bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory Effects of Camellia Japonica on Cell Inflammation and Acute Rat Reflux Esophagitis
Authors: Nam Hyeon Hwa , Nan Li , Choo Byung Kil 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Excessive and continuous inflammation may be the main cause of various immune system diseases. Reflux esophagitis (RE) is a common gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is an inflammation of the esophagus caused by the reflux of gastric contents to the esophagus due to the dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter. Camellia japonica has high medicinal value and has long been used as a traditional herbal hemostatic medicine in China and Korea.
Materials and methods
Dried C. japonica buds were extracted with 75% ethanol. DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assay were evaluated according to previous method. The ROS production and anti-inflammatory effects of C. japonica buds ethanol extract (CJE) were evaluated on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. The protective effects of CJE on RE were conducted in a RE induced Sprague Dawley rat model.
Results
CJE eliminated over 50% of DPPH and ABTS radical at concentration of 100 and 200 µg/mL, respectively. CJE alleviated changes in cell morphology, reduced production of ROS, NO and IL-1β. Also, down-regulated expression levels of iNOS, TNF-α, phosphorylated NF-κB, IκBα, and JNK/p38/MAPK. CJE reduced esophageal tissue damage ratio (40.3%) and attenuation of histological changes. In addition, CJE down-regulated the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2 and phosphorylation levels of NF-κB and IκBα in esophageal tissue .
Conclusions
CJE possesses good anti-oxidation and anti-inflammatory activity, and can improve RE in rats caused by acid reflux. Therefore, CJE may be a natural medicine source with good anti-oxidation and anti-inflammatory effects, and a candidate phytomedicine source for treating RE
Predictors of Childbearing Willingness in the Center of Iran in 2019: A cross Sectional Study
Authors: Valashani Sahebjan Torkian , Heidari Zahra , Shoushtari-Moghaddam Elaheh , Zamani-Alavijeh Fereshteh 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Childbearing is an important phenomenon in demographic changes. The current fertility rate does not have the necessary level for proper succession of generations in Iran. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine roles of predictors of childbearing willingness in the center of Iran due to the important of childbearing and its association with fertility.Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 married citizens referred to comprehensive health centers in central Iran and they were selected by convenience sampling. Data was collected using a researcher-made questionnaire, and analyzed by SPSS 20. Descriptive and analytical tests of ordinal regression and factor analysis were also performed; and the significance level was considered to be less than 0.05.Results: In the present study, the mean (standard deviation) of participants' marriage age was 21.11 years. Results of the present study indicated that there were relationships between variables, namely family strength motivation, economic self-efficacy, emotional and religious motivation, physical barriers and childbearing tendency (P < 0.05). The chance of childbearing willingness increased by 7% by enhancing family strength motivation scores, 20% by increasing economic self-efficacy, and 6% by increasing emotional and religious motivation, but decreased by reducing physical barriers.Conclusion: Strengthening family strength motivation, economic self-efficacy, religious-emotional motivation, and efforts to remove physical barriers were effective in increasing childbearing.
The Supportive Supervisory Scale: Psychometric Properties in Chinese Health Care Aides Samples
Authors: Tian Li , Li Haixia , Dong Bei , Xie Congyan , Wang Hong , Lin Lu 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objective To sinicize the Supportive Supervisory Scale (SSS) and analyze the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of SSS (SSS-C).Methods The SSS (the original English version) was firstly sinicized and adjusted, then its psychometric properties were examined in 300 health care aides from four long-term care (LTC) facilities. SPSS 22.0 was used to process the data and calculate the reliability and validity. Results The 15-item SSS-C had satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach’s α coefficient=0.852), split half reliability (Spearman-Brown coefficient=0.834) and test-retest reliability (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.784). Three factors were extracted, four items were deleted because their communality was less than 0.4 and the remaining 11 items could explain 55.654% of the total variance. The discriminant validity of the SSS-C varied significantly between sites.Conclusions The Chinese version of SSS can be used to effectively measure the supervisory support of the nurses within the LTC settings.
Fluorescent Polarization Molecularly Imprinted Polymer and Its Application in the Tetection of Naringin
Authors: Zhao Chen , Meng Xiangyan , Lu Wenzong , Li Gun 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundA fluorescent magnetic surface molecular imprinting method was used to detect narigin by fluorescence polarization technology.MethodBy using SiO2-coated magnetic particles as substrate and methlacrylic acid and acrylamide as monomers, a surface molecular imprinting polymer with both fluorescence and magnetic characteristics was prepared and loaded with fluorescein isothiocyanate. The binding ability of the prepared polymer was tested by fluorescence polarization and ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry.ResultsCompared two other methods, the fluorescence polarization method was more sensitive, and its limit of detection (LOD) was 0.1 mg/L. The recovery of the fluorescence polarization method was higher than 81.3%.ConclusionIt was shown that the fluorescent magnetic surface molecular imprinting technique could be a new method to quickly and efficiently detect naringin in food.
Clinical differences between toric intraocular lens (IOL) and monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation when myopia is determined as target refraction
Authors: Shin Da young , Hwang Ho Sik , Kim Hyun Seung , Kim Man Soo , Kim Eun Chul 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: To analyze and compare the clinical results of toric intraocular lens (IOL) and monofocal IOL implantation when the target refraction value is determined -3 diopter (D) in cataract patients with corneal astigmatism >1.5 diopters (D).Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review for patients with corneal astigmatism >1.5D who underwent cataract surgery and their target refraction is determined -3D. 100 eyes (100 patients; monofocal IOL, 60; toric IOL, 40) were enrolled in the current study. Near and distant uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), corrected VA, spherical equivalent and refractive, corneal astigmatism were evaluated before and after surgery.Results: The near UCVA of the toric IOL group (0.26±0.33) after cataract surgery was significantly better than that of the monofocal IOL group (0.48±0.32) (p=0.030). The distant UCVA of the toric IOL group (0.38 ± 0.14) was also significantly better than that of the monofocal IOL group (0.55 ± 0.22) (p = 0.026). There were no significant intergroup differences in postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (p = 0.710) and mean spherical equivalent (p = 0.465). In the toric IOL group, postoperative refractive astigmatism was -0.80 ± 0.46D and postoperative corneal astigmatism was -1.50 ± 0.62D, whereas the corresponding values in the monofocal IOL group were -1.65 ± 0.77D and -1.45 ± 0.64D; residual refractive astigmatism was significantly lower with toric IOL implantation compared with monofocal IOL implantation (p = 0.001). Conclusions: When myopic refraction such as -3D was determined as the target power in patients with corneal astigmatism, toric IOL implantation led to excellent improvement in both near and distant UCVA.
Colonoscopy Screening for Colon Polyps: May be Useful at an Earlier Age in Prevention of Malignant Transformation?
Authors: Aydin Muhammet Fatih , Aydin Mehmet Akif 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate whether colonoscopy screening should be performed at an earlier age than specified in the current guidelines.
Method:

Data of 1882 patients who presented to the gastroenterology clinic of our hospital and underwent colonoscopy were retrospectively evaluated. Polyps detected during colonoscopy were excised and sent to the pathology laboratory for histopathological examination. Patients were divided into two groups as < 45 yo and ≥ 45 yo and the data were compared between the groups.
Results

The most common indications for colonoscopy were found as abdominal pain in 40.6%, rectal bleeding in 18.6%, constipation in 14.2%, anemia in 10.5%, diarrhea in 3.1% and other reasons in 6.8% of the patients. The rate of polyps was statistically significantly higher in ≥ 45 yo patients (43.3%) compared to < 45 yo patients (32.1%). The rate of neoplastic polyps was statistically significantly higher in ≥ 45 yo group compared to < 45 yo group. The most common localizations of polyps were rectum and sigmoid colon in all age groups. Three endoscopists performed the procedures and one of them with more experrience detected more polyps.
Conclusion

Based on our results, we believe that onset age of screening for colon polyps should be 45 years as recommended by the updated guidelines. In addition, colonoscopy screening should be performed in young adults without alarm symptoms who present with abdominal pain. Experience of the endoscopist, bowel cleaning and duration of withdrawing fom the cecum affects the number of detected polyps.
Identification of RASSF1A Promoter Hypermethylation as a Biomarker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Xu Gang , Zhou Xiaoxiang , Xing Jiali , Xiao Yao , Jin Bao , Sun Lejia , Yang Huayu , Du Shunda , Xu Haifeng , Mao Yilei 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: RAS association domain family protein 1A (RASSF1A) promoter hypermethylation is suggested to be linked to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the results remained controversial. Methods: We evaluated how RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation affects HCC risk and its clinicopathological characteristics through meta-analysis. Data on DNA methylation in HCC and relevant clinical data were also collected based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to investigate the prognostic role of RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation in HCC. Results: Forty-four articles involving 4,777 cases were enrolled in the pooled analyses. The RASSF1A promoter methylation rate was notably higher in the HCC cases than the non-tumor cases and healthy individuals, and was significantly related to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection-positivity and large tumor size. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that HCC cases with RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation had worse outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic curves confirmed that RASSF1A promoter methylation may be a marker of HCC-related prognoses. Conclusions: RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation is a promising biomarker for the diagnosis of HCC from tissue and peripheral blood, and is an emerging therapeutic target against HCC.
Associations of blood essential and toxic metal(loid)s with both disease severity and mortality in patients with COVID-19: a retrospective study
Authors: Zeng Hao-Long , Yang Qing , Yuan Peihong , Wang Xu , Cheng Liming 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background The variations and dynamics of blood essential and toxic metal(loid)s in patients with COVID-19 still remains unclear.Methods A retrospective study was performed in a cohort of confirmed COVID-19 patients for their whole blood levels of essential and/or toxic metal(loid)s including magnesium, calcium, chromium, manganese, iron, copper, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, thallium and lead according to the disease severity and outcome.Results Compared to the non-severe COVID-19 patients, Whole blood calcium, chromium and copper were higher in the severe patients, while magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc, arsenic, thallium and lead were lower. These differences were further found to be consistently existed across the clinical course since the disease onset by longitudinal analysis. Moreover, among the severe patients, chromium and cadmium were higher in the deceased group compared to the recovered group, while arsenic were found to be lower. Whole blood iron, arsenic, and age and sex were determined to be independently factors associated with the disease severity, while chromium, cadmium and the co-morbidity of cardiovascular disease were determined to be independently factors associated with the mortality.Conclusions These results suggest variations of whole blood metal(loid)s as associated factors correlated with the disease severity and mortality for COVID-19.
Metabolic Engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for High-Level Production of Gastrodin from Glucose
Authors: Yin Hua , Hu Tian Dong , Zhuang Yi Bin , Liu Tao 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The natural phenolic glycoside gastrodin is the major bioactive ingredient in the well-known Chinese herb Tianma and is widely used as a neuroprotective medicine in the clinic. Microbial production from sustainable resources is a promising method to replace plant extraction and chemical synthesis which were currently used in industrial gastrodin production. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is considered as an attractive host to produce natural plant products used in the food and pharmaceutical fields. In this work, we intended to explore the potential of S. cerevisiae as the host for high-level production of gastrodin from glucose.Results: Here, we first identified the plant-derived glucosyltransferase AsUGT to convert 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol to gastrodin with high catalytic efficiency in yeast. Then, we engineered de novo production of gastrodin by overexpressing codon-optimized AsUGTsyn, the carboxylic acid reductase gene CARsyn from Nocardia species, the phosphopantetheinyl transferase gene PPTcg-1syn from Corynebacterium glutamicum, the chorismate pyruvate-lyase gene UbiCsyn from Escherichia coli, and the mutant ARO4K229L. Finally, we achieved an improved product titer by a chromosomal multiple-copy integration strategy and enhancement of metabolic flux toward the aglycon 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol. The best optimized strain produced 2.1 g/L gastrodin in mineral medium with glucose as the sole carbon source by flask fermentation, which was 175 times higher than that of the original gastrodin-producing strain. Conclusions: The de novo high-level production of gastrodin was first achieved. Instead of chemical synthesis or plants extraction, our work provides an alternative strategy for the industrial production of gastrodin by microbial fermentation from a sustainable resource.
Well Perioperative Glycemic Control Improves Outcomes in Neonates With Surgical Necrotizing Enterocolitis in a Tertiary Referral Center: a Retrospective Study
Authors: Guo Nan , Ji Haiyin , Tong Dongyi , Yao Jiaxin , Zhao Ping 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most common and devastating diseases that occurs in neonates, and often requires surgical intervention. Hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia can easily occur in newborns, due to their metabolic immaturity. It remains unknown how factors associated with anesthesia especially perioperative glucose level affect the surgical outcomes of neonates with NEC. In this retrospective observational study, we analyzed the risk factors associated with prolonged hospitalization among neonates who received surgical treatment for necrotizing enterocolitis.Methods: From January 2016 to October 2019, a total of 204 infants with a gestational age of 28 weeks to 40 weeks underwent open surgery for NEC at Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University. Among those infants, 111 patients were assigned to the well glycemic control group and 93 patients were assigned to the poor glycemic control group. The primary study outcome was the length of postoperative hospital stay. Risk factors that may affect surgical outcomes were collected and analyzed via multivariate logistic regression to determine their association with postoperative hospital stay.Results: A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high preoperative weight (OR=0.995, 95%CI=0.992-0.997, p<0.001) and well glycemic control (OR=0.129, 95%CI=0.031-0.535, p=0.005) were independent protective factors for prolonged hospital stay, whereas long duration of endotracheal intubation in NICU(OR=1.239, 95%CI=1.016-1.512 , p=0.035) and long days of antibiotics use (OR=1.421, 95%CI=1.233-1.637, p<0.001) were independent risk factors for prolonged hospital stay. Patients with perioperative blood glucose control within the prespecified range(47-150mg/dL) had shorter postoperative hospital stays than those with perioperative blood glucose measurements outside those limits (22 [18,26] vs 29 [24.5,36.5] days, p <0.001).Conclusions: Glucose levels outside a pre-specified range were an independent risk factor for a prolonged hospital stay in a population of neonates who underwent surgical repair for NEC.
A Machine Learning based approach to unleash the impact of COVID-19 on Indian Stock Market
Authors: Rouf Nusrat , Malik Majid Bashir , Arif Tasleem 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Advancement in information technology, be it hardware, software or communication technology, over few decades has rapidly impacted almost every field of study. Machine learning tools and techniques are nowadays applied to every field. It has opened the ways for interdisciplinary research by promising effective analyzation and decision-making strategies. COVID-19 has badly affected more than 200 countries within a short span of time. It has drastically affected both daily activities as well as economic activities. Herd behavior of investors has triggered panic selling. As a result, stock markets around the world have plunged down.Methods: In this paper, we analyze the impact of COVID-19 on NSE (National Stock Exchange) index Nifty50. We employ Pearson Correlation and investigate the impact of total confirmed cases and daily cases on Nifty50 closing price. We use various machine learning regression models for predictive analysis viz, linear regression with polynomial terms (quadratic, cubic), Decision Tree Regression and Random Forest Regression. Model performance is measured using MSE (Mean Square Error), RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) and R2 (R Squared) evaluators. Results: Correlation analysis reveals that total confirmed cases and daily cases in both India and the World have negative correlation with Nifty50 closing prices. Moreover, Nifty50 closing prices are more negatively correlated with total confirmed and daily cases in India. Predictive analysis shows that the Random Forest Regression model outperforms all other models. Conclusion: We analyze and predict the impact of COVID-19 on closing price of Nifty50 index. We employ Pearson Correlation and investigate the impact of COVID-19 on Nifty50 closing prices. We use various machine learning regression models to predict the closing price of Nifty50 index. Results reveal that the market volatility is directly proportional to increase in number of COVID-19 cases. Random Forest Regression model has comparatively shown better RMSE and R2 values.
Readiness of in-service Teachers Towards Blended Learning Approach as a Learning Pedagogy Post COVID-19 Era
Authors: Saboowala Rabiya , Manghirmalani-Mishra Pooja 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic has traumatized the entire world. All educational institutions have been declared closed by most of the countries throughout the globe, as a consequence of which, learners inclusive of teachers have undergone tremendous loss. Nevertheless, COVID-19 has prompted experts to rethink about the suitable pedagogies of teaching-learning that will prove to be sustainable with the global health crises going on. Blended learning is one of the models proposed by various educationalists and research scholars that appears to be a viable and best fit solution for educational institutes for at least a period of a few months post-pandemic. The approach aims to provide meaningful opportunities for teachers to embed the use of technology for the teaching -learning process. During this time, teachers from various types of educational institutions are also getting an opportunity of being learners. This role is fulfilled by their outstanding participation in various seminars (commonly called as webinars), workshops, faculty development programs, etc which are exclusively conducted for them in order to enhance their learning experiences during this time. This study investigates the readiness of in-service teachers considering them as learners towards blended learning and its six dimensions viz. learning flexibility, online learning, study management, technology, classroom learning and online interaction. The study also sought to find out the readiness of in-service teachers towards blended learning when related to gender and whether they have attended/conducted webinars/lectures/Faculty Development Programs online. Total respondents consisted of 313 teachers from India that were selected by simple random technique of sampling. Analysis for testing research hypotheses consisted of descriptive analysis, t-test and Pearson Correlation Coefficient (correlation matrix) using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS-26). The results indicated that there existed a correlation among six dimensions of blended learning while considering the readiness of in-service teachers towards blended learning. Also, the results indicated that both male and female teachers and teachers who have and have not attended /conducted webinars/ lectures/ Faculty Development Programs online have had no difference in their readiness towards blended learning.
Effects of COVID-19 on the Gut and the Liver - A Case Series of 711 Patients in New York City
Authors: Baig Sher Nazir , Abaleka Fuad , Herrera Stephanie , Daniel Mina , Nigusse  , Vu Thu M , Gemechu Tigist , Abdelsayed  
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background As the COVID-19 epidemic is wreaking havoc with a staggering number of infections and fatalities worldwide, digestive symptoms are increasingly coming to the limelight. However, the data on the extent of gut and liver involvement has been variable and somewhat conflicting.Methods We identified 711 adults who had tested positive for COVID-19 at Richmond University Medical Center in New York between March 13 and May 13, 2020. We analyzed their clinical and laboratory data from electronic medical records.Results The average age of the patients was 60.5 years; 55% were men. 27.1% reported a gastrointestinal (GI) symptom and 56.9% had at least one abnormal liver enzyme. The most common was diarrhea with a frequency of 17.3% followed by nausea 16.2% and vomiting/anorexia 13.7%. Abdominal pain 5.6%, dysgeusia 3.2%, and GI bleeding 2.2% was the least common. Symptoms were mostly mild and lasted 3-5 days. The liver function was deranged in more than half of the patients. AST alone was elevated in 16.6%, both AST/ALT 15.7%, alkaline phosphatase 23%, and bilirubin 10%. Potential confounders were rare but included preexisting liver disease and hepatotoxic medications. Prothrombin time (PT) was mildly elevated in 13.4%. The lipase was elevated in 2.4% without upper abdominal pain. In 75%-90% of cases, liver test abnormalities were mild (1.5-3 x normal). Overall, 86.6% of patients were admitted primarily with respiratory failure and 28.5% died of their illness.Conclusions 27% of COVID-19 patients experienced a digestive disturbance and >55% showed a predominantly mild degree of liver dysfunction and cholestasis.