bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Thrombocytopenia After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Retrospective Study at a Single Japanese Center
Authors: Yamada Yasutaka , Miura Daisuke , Takamori Ayako , Nogami Eijiro , Yunoki Junji , Sakaguchi Yoshiro 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Objective: Thrombocytopenia is common after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and is associated with mortality and major complications, although the underlying mechanisms are unclear. This retrospective single-center study aimed to identify factors associated with the decrease in platelet count (DPC) after TAVI in Japanese patients. Patients with severe aortic valve stenosis who underwent transfemoral TAVI between March 2014 and August 2019 were grouped according to DPC values of <50% or ≥50% (DPC = 100%×[baseline platelet count–nadir platelet count]/[baseline platelet count]). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with a DPC of ≥50%.Results: Among the 131 patients who underwent transfemoral TAVI, 74 patients (56%) had a DPC of ≥50% and 57 patients (44%) had a DPC of <50%. Significant risk factors for a DPC of ≥50% were older age, lower body mass index (BMI), and use of balloon-expandable valves (BEV). The multivariable analysis revealed that a DPC of ≥50% was independently predicted by low BMI (adjusted odds ratio: 0.884, 95% confidence interval: 0.785–0.997; P=0.039) and BEV use (adjusted odds ratio: 3.014, 95% confidence interval: 1.003–9.056; P=0.045). Platelet count monitoring after TAVI, especially when using BEV devices, is essential for Japanese patients with low BMI.
Relationship Between the Triglyceride-glucose Index and Incident Ischemic Heart Disease Risk: A Prospective Study Using National Health Insurance Data
Authors: Park Byoungjin , Lee Yong-Jae , Lee Hye Sun , Jung Dong-Hyuk 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) without diabetes is considered an important challenge to human health and is associated with a poor prognosis as well as a lack of health awareness. Until now, the association between early insulin resistance and IHD among nondiabetic adults has been poorly understood. We prospectively investigated the relationship between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a surrogate marker of early insulin resistance, and incident IHD risk in a large cohort of nondiabetic adults using National Health Insurance data. Methods: We assessed 16,455 participants (8,426 men and 8,029 women) without diabetes using data from a health risk assessment study (HERAS) and Korea Health Insurance Review & Assessment (HIRA) data. The participants were divided into four groups according to TyG index quartiles, calculated as ln [fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting plasma glucose (mg/dL)/2]. We prospectively assessed hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for IHD, using multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression models, over a 50-month period that followed the baseline survey.Results: During the follow-up period, 322 (2.0%) participants developed IHD. HRs of IHD for TyG index quartiles 1–4 were 1.00, 1.63 (95% CI, 1.06–2.49), 1.88 (95% CI, 1.23–2.87), and 2.35 (95% CI, 1.53–3.61), respectively, after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol intake, physical activity, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, and mean arterial blood pressure.Conclusion: A higher TyG index precedes and significantly predicts future IHD among nondiabetic Koreans. Accordingly, a high TyG index may be a useful additional measure in assessing cardiovascular risks for apparently healthy adults in clinical practice.
High Fidelity Elastic Green's Functions for Subduction Zone Models Consistent With the Global Standard Geodetic Reference System
Authors: Hori Takane , Agata Ryoichiro , Ichimura Tsuyoshi , Fujita Kohei , Yamaguchi Takuma , Iinuma Takeshi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Green's functions (GFs) for elastic deformation due to unit slip on the fault plane comprise an essential tool for estimating earthquake rupture and underground preparation processes. These estimation results are often applied to generate important information for public such as seismic and tsunami hazard assessments. So, it is important to minimize the distortion of the estimation results on the numerical models used for calculating GFs to guarantee assessment reliability. For this purpose, we here calculated GFs based on a numerical model that is of high delity to obtain realistic topography and subsurface structural models of the Earth. We targeted two well-known subduction zones in Japan, the Nankai Trough and the Japan Trench. For these subduction zones, databases for realistic topography and subsurface structural models of the Earth are available in the \Japan integrated velocity structure model version 1", which was proposed for earthquake hazard assessments conducted by the Japanese government.Furthermore, in order to eliminate inconsistencies in data processing of the calculated and observed response, we used the same coordinate systems for processing GFs as those adopted widely to process space geodetic observation data for surface displacements. The ellipsoidal shape of the Earth, which is often approximated with a projected plane or a spherical shape, was also incorporated by faithfully following the denitions of the coordinate systems in Geodetic Reference System 1980, which is the global standard for space geodesy. To calculate elastic GFs based on such high delity subduction zone databases with the ellipsoidal shape of the Earth, we introduced the nite element (FE) method. In the FE meshes, the resolution of the topography and subsurface structure is the same as that of the original databases. Recent development of the state-of-the-art computation techniques for the rapid calculation of crustal deformation using large-scale FE models allows for GF calculation based on such a high delity model. However, it is generally not easy to perform such calculations. Thus, we released a library for the GFs calculated in this study to the geoscience community on a web server, aiming to contribute more reliable seismic and tsunami hazard assessment.
Inhibition of EZH2 by chidamide exerts antileukemia activity and increases chemosensitivity through Smo/Gli-1 pathway in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Jiang Xuejie , Jiang Ling , Cheng Jiaying , Chen Fang , Ni Jinle , Yin Changxin , Wang Qiang , Wang Zhixiang , Fang Dan , Yi Zhengshan , Yu Guopan , Zhong Qingxiu , Carter Bing Z , Meng Fanyi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Dysregulation of epigenetics plays important roles in leukemogenesis and progression of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) reciprocally regulate acetylation and deacetylation of nuclear histone, aberrant activation of HDAC results in uncontrolled proliferation and differentiated blockage, HDAC inhibitors have been investigated as therapeutic drugs for treatment of AML. Methods: Cell growth was assessed by CCK-8 assay, apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry in AML cell lines, CD45+ and CD34+CD38- cells from patient’s samples after stained with Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)/Propidium Iodide (PI). EZH2 expression was silenced by short hairpin RNA (shRNA). The pathway changes were detected by western blot. The effect of chidamide or EZH2 shRNA in combination with adriamycin was studies in vivo in nude mice model bearing leukemia.Results: In this study, we investigated the antileukemia activities of HDAC inhibitor chidamide and its combinatorial effect with cytotoxic agent in AML. We demonstrated in vitro and in vivo that chidamide suppressed expression of EZH2, exerted potential antileukemia activity and increased the sensitivity AML cells and AML stem/progenitor cells to chemotherapeutic drug through Smo/Gli-1 pathway. In addition to decrease the expression of H3K27me3 and DNMT3A, inhibition of EZH2 either pharmacologicall by chidamide or genetically by shEZH2 decreased the activity of Smo/Gli-1 pathway, and increased chemotherapeutic sensitivity in AML cells. Conclusions: Inhibition of EZH2 by chidamide has antileukemia activity and increases chemosensitivity, it provides a potential strategy to improve chemotherapeutic effect in AML.
SEAMHCRD deterministic compartmental model based on clinical stages of infection for COVID-19 pandemic in Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Varghese Abraham , Kolamban Shajidmon , Sherimon Vinu , Lacap Eduardo M. , Ahmed Saad Salman , Sreed Jagath Prasad , Harthy Hasina Al , Shuaily Huda Salim Al 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The present novel corona virus (COVID-19) infection has engendered a worldwide crisis across the world in an enormous scale within a very short period. The effective solution for this pandemic is to recognize the nature and spread of the disease so that appropriate policies can be framed. Mathematical modelling is always at the forefront to understand and provide an adequate description about the transmission of any disease. In this research work, we have formulated a deterministic compartmental model (SEAMHCRD) including various stages of infection, such as Mild, Moderate, Severe and Critical to study the spreading of COVID-19 and estimated the model parameters by fitting the model with the reported data of ongoing pandemic in Oman. The steady state, stability and final pandemic size of the model has been proved mathematically. The various transmission as well as transition parameters are estimated during the period from June 8th - July 30th, 2020. Based on the current estimated parameters, the pandemic size is also predicted for another 100 days. Sensitivity analysis is performed to identify the key model parameters, and corresponding basic reproduction number has been computed using Next Generation Matrix (NGM) method. As the value of basic reproduction number (R0) is 0.9761 during the period from June 8th - July 30th, 2020, it is an indication for the policy makers to adopt appropriate remedial measures like social distancing and contact tracing to reduce the value of R0 to control the spread of the disease.
Sars-Cov-2 And Betacoronavirus: What Have We Learned In 8 Months?
Authors: Kwiatek Agnieszka , Adamczyk-Popławska Monika 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
In 2019, a new human pandemic coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in Wuhan, China. We present the knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 compared to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The SARS-CoV-2 is similar to other coronaviruses, nevertheless, differences were observed. Cell entry of SARS-CoV-2 is facilitated by cleavage of spike protein by furin. The receptor-binding motif of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein forms a larger binding interface and more contacts with host receptor ACE2 compared those of in SARS-CoV. Unlike other coronaviruses, the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein has a motif, known to bind integrins. Nucleocapsid protein and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of SARS-CoV-2 display some structural differences compared to those of SARS-CoV as well. These features may increase the efficiency of the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and indicate the putative targets for specific antiviral therapy.
1. Taxonomy of Coronaviridae. 2. Structure of Betacoronavirus virion. 3. Genome of Betacoronavirus. 4. Proteins of Betacoronavirus. 5. Betacoronavirus replication cycle. 6. Pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. 6.1. Tissue and cellular pathogenesis. 6.2. Molecular basis of pathogenesis. 6.3. Immunopathological changes in COVID-19. 7. Conclusions
Microbiological Causes Of Defects In Fetal Development And Miscarriage
Authors: Matusiak Dominik M. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
During pregnancy many agents can be teratogenic i.e. can be dangerous for embryo or fetus and cause differentiated adverse effects. Teratogenic agents include substances (e.g. many pharmaceuticals, mycotoxins – e.g. aflatoxins and ochratoxin A), radiation (e.g. X/RTG, γ) and infectious agents. The latter include bacteria (e.g. Listeria monocytogenes, Treponema pallidum), protozoa (e.g. Toxoplasma gondii) and viruses (e.g. ZIKV, parvovirus B19, herpesviruses: CMV, HSV, VZV). Quite a few pathogens can be vertically transmitted, i.e. through placenta (poorly understood mechanism), but not all are typical teratogenic agents (TORCH group). Infection during gestation can be oligosymptomatic or asymptomatic for the mother, nevertheless can also be fatal for the child, causing among others IUGR, SNHL, malformation (e.g. microcephaly, limb defects), abortion. Some (but not all) of these abnormalities can be non-invasively diagnosed by ultrasonography (USG) and prevented by vaccination (in case of the rubella and varicella). In some countries routine serological diagnostics for selected pathogens are performed during pregnancy. Generally transplacental transmission occur mostly during initial (primary) infection and are most dangerous during the first and second trimester (intensive morphogenesis and organogenesis). Conversely chance of fetus infection usually increases with time and is highest in the third trimester.
1. Introduction. 2. Placenta. 3. Preterm delivery and vaginosis. 4. TORCH group. 5. Teratogenic microorganisms and viruses. 5.1. Bacteria. 5.2. Protozoa. 5.3. Viruses. 6. Mycotoxins. 6.1. Description of selected mycotoxins. 7. Summary
Beneficial Effect Of Lactoferrin On The Microbiota From Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Artym Jolanta , Zimecki Michał 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Our organism is colonized by trillions of symbiotic bacteria. The most numerous and varied bacterial population colonizes colon, upper respiratory airways and urogenital system. They act multidirectionally supporting our health. Symbiotic microbiota helps in acquirement of nutrients, regulates action of the immune system protecting mucosa and whole organism against pathogens, neutralizes some xenobiotics, thus acts as a preventive measure against carcinogenic mutations. This beneficial microbiota may be supported by uptake of probiotics and/or prebiotics in foods, diet supplements and drugs. They can be found in milk and dairy products, in particular fermented ones (e.g kefir, yoghurt and cheese), which contain both probiotics and prebiotics, including lactoferrin. This protein has a confirmed action promoting growth of symbiotic microbiota of intestine and urogenital tract. Such activity, associated with antimicrobial action regarding pathogenic microorganisms, restores equilibrium of microbiota within mucous membranes that effectively eliminates pathogens and inflammatory processes. Youngest children are supported by lactoferrin acquired with maternal milk. Later we can relay on our own, endogenous proteins, secreted by mucous membranes and neutrophils and supply of dairy products (not subjected to aggressive thermal processing) or diet supplements. We can find in the market the products containing lactoferrin alone, with another prebiotic, e.g inulin or oligosaccharides, and also with probiotics. Orally taken lactoferrin is effective as proved in a number of clinical studies. The protein is relatively resistant to digestion, may reach intestine, where acts on gut microbiota and local lymphoid tissue. In this way lactoferrin may enhance immunological status of our mucous system.
1. Introduction. 2. Gut microbiota. 3. Lactoferrin in gastrointestinal tract. 4. Prebiotic activity in gastrointestinal tract – in vitro tests. 5. Prebiotic activity in gastrointestinal tract – in vivo tests. 6. Lactoferrin in diet and nutritional supplements. 7. Summary
Application Of The Maldi-Tof Ms Technique For Identification Of Dermatophytes
Authors: Gnat Sebastian , Łagowski Dominik , Nowakiewicz Aneta 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The MALDI-TOF MS method is a new technique, which is being increasingly used in clinical laboratories for identification of microorganisms. The wide interest in this method has been aroused by its high accuracy, instantaneous identification results, and relatively low cost of analyses. However, the application of this technique for identification of dermatophytes poses difficulties. They are caused by the natural biological complexity of filamentous fungi, very slow growth of cultures, and frequent production of pigments. Furthermore, identification of dermatophytes with this technique is a challenge due to the lack of a clear species definition for some taxa or within certain species complexes. A review of scientific literature indicates that the reliability of identification of dermatophytes based on MALDI-TOF MS is in the range between 13.5 and 100%. This variability is determined by many critical factors associated with routine laboratory procedures, i.e. the type of culture medium, incubation time, protein extraction technique, type of device, or version of the reference spectrum library. Despite these numerous limitations, the MALDI-TOF MS method is part of the significant technical progress in mycological diagnostics and an alternative to the time-consuming and labor-intensive identification of dermatophytes based on morphological traits and DNA sequencing. Nevertheless, before the technique can be implemented into routine diagnostic tests, it is necessary to expand the reference spectra library and develop procedures for direct analysis of dermatological samples.
1. Introduction. 2. Identification of microorganisms using the MALDI-TOF MS method. 3. MALDI TOF MS in mycological identification. 4. Critical factors in identification of dermatophytes with the MALDI-TOF method. 4.1. Impact of the microbiological medium. 4.2. Impact of the incubation time. 4.3. Impact of the protein extraction procedure and preparation of the matrix. 4.4. Impact of the mass spectrometry apparatus. 4.5. Impact of the reference spectrum library. 4.6. Impact of the spectrum comparison algorithm. 4.7. Impact of taxonomic changes. 5. Prospects for the development of MALDI-TOF MS in mycological diagnostics. 6. Summary
Effect of Storage Methods on Various Sorts of Siberian Turnip (Brassica rapa L.)
Authors: Stepanova Alla , Davydenko N. , Golub Olga , Stepanova Elena 
Published: October 2020

Introduction. Vegetables are an integral part of human diet. Specialists from many countries of the world develop and improve technologies for storing vegetables in order to ensure the safety, quality, and quantity of commercial products. Turnip is one of the most promising vegetables from the point of view of healthy nutrition. Its production has been revived in recent years. This root vegetable has a high nutritional value and contains a significant amount of physiologically active components. There are regulatory documents for the storage of potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. However, storage standards for turnip are still under development due to the variability of their chemical composition, place of growth, etc. As a result, any rationale for storage methods for fresh and ripened turnips of different varieties grown on farms in the Novosibirsk region is relevant.
Study objects and methods. The research featured fresh and ripened turnips of the “Kometa”, “Luna”, and “Orbita” varieties. Research methods were generally accepted and standard. The samples were stored at 0–1°C and relative humidity of 90–95% on pallets in opened plastic bags, board boxes with plastic liners, and board boxes without liners.
Results and discussion. After 6 months, the method with polymer materials showed the best results, regardless of the variety: the average yield of quality products was 88%. Storage in wooden boxes without plastic liners provided only 70% of standard products. The decrease in the mass during 6-month storage was about 2% when stored in opened plastic bags and board boxes with plastic liners, while in board boxes without liners it was 20.6%. After the latter storage method, 9.8% of root crops appeared affected by microbiological diseases. A similar trend was observed in the content of total sugars: an average loss of 2.7% was detected when using polymer materials and 3.6% – without them. The board boxes with plastic liners proved better in preserving vitamin C: the average loss was 22.3%, while it reached 30.3% for plastic bags and 37.3% for board boxes without liners. After 6 months of storage, all samples maintained satisfactory quality. The sensory properties ranged from 7.01 to 7.94 points. The points were discarded for decreased consistency of epithelial tissues, pulp, taste, and aroma.
Conclusion. The turnips of the “Kometa”, “Luna”, and “Orbita” varieties grown in the Novosibirsk region should be stored at 0–1°C and a relative humidity of 90–95% in plastic bags or board boxes with plastic liners placed on pallets.
Concerns and Misconceptions About the Australian Government’s COVIDSafe App: Cross-Sectional Survey Study
Authors: Thomas Rae , Michaleff Zoe A , Greenwood Hannah , Abukmail Eman , Glasziou Paul 
Published: October 2020

Background
Timely and effective contact tracing is an essential public health measure for curbing the transmission of COVID-19. App-based contact tracing has the potential to optimize the resources of overstretched public health departments. However, its efficiency is dependent on widespread adoption.

Objective
This study aimed to investigate the uptake of the Australian Government’s COVIDSafe app among Australians and examine the reasons why some Australians have not downloaded the app.

Methods
An online national survey, with representative quotas for age and gender, was conducted between May 8 and May 11, 2020. Participants were excluded if they were a health care professional or had been tested for COVID-19.

Results
Of the 1802 potential participants contacted, 289 (16.0%) were excluded prior to completing the survey, 13 (0.7%) declined, and 1500 (83.2%) participated in the survey. Of the 1500 survey participants, 37.3% (n=560) had downloaded the COVIDSafe app, 18.7% (n=280) intended to do so, 27.7% (n=416) refused to do so, and 16.3% (n=244) were undecided. Equally proportioned reasons for not downloading the app included privacy (165/660, 25.0%) and technical concerns (159/660, 24.1%). Other reasons included the belief that social distancing was sufficient and the app was unnecessary (111/660, 16.8%), distrust in the government (73/660, 11.1%), and other miscellaneous responses (eg, apathy and following the decisions of others) (73/660, 11.1%). In addition, knowledge about COVIDSafe varied among participants, as some were confused about its purpose and capabilities.

Conclusions
For the COVIDSafe app to be accepted by the public and used correctly, public health messages need to address the concerns of citizens, specifically privacy, data storage, and technical capabilities. Understanding the specific barriers preventing the uptake of contact tracing apps provides the opportunity to design targeted communication strategies aimed at strengthening public health initiatives, such as downloading and correctly using contact tracing apps.