bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Required concentration index quantifies effective drug combinations against hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Kakizoe Yusuke , Koizumi Yoshiki , Ikoma Yukino , Ohashi Hirofumi , Wakita Takaji , Iwami Shingo , Watashi Koichi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Successful clinical drug development requires rational design of combination treatments based on preclinical data. Anti-HCV drugs exhibit significant diversity in antiviral effect. Dose-response assessments can be used to determine parameters profiling the diverse antiviral effect during combination treatment. In the current study, a combined experimental and mathematical approaches were used to compare and score different combinations of anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatments. A “required concentration index” was generated and used to rank the antiviral profile of possible double- and triple-drug combinations against HCV genotype 1 and 2. Rankings varied based on target HCV genotype. Interestingly, multidrug (double and triple) treatment not only augmented antiviral activity, but also reduced genotype-specific efficacy, suggesting another advantage of multidrug treatment. The current study provides a quantitative method for profiling drug combinations against viral genotypes, to better inform clinical drug development.
Patterns of changes in serum lipid profile in prediabetic patients: Results from a 16-year prospective cohort study
Authors: safari shahla , Amini Masoud , Aminorroaya Ashraf , Feizi Awat 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Lipids abnormality pervasively is associated with the risk of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. To the best of our knowledge, there is no study that examined the longitudinal changes in wide range of serum lipid profile in prediabetic subjects in association with the risk of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in future. This study aimed to identify the patterns of changes in lipids profile over time in prediabetic patients and classify these subjects in order to highlight the high risk people for future diabetes risk.
Methods
This prospective 16-year (2003–2019) cohort study was conducted among 1228 prediabetic subjects. The study subjects followed over time and changes in their lipid profile include Triglycerides, Cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was evaluated. Latent Markov model was used for data analysis.
Results
Mean (standard deviation) age of subjects was 44.00 (6.86) years and 73.6% were female. Latent Markov model identified two latent states of subjects in terms of change in lipid profile: low tendency to progress diabetes/ high tendency to progress diabetes (74%/ 26%). Latent Markov model showed that the transition probability from “low tendency to progress diabetic” state to “high tendency to progress diabetic” state was lower than the transition probability from “high tendency to progress diabetic” state to “low tendency to progress diabetic” state.
Conclusion
In conclusion, abnormality of serum lipid profile remains a significant and growing problem in prediabetic subjects as high risk population. The reduction in the problem burden will require changes at the policy level as well as at the personal level.
Mapping of a major QTL, qBK1Z, for bakanae disease resistance in rice
Authors: Lee Sais-Beul , Kim Namgyu , Jo Sumin , Hur Yeon-Jae , Lee Ji-youn , Cho Jun-Hyeon , Lee Jong-Hee , Song You-Chun , Bombay Maurene , Kim Sung-Ryul , Lee Jungkwan , Seo Young-Su , Ko Jong-Min , Park Dong-Soo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Bakanae disease is a fungal disease of rice (Oryza sativa L.) caused by the pathogen Gibberella fujikuroi (also known as Fusarium fujikuroi). Recently the disease incidence has increased in several Asian countries and continues to spread throughout the world. No rice varieties have been developed yet to be completely resistant to this disease. With increasing need to identify various genetic resources to impart resistance to local elite varieties, this study was carried out to identify novel quantitative trait loci (QTLs) from an indica variety Zenith. Results: We performed a QTL mapping using 180 F2:9 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between the resistant variety, Zenith, and the susceptible variety, Ilpum. A primary QTL study using the genotypes and phenotypes of the RILs indicated that the locus qBK1z conferring bakanae disease resistance from the Zenith was located in a 2.8 Mb region bordered by the two SSR markers, RM1331 and RM3530 on chromosome 1. The log of odds (LOD) score of qBK1z was 13.43, accounting for 30.9% of the total phenotypic variation. A finer localization of qBK1z was delimited at an approximate 730 kb interval in the physical map between Chr01_1435908 (1.43 Mbp) and RM10116 (2.16 Mbp).Conclusion: The development of a rice variety with a higher level of resistance against bakanae disease is a major challenge in many rice growing countries. Introducing qBK1z or pyramiding with other previously identified QTLs could provide effective genetic control of bakanae disease in rice.
Imaging of Chemokine Receptor-4 Targeted PET/CT with 68Ga-Pentixafor in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Comparison to 18F-FDG
Authors: Pan Qingqing , Luo Yaping , Zhang Yan , Chang Long , Li Ji , Cao Xinxin , Li Jian , Li Fang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: In order to study the CXCR4 expression with 68Ga-Pentixafor PET in different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, we performed a retrospective study to describe the 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT imaging in a spectrum of lymphomas and to compare it with 18F-FDG PET/CT. Results: Twenty-seven patients with newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin lymphoma were recruited retrospectively. 68Ga-Pentixafor PET showed increased radioactivity in lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (n = 8), marginal zone lymphoma (n = 4), diffuse large B cell lymphoma (n = 3), follicular lymphoma (n = 2), mantle cell lymphoma (n = 1), unclassified indolent B cell lymphoma (n = 3) and enteropathy associated T cell lymphoma (n = 3). However, peripheral T cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (n = 1), and NK/T cell lymphoma (n = 2) were not avid for 68Ga-Pentixafor. In comparison to 18F-FDG PET, 68Ga-Pentixafor PET demonstrated more extensive disease and higher radioactivity in lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma. Conclusion: CXCR4 expression varies in different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Overexpression of CXCR4 was detected with 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT in lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, diffuse large B cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, unclassified indolent B cell lymphoma, and enteropathy associated T cell lymphoma.
Impact of Retrieved Lymph Nodes Count on Short-Term Complications in Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Sun Feng , Liu Song , Song Peng , Zhang Chen , Liu Zhijian , Guan Wenxian , Wang Meng 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: It is well established that retrieved lymph nodes (RLNs) count were positively correlated with better overall survival in gastric cancer (GC). But little is known about the relationship between RLNs count and short-term complications after radical surgery. Methods: A total of 1487 consecutive GC patients between January 2016 and December 2018 at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate analyses were performed to elucidate the association between RLNs count and postoperative complications. We further identified clinical factors that might affect the RLNs count.Results: Among all of the patients, postoperative complications occurred in 435 (29.3%) patients. The mean RLNs count was 25.1 and 864 (58.1%) patients were diagnosed with lymph node metastasis. Univariate analyses showed no significant difference between RLNs count and postoperative complications (both overall and stratified by CDC grade). We further explored that preoperative serum albumin, type of resection, operation time, tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, and pTNM stage were associated with RLNs count. Conclusions: The current study demonstrated that RLNs count was not associated with postoperative short-term complications following gastrectomy of GC, which provided a rationale for the determination of a proper RLNs count of curative gastrectomy.
Twenty-Year Changes in Mortality Rates and Underlying Causes of Death in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease, 1999–2018
Authors: Gao Jinfang , Xin Lei , Guo Qianyu , Xu Ke , Zhang Gailian , Yang Yanli , Ma Dan , Zhang Liyun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has advanced considerably in the last 20 years. However, few population-based studies have assessed mortality rates and the underlying cause of death (UCD) in patients with RA and RA-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). We conducted a study to evaluate trends in mortality rates, demographic characteristics, and UCDs in patients with RA-ILD.Methods: Through data from death certificates (1999-2018) acquired from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Multiple Cause of Death files, we explored trends in mortality rates and UCD for RA and RA-ILD patients. We evaluated trends in crude rates and age-standardised mortality rates (ASMR) for patients with RA and RA-ILD.Results: In both RA and RA-ILD patients, ASMR variation trended downward over a 20-year period. The ASMR ratio of RA-ILD to RA decreased by 5.84%. The ASMR for RA and RA-ILD stratified by sex or age group also trended downward. The change in the ASMR ratio of RA-ILD to RA differed between men and women, trending downward in women and upward in men. Arthropathies and ILD were the two most frequent UCDs for RA-ILD, while the most frequent UCDs for RA were arthropathies and ischaemic heart disease. Conclusions: Although both RA and RA-ILD showed a downward trend in mortality, RA combined with ILD may reduce patient life span. Specifically, the mortality rate for RA-ILD remained relatively stable during the study period when ILD was the UCD, which suggests the necessity of devoting resources to active prevention, early diagnosis, and effective management of RA-ILD.
Microscopic Polyangitis in Pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Unique Presentation of Pulmonary - Renal Syndrome and Case Report of an Overlap Syndrome
Authors: Zhang Chen-xing , Yin Lei , Mao You-ying , Zhou Zheng-yu , Qin He , Zhou Wei 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Secondary vasculitis is encountered in about one third of all cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Skin is most commonly involved in lupus-related small vasculitis. Although antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA) associated vasculitis (AAV) is relatively uncommon, it can be the most dangerous manifestation associated with high mortality. SLE and AAV are separate diseases with different pathophysiologies and an overlap syndrome has only been reported few times in previous literature.
Case Presentation: We present a unique case of a pediatric patient of pulmonary-renal syndrome, presenting with pulmonary alveolar hemorrhage and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. Serological and biopsy findings were suggestive of SLE and AAV occurring simultaneously. Renal biopsy demonstrated necrotizing and crescentic glomerulonephritis, superimposed on diffuse segmental proliferative lupus glomerulonephritis class IV.
Conclusions: Presentations of autoimmune diseases and vasculitis can be multi-systemic. Considering overlap syndromes, especially in patients with underlying connective tissue disease or systemic vasculitis, is vital for prompt therapy and prevention of morbidity in this population.
Evolutionary algorithms, swarm intelligence methods, and their applications in water resources engineering: a state-of-the-art review
Authors: Janga Reddy M. , Nagesh Kumar D. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
During the last three decades, the water resources engineering field has received a tremendous increase in the development and use of meta-heuristic algorithms like evolutionary algorithms (EA) and swarm intelligence (SI) algorithms for solving various kinds of optimization problems. The efficient design and operation of water resource systems is a challenging task and requires solutions through optimization. Further, real-life water resource management problems may involve several complexities like nonconvex, nonlinear and discontinuous functions, discrete variables, a large number of equality and inequality constraints, and often associated with multi-modal solutions. The objective function is not known analytically, and the conventional methods may face difficulties in finding optimal solutions. The issues lead to the development of various types of heuristic and meta-heuristic algorithms, which proved to be flexible and potential tools for solving several complex water resources problems. This paper provides a review of state-of-the-art methods and their use in planning and management of hydrological and water resources systems. It includes a brief overview of EAs (genetic algorithms, differential evolution, evolutionary strategies, etc.) and SI algorithms (particle swarm optimization, ant colony optimization, etc.), and applications in the areas of water distribution networks, water supply, and wastewater systems, reservoir operation and irrigation systems, watershed management, parameter estimation of hydrological models, urban drainage and sewer networks, and groundwater systems monitoring network design and groundwater remediation. This paper also provides insights, challenges, and need for algorithmic improvements and opportunities for future applications in the water resources field, in the face of rising problem complexities and uncertainties.
Lead-resistant bacteria isolated from oil wastewater sample for bioremediation of lead
Authors: Utami U. , Harianie L. , Dunyana N. R. , Romaidi  
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Anthropogenic activities such as oil exploration have resulted in an environmental concern as they are comprised of residual hydrocarbons and metals. Following the hypothesis that endogenous bacterial communities have enhanced tolerance to heavy metals, we isolated and characterized culturable lead-resistant bacteria from an oil wastewater sample and determined whether they could reduce lead ions from the medium. The wastewater sample containing indigenous bacteria were taken out from a traditional oil field, Bojonegoro District, East Java, Indonesia, and bacteria were cultured Halomonas complex (HMC) medium containing lead (II) chloride (PbCl2) with different concentrations. Bioaccumulation of lead by heavy-metals resistant bacteria was determined by using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Our result found 21 bacterial strains that resist lead ions, of which one strain (RPb5-3) highly resisted to 10 mM. This bacterial strain also exhibited the highest accumulation of Pb, and it could grow at various temperatures, or more than their original environment. The bacterial strains could be used for bioremediation of lead toxicity, especially in oil pollutants.
Novel Therapeutic Approaches and Targets for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Pescitelli Leonardo , Rosi Elia , Ricceri Federica , Pimpinelli Nicola , Prignano Francesca 
Published: June 2020

Background:
Atopic Dermatitis is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases,
with an estimated prevalence of 2.1-4.9% in adults.
Recently, advances in Atopic Dermatitis understanding have highlighted the role of inappropriate Th2
cell activation as principally involved in its pathogenesis. Other immune pathways seem to play a key
role in the complex Atopic Dermatitis pathophysiology.
The anti-IL-4/IL-13 was the first monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of moderate to
severe atopic dermatitis in adult patients whose disease is resistant to other therapies.
Following its interesting results in terms of efficacy and safety, new therapies are in development.

Methods:
Monoclonal antibodies targeting IL-5, IL-13, IL-17, IL-22, IL-23, IL-31 and TSLP are currently
under investigation on patients with moderate to severe Atopic Dermatitis patients. Moreover,
small molecules like anti-PDE4 and JAK inhibitors may also represent other treatment possibilities.

Results:
In this section, we present data available on the efficacy and safety of newer molecules for the
treatment of Atopic Dermatitis.

Conclusion:
The extreme clinical heterogeneity and the chronic progression of Atopic Dermatitis need
for newer, safer and more effective treatments, able to control the disease and to improve the quality of
life of affected patients. Dupilumab, and the other monoclonal antibodies and small molecules currently
under investigation aim to improve the clinical management of Atopic Dermatitis.
Icariin Accelerates Fracture Healing via Activation of the WNT1/β-catenin Osteogenic Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Yun , Chen Yue-Ping , Zhang Chi , Zhang Xuan , Xia Tian , Han Jie , Yang Nan , Song Shi-Lei , Xu Can-Hong 
Published: June 2020

Background:
Icariin has been shown to enhance bone formation.

Objective:
The present study aimed to investigate whether icariin also promotes bone fracture healing
and its mechanisms.

Methods:
First, we isolated and cultured rat bone marrow stromal cells (rBMSCs) with icariincontaining
serum at various concentrations (0%, 2.5%, 5% and 10%) and then measured alkaline
phosphatase (ALP) activity and the expression of Core-binding factor, alpha 1 (Cbfα1), bone morphogenetic
protein-2 (BMP-2) and bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) in the rBMSCs. Second, we
established a model of fracture healing in rats and performed gavage treatment for 20 days. Then, we
detected bone biochemical markers (ELISA kits) in the serum, fracture healing (digital radiography,
DR), and osteocalcin expression (immunohistochemistry).

Results:
Icariin treatment increased ALP activity and induced the expression of Cbfα1, BMP-2 and
BMP-4 in rBMSCs in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, Icariin increased the serum levels of osteocalcin
(OC), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), N-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen
(NTX-1), C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-1) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b
(TRACP-5b); promoted osteocalcin secretion at the fracture site; and accelerated fracture healing.

Conclusions:
Icariin can promote the levels of bone-formation markers, accelerate fracture healing, and
activate the WNT1/β-catenin osteogenic signaling pathway.
The Burden of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in the Middle East: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Focusing on Primary Prevention
Authors: Bhagavathula Akshaya Srikanth , Shehab Abdullah , Ullah Anhar , Rahmani Jamal 
Published: June 2020

Background:
The increasing incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) threatens the Middle
Eastern population. Several epidemiological studies have assessed CVD and its risk factors in terms of
the primary prevention of CVD in the Middle East. Therefore, summarizing the information from these
studies is essential.

Aim:
We conducted a systematic review to assess the prevalence of CVD and its major risk factors
among Middle Eastern adults based on the literature published between January 1, 2012, and December
31, 2018, and carried out a meta-analysis.

Methods:
We searched electronic databases such as PubMed/Medline, ScienceDirect, Embase and
Google Scholar to identify literature published from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2018. All the
original articles that investigated the prevalence of CVD and reported at least one of the following factors
were included: hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, smoking and family history of CVD. To
summarize CVD prevalence, we performed a random-effects meta-analysis.

Results:
A total of 41 potentially relevant articles were included, and 32 were included in the metaanalysis
(n=191,979). The overall prevalence of CVD was 10.1% (95% confidence interval (CI): 7.1-
14.3%, p<0.001) in the Middle East. A high prevalence of CVD risk factors, such as dyslipidaemia
(43.3%; 95% CI: 21.5-68%), hypertension (26.2%; 95% CI: 19.6-34%) and diabetes (16%; 95% CI: 9.9-
24.8%), was observed. The prevalence rates of other risk factors, such as smoking (12.4%; 95% CI: 7.7-
19.4%) and family history of CVD (18.7%; 95% CI: 15.4-22.5%), were also high.

Conclusion:
The prevalence of CVD is high (10.1%) in the Middle East. The burden of dyslipidaemia
(43.3%) in this region is twice as high as that of hypertension (26.2%) and diabetes mellitus (16%).
Multifaceted interventions are urgently needed for the primary prevention of CVD in this region.
Pharmacovigilance Assessment of Cardiac Implications of Nicotine Replacement Therapy Among Smokers
Authors: Olawuyi Oluwafemi , Mathieson Kathleen 
Published: June 2020

Purpose:
The purpose of this quantitative comparative study was to examine the possible
relationship between nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and cardiac disorder risk by comparing
the rates of cardiac disorder risk of NRT with cardiac disorder risk of non-replacement drugs among
smokers seeking smoking cessation.

Methods:
The study used retrospective quantitative design, which involved the collection of secondary
data from the adverse event reporting system (FAERS) database of the U.S Food and Drug
Administration (FDA). Rates of cardiac disorder were compared between the NRT group and non-
NRT (varenicline and bupropion) group. Statistical analyses involved using a 2x2 contingency table
and logistic regression to calculate odds ratio (reporting odds ratio (ROR)).

Results and Discussion:
Unadjusted ROR was 0.45 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.28, 0.70). With
age and sex as confounding factors, the smokers in the NRT group still had lower odds of having
cardiac disorder risk than the non-NRT group (adjusted ROR=0.44, 95% CI 0.28, 0.70).

Conclusion:
Our study findings showed lower cardiac disorder risk with the NRT group compared
to the non-NRT (varenicline and bupropion) group. While the study did not aim to undermine either
using NRT or non-NRT for smoking cessation therapy to prevent smoking illness, the study results
offer informed findings that could potentially improve current smoking cessation management using
NRT intervention among smokers and enhance smokers’ health outcome. Despite the negative signal
detection of cardiac disorder risk with NRT as compared to non-NRT in final findings, we still
recommend further research on the causal relationship between NRT and non-NRT and cardiac disorder
risk.
Antimicrobial Activities of Satureja khuzestanica Jamzad; A Review
Authors: Mahmoudvand Hossein , Ezatpour Behrouz , Masoori Leila , Marzban Abdolrazagh , Moghaddam Ali , Shahzamani Kiana , Malekara Vahid , Cheraghipour Kourosh 
Published: June 2020

:
Satureja khuzestanica Jamzad is a species native to Iran and is highly important in
Southwestern regions. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family and grows in different climates. A number
of pharmacological properties such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-thyroid, antioxidant,
and diuretic have been attributed to this plant.

:
In recent years, a wide range of biological properties, extract, and essential oil of Satureja khuzestanica
has been studied by researchers. In the present study, Scopus, SID, ISI, Google Scholar, and
PubMed indices were used to extract research articles. No publication time constraint was considered,
and the keyword “Satureja khuzestanica” was used to search articles. All extracted articles
were examined by two expert researchers and those on the biologic and fundamental science properties
of this plan entered the study. Results showed that S. khuzestanica has extensive research and
medicinal applications. Considering the economic and medical importance of S. khuzestanica, it is
hoped that more extensive studies can be conducted in the future on the use of compounds and derivatives
of this plant in order to obtain herbal medications to treat pathogens in human and animal.