singaporean adults aged ³ 21 years. 314 women and 223 men were recruited from the large north-eastern residential town of Yishun. We computed T- scores (denoted by TSG) for each individual in the study. Similar diagnoses were also done based on T-scores provided by the densitometer (TDXA), NHANES database (TNHANES), and China (TCHN), and the differences in prevalence compared. We then compared the concordance between TSG and TDXA in the classification of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis was defined according to criteria by the World Health Organization (WHO).Results: Peak lumbar spine BMD was 1.090±0.168g.cm-2 in women, and 1.041±0.098g.cm-2 for men. Peak whole body BMD was 1.193±0.93g.cm-2 in women at, and 1.224±0.112g.cm-2 for men. Prevalence of osteoporosis based on lumbar spine was 9.3% in postmenopausal women, and 0.7% in men after 50 years of age. The percentage difference in prevalence range from 60.5 - 163.6%, when using reference values from TDXA, TNHANES, and TCHN. Comparing diagnosis using TDXA and TSG cut-off values, 28 versus 15 women were diagnosed as osteoporotic respectively. The kappa statistics was 0.81 for women and 0.85 for men. Conclusion: Our study shows that T-scores provided by DXA manufacturer over-diagnosed osteoporosis in Singaporeans, and the prevalence of osteoporotic conditions is not accurately represented. This over-diagnosis may result in unnecessary treatment in some individuals.
Combining quantitative analysis with an elliptic Fourier descriptor: A study of pottery from the Gansu-Zhanqi site based on 3D scanning and computer technology
Authors: WANG JIN , Qian wei , Chen guoke 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Pottery is an important material in archaeological studies, and the accurate classification of pottery shapes largely depends on the experience and knowledge of archaeologists. In this thesis, pottery taken from the Gansu-Zhanqi site is used for sampling. Three-dimensional models of the pottery were obtained by three-dimensional scanning, and a computer-assisted pottery typology was studied through quantitative analysis and elliptic Fourier analysis. This method can enhance and supplement the traditional methods of classifying pottery in archaeology, thereby enriching the parameters and breadth of pottery analysis. This method represents a new means for exploring and experimenting with objective classification and provides a new tool for traditional archaeological analysis methods.traditional methods of classifying pottery in archaeology, thereby enriching the parameters and breadth of pottery analysis. This method represents a new means of exploring and experimenting with objective classification and provides a new tool for traditional archaeological analysis methods.
Implementation-As-Usual in Community-Based Organizations Providing Specialized Services to Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Drahota Amy , Meza Rosemary D. , Bustos Tatiana E. , Srid Aksheya , Martinez Jonathan I. , Stahmer Aubyn C. , Aarons Gregory A. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder. ASD community-based organizations (ASD-CBOs) underutilize or inconsistently utilize evidence-based practices (ASD-EBPs) despite numerous available EBPs to treat ASD. Despite this, ASD-CBOs implement changes to practices regularly. Understanding ASD-CBO’s implementation-as-usual (IAU) processes may assist to develop strategies to facilitate ASD-EBP adoption, implementation and sustainment. A convergent mixed methods (quan+QUAL) design was utilized. Twenty ASD-CBO agency leaders (ALs) and 26 direct providers (DPs), from 21 ASD-CBOs, completed the Autism Model of Implementation Survey Battery, including demographic and agency IAU process questions. Surveys were analyzed through descriptive and content analyses. A subset of 10 ALs provided qualitative interview data that were analyzed using coding, consensus and comparison methods to allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the IAU process within their ASD-CBOs. Quantitative analyses and qualitative coding were merged utilizing a joint display and compared. Results suggest that the IAU process follows some phases identified in the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework but were conducted in an informal manner—lacking specificity, structure and consistency across and within ASD-CBOs. Moreover, data suggest adding a specific adoption decision phase to the framework. Nonetheless, most ALs felt previous implementation efforts were successful. IAU processes were explored to determine whether the implementation process may be an area for intervention to increase ASD-EBP utilization in ASD-CBOs. Developing a systematized implementation process may facilitate broader utilization of high quality ASD-EBPs within usual care settings, and ultimately improve the quality of life for individuals with ASD and their families.
Clinical Characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia diagnosed in a primary care practice in Madrid (Spain)
Authors: Guisado-Clavero Marina , Gil Ana Herrero , Álvarez Marta Pérez , Jurado Marta Castelo , Marinas Ana Herrera , Ruiz Vanesa Aguilar , Iarrondo Ileana Gefaell , Menéndez Miguel , Ares-Blanco Sara 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Possible cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were diagnosed in primary care in Madrid, some of these cases had pneumonia. Most of the SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia published data came from hospitalised patients. This study set out to describe clinical characteristics of patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia diagnosed in primary care across age groups and type of pneumonia.Methods: Observational retrospective study obtaining clinical data from the electronic health records of patients who were followed-up by SARS-CoV-2 possible infection in a primary care practice in Madrid. All the cases were collected by in-person or remote consultation during the 10th March to the 7th of April. Exposure: Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia by chest X-ray ordered by the GP. Main outcomes and measures: Symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, physical examination and diagnostic tests as a blood test, nasopharyngeal swab results for RT-PCR (Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) and chest X-ray results. Results: The overall SARS-CoV-2 pneumonias collected were 172 (female 87 [50.6%], mean age 60.5 years (standard deviation [SD] 17.0). Comorbidities were body mass index ≥25 kg/m 2 (90 [52.3%]), hypertension 83 [48.3%]), dyslipidaemia (68 [39.5%]) and diabetes (33 [19.2%]). The sample was stratified by age groups (<50 years, 50-75 years and ≥75 years). Clinical manifestations at onset were fever (144 [83.7%]), cough (140 [81.4%]), dyspnoea (103 [59.9%]) and gastrointestinal disturbances (72 [41.9%]). Day 7.8 (SD:4.1) from clinical onset was the mean day of pneumonia diagnosis. Bilateral pneumonia was more prevalent than unilateral (126 [73.3%]) and 46 [26.7%]). Patients with unilateral pneumonia were prone to higher pulse oximetry (96% vs 94%, p <0.001). We found differences between unilateral and bilateral cases in C-reactive protein (29.6 vs 81.5mg/L, p <0.001), and lymphocytes (1400.0 vs 1000.0E3/ml, p<0.001). Complications were registered: 42 (100%) of patients ≥75 years were admitted into hospital; pulmonary embolism was only present at bilateral pneumonia (7 patients [5.6%]) and death occurred in 1 patient with unilateral pneumonia (2.2%) vs 10 patients (7.9%) with bilateral pneumonia ( p 0.170).Conclusion: Clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia were fever, cough and dyspnoea; this was especially clear in the elderly. We described different characteristics between unilateral and bilateral pneumonia.
GLP-1 vasodilatation in humans with coronary artery disease is not adenosine mediated.
Authors: Aetesam-ur-Rahman Muhammad , Giblett Joel P. , Khialani Bharat , Kyranis Stephen , Clarke Sophie J. , Zhao Tian X. , Braganza Denise M. , Clarke Sarah C. , West Nick E. J. , Bennett Martin R. , Hoole Stephen P. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Incretin therapies appear to provide cardioprotection and improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with diabetes, but the mechanism of this effect remains elusive. We have previously shown that glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 is a coronary vasodilator and we sought to investigate if this is an adenosine-mediated effect.Methods We recruited 41 patients having percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for stable angina and allocated them into four groups administering a specific study-related infusion following successful PCI: GLP-1 infusion (Group G) (n = 10); Placebo, normal saline infusion (Group P) (n = 11); GLP-1 + Theophylline infusion (Group GT)(n = 10); and Theophylline infusion (Group T) (n = 10). A pressure wire assessment of coronary distal pressure and flow velocity (thermodilution transit time – Tmn) at rest and hyperaemia was performed after PCI and repeated following the study infusion to derive basal and index of microvascular resistance (BMR and IMR).Results There were no significant differences in the demographics of patients recruited to our study. Most of the patients were not diabetic. GLP-1 caused significant reduction of resting Tmn that was not attenuated by theophylline: mean delta Tmn (SD) group G -0.23 s (0.27) vs. group GT -0.18 s (0.37), p = 0.65. Theophylline alone (group T) did not significantly alter resting flow velocity compared to group GT: delta Tmn in group T 0.04 s (0.15), p = 0.30. The resulting decrease in BMR observed in group G persisted in group GT: -20.83 mmHg.s (24.54 vs. -21.20 mmHg.s (30.41), p = 0.97. GLP-1 did not increase circulating adenosine levels in group GT more than group T: delta median adenosine − 2.0 ng/ml (-117.1, 14.8) vs. -0.5 ng/ml (-19.6, 9.4); p = 0.60.Conclusion The vasodilatory effect of GLP-1 is not abolished by theophylline and GLP-1 does not increase adenosine levels, indicating an adenosine-independent mechanism of GLP-1 coronary vasodilatation..
Integrating expert opinions with clinical trial data to analyse low-powered subgroup analyses: a Bayesian analysis of the VeRDiCT trial
Authors: Thirard Russell , Ascione Raimondo , Blazeby Jane , Rogers Chris A 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Typically, subgroup analyses in clinical trials are conducted by comparing the intervention effect in each subgroup by means of an interaction test. However, trials are rarely, if ever, adequately powered for interaction tests, so clinically important interactions may go undetected. We discuss the application of Bayesian methods by using expert opinions alongside the trial data. We applied this methodology to the VeRDiCT trial investigating the effect of preoperative volume replacement therapy (VRT) versus no VRT (usual care) in diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Two subgroup effects were of clinical interest, a) preoperative renal failure and b) preoperative type of antidiabetic medication.

Methods

Clinical experts were identified within the VeRDiCT trial centre in the UK. A questionnaire was designed to elicit opinions on the impact of VRT on the primary outcome of time from surgery until medically fit for hospital discharge, in the different subgroups. Prior beliefs of the subgroup effect of VRT were elicited face-to-face using two unconditional and one conditional questions per subgroup analysis. The robustness of results to the ‘community of priors’ was assessed. The community of priors was built using the expert priors for the mean average treatment effect, the interaction effect or both in a Bayesian Cox proportional hazards model implemented in the STAN software in R.

Results

Expert opinions were obtained from 7 clinicians (6 cardiac surgeons and 1 cardiac anaesthetist). Participating experts believed VRT could reduce the length of recovery compared to usual care and the greatest benefit was expected in the subgroups with the more severe comorbidity. The Bayesian posterior estimates were more precise compared to the frequentist maximum likelihood estimate and were shifted toward the overall mean treatment effect.

Conclusions

In the VeRDiCT trial, the Bayesian analysis did not provide evidence of a difference in treatment effect across subgroups. However, this approach increased the precision of the estimated subgroup effects and produced more stable treatment effect point estimates than the frequentist approach. Trial methodologists are encouraged to prospectively consider Bayesian subgroup analyses when low-powered interaction tests are planned.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN02159606. Registered 29th October 2008.