bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of exosomes from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell on cardiac function in rats with dilated cardiomyopathy induced by Adriamycin
Authors: liu shuangshuang , Yi Shun , Wang Benzhen , Mao Chenggang , Chi Jingwei , Che Kui , Shen Jinmei , Lu Xiaoqiong , Li Zipu 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the most common cardiomyopathies in children, but we have no effective method to treat it. In recent years,the application of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hucMSC) therapy in DCM has made a great progress, whileits mechanism remains unknown. The paracrine of hucMSCs has attracted attention as the main mechanism. In this study we explore the effect of the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hucMSC-Ex) on the cardiac function in rat models with DCM that is induced by Adriamycin.
Methods

Sprague-Dawley rats were intraperitoneally injected with Adriamycin to establish aDCM model. HucMSC-Ex were injected through the tail vein in the DCM group and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was injected in theDCMcontrolgroup.The rats were monitored for 2 weeks and thecardiac function was evaluated using thecardiac ultrasound.The pathological changes of the myocardium were observed usingimmunohistochemistry. Western blot and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR were used to detect the expression of Smad3, alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and I type collagen (COLI)in the myocardial tissue amongthe groups of rats.Finally, the ultrastructure of the myocardium was observed using electron microscopy. High throughput sequencing was performed on the ventricular muscles in each group.
Result

High-throughput sequencing results show that after the treatment with hucMSC-Ex, the level of myocardial Scn5a in the myocardium significantly increased (P < 0.05). RT-PCR shows that the level of Lmod2 also significantly increased.The expression of Smad3,α-SMA and COL I was reduced(P < 0.05).The inflammation in the myocardial tissue decreased and the mitochondrial swelling was reduced.The left ventricular ejection function (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS)in the rats significantly increased (P < 0.05) and the cardiac function was significantly improved (P < 0.05).
Conclusion

The treatment with hucMSC-Ex through the tail vein can significantly improve thecardiac function and reduce the degree of myocardial fibrosis induced by Adriamycin.
Plasma Lipid Levels and Risk of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: A Genetic Study Using Mendelian Randomization
Authors: Xu Mengqiao , Li Shengguo , Zhu Jundong , Luo Dawei , Song Weitao , Zhou Minwen 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The causal effects of plasma lipid concentrations and the risk of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) are still unclear. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify, applying a two-sample MR analysis, whether plasma lipid concentrations are causally associated with the risk of POAG.Methods Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis of data from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to investigate the causal role of plasma lipid levels and POAG. A total of 185 independent SNPs associated with plasma lipid levels were selected as instrumental variables (IVs). The SNPs were obtained from a meta-analysis of GWAS based on 188,577 European-ancestry individuals for MR analyses. Association with POAG for the SNPs was obtained from a GWAS conducted among the United Kingdom (UK) Biobank study participants with a total of 463,010 European-ancestry individuals. Four MR methods (inverse variance weighted [IVW], weighted mode, weighted median, and MR-Egger regression) were applied to obtain the overall causal estimate for multiple, instrumental SNPs.Results Using the IVW analysis method, no evidence was found to support a causal association between plasma LDL-C level and POAG risk (β=-0.00026; 95% CI=-0.00062, 0.00011; P=0.165) with no significant heterogeneity among SNPs. The overall causal estimate between plasma LDL-C level and POAG was consistent using the other three MR methods. Using the four MR methods, no evidence of an association between plasma HDL-C (β=0.00023; 95% CI=-0.00015, 0.00061; P=0.238; IVW method) or TG levels (β=-0.00028; 95% CI=-0.00071, 0.00015; P=0.206; IVW method) and POAG risk was found. Sensitivity analyses did not reveal any sign of directional pleiotropy.Conclusions The present study did not find any evidence for a causal association between plasma lipid levels and POAG risk. Further research is needed to elucidate the potential biological mechanisms to provide a reasonable interpretation for these results.
COVID-19 Infection Associated With Auto-immune Hemolytic Anemia
Authors: Capes Antoine , Bailly Sarah , Hantson Philippe , Gerard Ludovic , Laterre Pierre-François 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
A 62-y-old man developed Covid-19 infection. Fourteen days after the first respiratory symptoms, he presented biological signs of hemolysis with cold agglutinins 1/16384. Other causes of auto-immune hemolytic anemia (infectious, hematological,…) were excluded.
Effectiveness and acceptability of a text message intervention (DTEXT) on diabetes control and self-management for people with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Waller Karen , Furber Susan , Bauman Adrian , Allman-Farinelli Margaret , Dolder Paul van den , Hayes Alison , Facci Franca , Franco Lisa , Webb Alison , Moses Robert , Cook Rebecca , Gugusheff Jessica , Owen Katherine , Colagiuri Stephen 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Mobile phone text message interventions have the potential to improve the health of people with type 2 diabetes at a population level. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness and acceptability of a mobile phone text message intervention (DTEXT) on diabetes control and self-management behaviours for Australian adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods
A two-armed parallel non-blinded randomised control trial was conducted with 395 community dwelling adults with type 2 diabetes and HbA1c ≥7.0% (53 mmol/mol). Block randomisation occurred after completion of baseline measures. The control group received usual care, the intervention group received usual care and the automated six month text message intervention (daily messages for months 1-3, four messages per week for months 4-6). Pathology measures and self-report telephone surveys were assessed using intention to treat analysis. Generalised estimating equations determined between group changes in HbA1c at 3 and 6 months. Secondary outcomes included change in nutrition, physical activity, blood lipid profile, body mass index, quality of life, self-efficacy, medication adherence and program acceptability.

Results
No significant difference was observed between the intervention (n=197) or control group (n=198) for HbA1c at 3 months (-0.11%; CI -0.28, 0.07; d= -0.05, p=0.23) or 6 months (-0.13%; CI -0.33, 0.08; d= -0.05, p=0.22). A significant improvement in nutrition was seen with consumption of vegetables at 3 months (0.74 serves/day; 95%CI 0.34, 1.12; d =0.31, p<0.01) and 6 months (0.42 serves/day; 95% CI 0.03, 0.82; d =0.18, p=0.04); fruit at 3 months (0.21 serves/day; 95% CI 0.00, 0.41; d =0.09, p<0.05) and discretionary sweet foods at 3 months (-1.10 times/week; 95% CI -2.03, -0.16; d =-0.47, p=0.02). No other significant effects were seen at 3 months and 6 months. The intervention demonstrated high rates of acceptability (94.0%) and minimal withdrawal (1.5%).

Conclusions
A mobile phone text message intervention can improve some nutritional behaviours in people with type 2 diabetes, but does not significantly improve HbA1c or other health outcomes. DTEXT provides a highly accepted and potentially scalable form of self-management support that can complement existing diabetes care.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, Trial ID: ACTRN12617000416392. Registered: 23 March 2017.
The Outcomes Between Acute and Delayed Repair After Achilles Tendon Rupture
Authors: Ma Jimin , Lu Hanli , Chen Xinxing , Wang Qiang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: To assess the outcomes of patients with delayed presentation, who had received no treatment until 14 days later following injury of Achilles tendon rupture repaired with open reconstruction surgery and were compared with a group of patients who received surgery within 14 days.Methods: A total of twenty-four patients with Achilles tendon rupture who were treated with uniform surgical techniques were retrospectively assessed. The cohort was divided into two groups according to the time from injury to surgery (TTS): acute repair (TTS≤14days) and delayed repair (TTS>14days).Function was evaluated by the Tegner activity level. Score evaluation included Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) and Visual analogue score (VAS).Results: At least 12 months following repair, patients with delayed repair (TTS: 14-28days) had mean (SD) ATRS score of 88.4(7.8) compared with 89.2(6.3) in patients treated acutely. There were no significant differences between groups: Tegner [mean (SD) delayed: 4.3(1.6), acute: 4.4(1.5)], VAS score [mean (SD) delayed: 1.8(0.7), acute: 1.6(0.9)]. There were also no significant differences in complications between the two groups.Conclusions: For those patients with delayed presentation of 14 to 28 days，even though the local medical departments don't have minimally invasive incision techniques or Achilles tendon repair equipment, open repair is also a better choice.
Evaluation of the Bone Morphology Around Four Types of Porous Metal Implants Placed in Distal Femur of Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Bondarenko Stanislav , Ashukina Nataliya , Maltseva Valentyna , Ivanov Gennadiy , Badnaoui Ahmed Amine , Schwarzkopf Ran 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

To compare structural features of femoral bone of ovariectomized and non-ovariectomized rats after implantation of porous materials (TANTALUM, CONCELOC, TTM, ATLANT).

Methods

Experiments were carried out on 56 white laboratory female rats aged 6-months. Rats were randomly assigned into groups: Sham control group (SH) or ovariectomy group (OVX). Four different commercial implant materials (TTM, CONCELOC, TANTALUM, ATLANT) were placed into the defects (diameter 2.5mm, depth 3.0mm) in the distal metaphysis of femurs. Rats were sacrificed 45-days after surgery. Histological study was performed and the percentage of bone area (BA%) around the implant at a distance of 500μm in the cancellous area was measured.

Results

Formation of mature bone tissue of varying degrees around all of the implants was detected. In OVX rats cancellous bone defect zone was characterized by a high density of osteocytes on the surface. In the SH group, no differences in BA% among implant materials were found. In OVX rats the BA% around ATLANT implants was 1.5-time less (p=0.002) than around TANTALUM. The BA% around the rest of the materials was not statistically different.

Conclusions

Bone formation around the studied porous titanium and tantalum materials in the osteoporosis model was lower than in normal bone. There were differences in bone formation around the different materials in the osteoporosis model, while in the normal bone model these differences were absent.
Screening of Graves' Disease Susceptibility Genes by Whole Exome Sequencing in a Three-generation Family
Authors: Hu Zhuoqing , Li Wei , Li Miaosheng , Wei Hao , Hu Zhihui , Chen Yanting , Luo Ai , Li Wangen 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Graves’ disease(GD) has a tendency for familial aggregation, but it is uncommon to occur in more than two generations. Little is known about susceptibility genes for GD in the three-generation family.Methods: DNA were extracted from three-generation familial GD patient with a strong genetic background in a Chinese Han population. We utilize the Whole Exome Sequencing(WES) to screen and the Sanger sequencing confirmed potential disease-causing genes.Results:In this case study, there are five patients with Graves’ disease(GD) from a three-generation family. We firstly revealed the SNVs of MAP7D2(c. 452C>T: p. A151V), SLC1A7(c. 1204C>T: p. R402C), TRAF3IP3(c. 209A>T: p. N70I), PTPRB(c. 3472A>G: p. S1158G), PIK3R3(c. 121C>T: p. P41S), DISC1(c. 1591G>C: p. G531R) were associated with the familial GD. The Sanger sequencing confirmed these variations and more importantly is that the PolyPhen-2 score showed that the variants in TRAF3IP3, PTPRB, PIK3R3 are more likely to change protein functions.Conclusion: The MAP7D2, SLC1A7, TRAF3IP3, PTPRB, PIK3R3, DISC1 may be the candidate susceptibility genes for familial GD from a three generations family.
Ultrasound-targeted Microbubble Destruction Promotes Myocardial Angiogenesis and Functional Improventments in Rat Model of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhang Xijun , Zhu Haohui , Zhou Nanqian , Fang Zhixin , Yang Yuping , Jing Yun , Yuan Jianjun , Li Peng , Tian Xinqiao 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective: Microvascular insufficiency takes a critical role in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), therapeutic angiogenesis has been mainly used for the treatment of ischemic diseases. The present study sought to investigate the preclinical performance of SonoVue microbubbles(MBs) combined ultrasound(US) treatment on myocardial angiogenesis in a rat model of DCM and investigate the optimal ultrasonic parameters.Methods and Results: After the DCM model was established, the cardio protective effect of SonoVue MBs using US techniques was examined by histology, morphometry, and echocardiography evaluations. From morphologic observation and echocardiography, the DCM rats had a set of structural abnormalities in the heart compared to the normal rats. The US-MB groups exerted cardio protective effect in DCM rats, improved reparative neovascularization and increased cardiac perfusion, while the 26 cycle group showed significantly therapeutic effects on the cardiac functions in DCM rats.Conclusion: This strategy using SonoVue MB and US can significantly improve or even reverse cardiac dysfunction and pathological abnormalities, especially using the 26 cycle parameters. Under further study, this combined strategy might provide a novel approach for early intervention of DCM in diabetic patients.
A Generalised Approach for High-throughput Instance Segmentation of Stomata in Microscope Images
Authors: Jayakody Hiranya Samanga , Petrie Paul , de Boer Hugo , Whitty Mark 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Stomata analysis using microscope imagery provides important insight into plant physiology, health and the surrounding environmental conditions. Plant scientists are now able to conduct automated high-throughput analysis of stomata in microscope data, however, existing detection methods are sensitive to the appearance of stomata in the training images, thereby limiting general applicability. In addition, existing methods only generate bounding-boxes around detected stomata, which require users to implement additional image processing steps to study stomata morphology. In this paper, we develop a fully automated, robust stomata detection algorithm which can also identify individual stomata boundaries regardless of the plant species, sample collection method, imaging technique and magnification level. Results: The proposed solution consists of three stages. Firstly, the input image is pre-processed to remove any colour-space biases occurring from different sample collection and imaging techniques. Secondly, a Mask R-CNN is applied to estimate individual stomata boundaries and the feature pyramid network embedded in the Mask R-CNN allows the network to identify stomata at different scales. Finally, a statistical filter is implemented at the Mask R-CNN output to reduce the number of false positive generated by the network. The algorithm was tested using 16 datasets from 12 sources, containing over 60,000 stomata. For the first time in this domain, the proposed solution was tested against 7 microscope datasets never seen by the algorithm to show the generalisability of the solution. Results indicated that the proposed approach can detect stomata with a precision, recall, and F-score of 95.10%, 83.34%, and 88.61%, respectively. A separate test conducted by comparing estimated stomata boundary values with manually measured data showed that the proposed method has an IoU score of 0.70; a 7% improvement over the bounding-box approach. Conclusion: The proposed method shows robust performance across multiple microscope image datasets of different quality and scale. This generalised stomata detection algorithm allows plant scientists to conduct stomata analysis whilst eliminating the need to re-label and re-train for each new dataset. The open-source code for the project can be directly deployed in Google Colab or any other Tensorflow environment.
Development and validation of a clinical score to estimate progression to severe or critical state in Covid-19 pneumonia hospitalized patients
Authors: Gude Francisco , Valdés Luis , Ferreiro Lucía 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The prognosis of a patient with Covid-19 pneumonia is uncertain. Our objective was to establish a predictive model of disease progression to facilitate early decision-making.A retrospective study was performed of patients admitted with Covid-19 pneumonia, classified as severe (admission to the intensive care unit, mechanic invasive ventilation, or death) or non-severe. A predictive model based on clinical, analytical, and radiological parameters was built. The probability of progression to severe disease was estimated by logistic regression analysis. Calibration and discrimination (receiver operating characteristics curves and AUC) were assessed to determine model performance.During the study period 1,152 patients presented with Covid-19 infection, of whom 229 (19.9%) were admitted for pneumonia. During hospitalization, 51 (22.3%) progressed to severe disease, of whom 26 required ICU care (11.4); 17 (7.4%) underwent invasive mechanical ventilation, and 32 (14%) died of any cause. Five predictors determined within 24 hours of admission were identified: Diabetes, Age, Lymphocyte count, SaO2, and pH (DALSH score). The prediction model showed a good clinical performance, including discrimination (AUC 0.87 CI 0.81, 0.92) and calibration (Brier score = 0.11). In total, 0%, 12%, and 50% of patients with severity risk scores ≤5%, 6-25%, and >25% exhibited disease progression, respectively.A simple risk score based on five factors predicts disease progression and facilitates early decision-making according to prognosis.
Chronic Kidney Disease in Cameroon: A scoping review
Authors: Aseneh Jerry Brown , Kemah Ben-Lawrence A. , Mabouna Stephane , Emmanuel Njang Mbeng , Ekane Domin Sone Majunda , Agbor Valirie Ndip 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objectives﻿This scoping review sought to summarize available data on the prevalence, associated factors, etiology, comorbidities, treatment, cost, and mortality of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Cameroon.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Scopus and African Journals Online from database inception to 31 March, 2020 to identify all studies published on the prevalence, associated factors, etiology, comorbidities, treatment, cost and mortality of CKD in Cameroon.ResultsThirty studies were included. The population prevalence of CKD varied from 3-14.1% and 10.0%-14.2% in rural and urban areas, respectively. The prevalence of CKD in patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and human immunodeficiency virus was 12.4-50.0%, 18.5%, and 3.0-47.2%, respectively. Hypertension (22.3-59.1%), chronic glomerulonephritis (15.8-56.2%), and diabetes mellitus (15.8-56.2%) were the most common causes of CKD. The cause was unknown in 13.5-17.0% of the cases. Advanced age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity were frequent associated factors. Hemodialysis was the main treatment modality in patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). The monthly cost of management of non-dialyzed CKD was 163 US dollars. The one-year mortality rate of ESRD was 26.8-38.6%.ConclusionChronic kidney disease in affects about one in ten adults in the general population in Cameroon Patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and human immunodeficiency virus bear the greatest burden of CKD in Cameroon. Advanced age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity are major factors associated with CKD. Chronic kidney disease in Cameroon is associated with high morbidity and mortality and huge economic cost on the patient.
The relationship between measures of religiosity and the prevalence and outcome of COVID-19: a population-level pilot study
Authors: Rajkumar Ravi Philip 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Religious belief and practice are associated with better mental and physical health as well as prosocial behaviour, both of which may influence the wide variations in prevalence and mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic observed to date. This study examined the association between measures of religious affiliation and practice and indices of the prevalence and mortality of COVID-19 across nations, and found evidence for a possible protective effect of religious belief and practice on the spread of COVID-19 as well as on mortality rates. This requires further investigation at a local and individual level.
The dynamics of COVID-19 in the UAE based on fractional derivative modeling using Riesz wavelets simulation
Authors: Mohammad Mutaz , Trounev Alex , Cattani Carlo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The well-known novel virus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus which considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a dangerous epidemic. More than 3.5 million positive cases and 250 thousand deaths (up to May 5, 2020) caused by COVID-19 and has affected more than 280 countries over the world. Therefore, studying the prediction of this virus spreading in further attracts a major public attention. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), up to same date, there are 14730 positive cases and 137 deaths according to national authorities. In this work, we study a dynamical model based on fractional derivative of nonlinear equations that describe the outbreak of COVID-19 according to the available infection data announced and approved by the national committee in the press. We simulate the available total cases reported based on Riesz wavelets generated by some refinable functions, namely the smoothed pseudo-splines of type I and II with high vanishing moments. Based on these data, we also consider the formulation of the pandemic model using Caputo fractional derivative definition. We then solve numerically the nonlinear system that describe the dynamics of COVID-19 with the given resources based on the collocation Riesz wavelet system constructed. We present graphical illustrations of the numerical solutions of all parameter of the model being handled under different situations. It is anticipated that these results will contribute to the ongoing research to reduce the spreading of the virus and infection cases.