bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms with gestational diabetes mellitus-a case control study in Wuhan, China
Authors: liu jianqiong , Dai Qiong , Li Wei , Guo Yan , Dai Anna , Wang Yanqing , Deng Mengyao , Tang Zhao , She Lu , Chen Xiaohong , Yang Mei 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is extremely harmful to both the women and the fetuses. The association between the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and GDM has not been thoroughly investigated in Chinese pregnant women. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether VDR gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs154410, rs7975232, rs731236, rs2228570 and rs739837 contribute to GDM risk in Wuhan, China. In addition, we aimed to explore their combined effect on the risk of GDM.
Methods
Pregnant women who had prenatal examination at 24 to 28 weeks’ gestation in our hospital were included in this case-control study. After exclusion, a total of 1684 pregnant women (826 GDM patients and 858 non-diabetic controls) were recruited. The clinical information and blood sample were collected by trained interviewers and nurses. Genotyping of candidate SNPs was conducted by the Sequenom MassARRAY platform. Statistical analyses such as t-test, chi-square test and logistic regression etc. were performed to the data with SPSS Software. Multifactor dimensionality reduction method was used to explore the gene-gene interactions on the risk of GDM.
Results
Differences in age, pre-pregnancy BMI, family history of diabetes and morning sickness between the case and control groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were found in height, gravidity, parity, and age of menarche (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences at allele and genotype distributions of the examined VDR gene SNPs (P > 0.05). After adjusting by age, pre-pregnancy BMI, family history of diabetes and morning sickness, the results of logistic regression analysis showed no associations of the five SNPs with GDM in all the four genotype models(P > 0.05). Furthermore, there were no gene-gene interactions on the GDM risk among the five examined VDR gene SNPs.
Conclusion
The VDR gene SNPs rs154410, rs7975232, rs731236, rs2228570 and rs739837 showed neither significant associations nor gene-gene interactions with GDM in Wuhan, China.
A Highly Thermotolerant Laccase Produced by Cerrena Unicolor Strain CGMCC 5.1011 for Complete and Stable Malachite Green Decolorization
Authors: Yao Yanhua , Zhou Guimei , Lin Yonghui , Xu Xinqi , Yang Jie 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Laccases are a class of multi-copper oxidases with important industrial values. A thermotolerant laccase produced by a basidiomycete fungal strain Cerrena unicolor CGMCC 5.1011 was studied. With glycerin and peptone as the carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively, a maximal laccase activity of 121.7 U/mL was attained after cultivation in the shaking flask for 15 days. Transcriptomics analysis revealed an expressed laccase gene family of 12 members in C. unicolor strain CGMCC 5.1011, and the gene and cDNA sequences were cloned. A glycosylated laccase was purified from the fermentation broth of Cerrena unicolor CGMCC 5.1011 and corresponded to Lac2 based on MALDI-TOF MS/MS identification. Lac2 was stable at pH 5.0 and above, and was resistant to organic solvents. Lac2 displayed remarkable thermostability, with half-life time of 1.67 h at 70 ºC. Consistently, Lac2 was able to completely decolorize malachite green (MG) at high temperatures, whereas Lac7 from Cerrena sp. HYB07 resulted in accumulation of colored MG transformation intermediates. Molecular dynamics simulation of Lac2 was conducted, and possible mechanisms underlying Lac2 thermostability were discussed. The robustness of C. unicolor CGMCC 5.1011 laccase would not only be useful for industrial applications, but also provide a template for future work to develop thermostable laccases.
Outcome of COVID-19 with Co-Existing Surgical Emergencies in Children: Our Initial Experiences and Recommendations
Authors: Hasan Samiul , Ali Md Ayub , Huq Umama 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: COVID-19 has changed the practice of surgery vividly all over the world. This has already lead to a huge burden of rescheduled pediatric surgical cases worldwide. Though children are less likely to be infected and suffer less when infected, there is a growing fear among health care workers of being self-infected, which is limiting the surgical care of children globally. This study aims to share our experiences with the outcome of COVID-19 in children who had a co-existing surgical emergency, which might help the pediatric surgeons globally to mitigate the effect of COVID 19 on pediatric surgery.Methods: This is a retrospective observational study. We reviewed the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data of all patients admitted in our surgery department through the emergency department and later diagnosed to have COVID-19 by RT-PCR. During April 2020 – June 2020. A nasopharyngeal swab was taken from all patients irrespective of symptoms to detect SARS CoV 2 by RT-PCR to identify and isolate asymptomatic patients and patients with atypical symptoms. We divided the test positive patients into 4 age groups for the convenience of data analysis. Data were retrieved from hospital records and analyzed using SPSS (version 25) software. Ethical permission was taken from the hospital ethical review board.Results: Total patients were 32. Seven (21.9%) of them were neonates. Twenty-four (75%) patients were male. The predominant diagnosis was acute abdomen followed by infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS), myelomeningocele, and intussusception. Only two patients had mild respiratory symptoms (dry cough). Fever was present in 13 (40.6%) patients. Fourteen (43.8%) patients required surgical treatment. The mean duration of hospital stay was 5.5 days. One neonate with ARM died in the post-operative ward due to cardiac arrest. No patient had hypoxemia or organ failure. Seven health care workers (5.51%) including doctors & nurses got infected with SARS Co V2 during this period.Conclusion: Our study has revealed a milder course of COVID-19 in children with minimal infectivity even when present in association with emergency surgical conditions. This might encourage a gradual restart to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on children’s surgery.
Lateral Position: A Friendly Surgical Position for Intramedullary Nailing of Tibial Shaft Fractures Via Infrapatellar Approach
Authors: zhao jinzhu , Qu Liang , Li Peng , Tan Changlong , Tao Chunsheng 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of the lateral position in intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures via the infrapatellar approach.Methods The present study was a retrospective analysis of 112 patients who sustained closed tibial shaft fractures and treated with intramedullary nailing via the infrapatellar approach. Patients were divided into two groups according to surgical position: lateral or supine. The demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed. Results There were 54 patients in the lateral and 58 in the supine position groups. The duration of surgery and fluoroscopy was shorter in the lateral group than the supine group (p < 0.05). Blood loss during surgery was lower in the lateral compared with supine position group (p < 0.05). The malunion rate was lower in the lateral position group as compared with the supine position group (p < 0.05); moreover, fewer surgical assistants were needed than in the supine group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in fracture healing time, other complications between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions The lateral position was a more convenient choice for intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures via infrapatellar approach.
Osteopontin as a Novel Biomarker for the Prognosis and Clinical Pathology of Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yu Anze , Xie Kai , Xing Changsheng , Qin Qilin , Liu Longfei , Zu Xiongbing 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Evaluation of the feasibility for osteopontin (OPN) to serve as a biomarker in the prognosis and clinical pathological features of prostate cancer patients.Methods: The original publications related to osteopontin and prostate cancer were comprehensively searched in the online databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Medline, Wanfang database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure up to August 2019. Results were analyzed by software Revman 5.3 and Stata 12.0. Results: A total of 21 studies were included in the analysis and the result showed that the positive OPN expression group had a lower overall survival than the negative expression group (univariate: HR=2.32, 95%CI [1.74, 3.10], multivariate: HR=2.41, 95%CI [1.63, 3.57]) and a lower biochemical relapse-free survival than the negative group (univariate: HR=1.42, 95%CI [0.92, 2.17], multivariate: HR=1.61, 95%CI [1.39, 1.87]). In addition, there was a higher expression level of OPN in prostate cancer tissues than in normal prostate tissues (OR=46.55, 95%CI [12.85, 168.59], p<0.00001) and benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues (OR=11.07, 95%CI [3.43, 35.75], p<0.0001). Moreover, OPN positive expression was also related to high Gleason score (OR=2.64, 95%CI [1.49, 4.70], p=0.0009), high TNM stage (OR=3.15, 95%CI [1.60, 6.20, p=0.0009), high Whitmore-Jewett stage (OR=2.53, 95%CI [1.06, 6.03], p=0.04), high lymph node (OR=3.69, 95%CI [1.88, 7.23], p=0.0001), and distant metastasis (OR=8.10, 95%CI [2.94, 22.35], p=0.01). There was no difference observed in the differentiation of prostate cancer (OR=1.79, 95%CI [0.39, 8.33], p=0.46).Conclusion: Osteopontin could be recognized as a promising novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for prostate cancer patients.
Characterization of Bone Metabolism in Hungarian Psoriatic Arthritis Patients: A Case–Control Study.
Authors: Petho Zsofia , Kalina Edit , Pap Zoltan , Hodosi Katalin , Falcsik Rebeka , Balogh Adam , Szekanecz Zoltan , Bhattoa Harjit Pal 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Skeletal manifestations are predominant in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The aim of this cross-sectional, case-controlled study is the complex assessment of areal and volumetric bone mineral density (BMD), fracture risk, vitamin D status and bone turnover markers, and its association with disease-related variables.Methods: Lumbar spine (L1-L4) and femur neck (FN) areal, and distal radius (DR) volumetric BMD, 10-year probability of major and hip osteoporotic fracture as assessed by the fracture risk assessment (FRAX) tool, markers of bone metabolism and disease activity were assessed.Results: Upon comparison of the disease and age- and sex-matched control groups, there was a statistically significant difference in FN areal (0.955±0.145 g/cm2 vs. 1.034±0.148 g/cm2; p=0.001) and DR total volumetric (285.7±61.8 mg/cm3 vs. 369.6±23.6 mg/cm3; p<0.001) BMD, 10 year probability for major osteoporotic (5.0% (0.7%-32%) vs. 3.5% (0%-17.5%); p=0.003) and hip (1.1% (0%-16%) vs. 0.5% (0%-6.1%); p=0.002) fracture and 25-hydroxyvitamin D status (53 (10-120) nmol/L vs. 67 (10-137; p<0.001) nmol/L). As compared to areal assessment, volumetric BMD measurements identified a significantly higher number of patients with low bone mass (T-Score £ -1.00) (34% vs. 88%, p<0.001). Upon multiple linear regression analysis, disease activity score, as determined by DAS28 assessment, was an independent predictor of 10-year probability for major osteoporotic fracture (B (95%CI) = 1.351 (0.379–2.323); p = 0.007).Conclusion: In the studied PsA cohort, disease activity was an independent predictor of 10-year probability for a major osteoporotic fracture, and complemented assessment of volumetric and areal BMD assured better efficacy at identifying those with low bone mass.
CSF Biomarker Profiles in CNS Infection Associated with HSV and VZV Mimic Pattern in Alzheimer’s Disease.
Authors: Shinomoto Makiko , Kasai Takashi , Tatebe Harutsugu , Kitani-Morii Fukiko , Ohmichi Takuma , Fujino Yuzo , Allsop David , Mizuno Toshiki , Tokuda Takahiko 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. Although AD was initially considered to be a cell autonomous neurodegenerative disorder, marked neuroinflammation is observed in the brains of patients with AD, alongside Aβ and tau pathology. Based on genetic and molecular biological findings, central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory processes have been postulated to be involved in the etiopathogenesis of AD, in which activated microglia play a key role. This has also been supported by the epidemiological observation that CNS infections were associated with the development of AD, and in particular the relationship between herpetic virus and AD has been well-investigated. For example, the presence of anti-herpes simplex virus (HSV) antibody was associated with an elevated risk of developing AD [1]. Moreover, anti-herpetic medication was associated with a reduced risk of dementia in a population-based study [2]. Similar results were also observed in the case of varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections [3]. Taking into consideration the reports above, we hypothesized that the biomarker signature representing AD might be observed in patients with herpetic viral CNS infections as a prognostic biomarker of AD development. In the current study, we aimed to determine whether or not the biomarkers related to AD and neurodegeneration were changed in patients with CNS infection by HSV and VZV compared with controls. This study focused on CSF levels of Aβ1-42, Aβ1-40, total-tau (t-tau), and tau phosphorylated at threonine 181 (p-tau) as molecules representing the AD signature; neurofilament light chain (NfL) and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (p-NfH) as indicators of axonal injury; soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (sTREM2) as a potential biomarker for microglia activity; and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as a biomarker for astrocytic damage. We also measured serum levels of NfL as a blood based biomarker for axonal injury. (For detailed methods, see Supplementary methods) The demographic characteristics, diagnosis, CSF profiles, results of viral detection, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, lowest score of the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) during the hospitalization period, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge are summarized in Supplementary Table 1 and 2. There was no significant difference in age or sex among the HSV, VZV, and control groups.
Overexpression of miR-140-3p&nbsp;Could Reverse Radioresistance of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma by Targeting XIAP
Authors: Wu Qi , Zhu Zhenhua 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMalignant behavior and radioresistance, which severely limits the efficacy of radiotherapy (RT) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), lead to tumor progression and poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of miR-140-3p on NPC development and radioresistance.MethodsThe expression of genes and proteins was detected by Western blotting, and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Proliferation, apoptosis, and radioresistance of NPC were detected. Luciferase reporter assays were used to detect the interactions of miR-140-3p with its downstream targets.ResultsThe expression of miR-140-3p was associated with the occurrence and radiation resistance of NPC. XIAP as the direct target of miR-140-3p was verified. We found alleviated radioresistance of NPC cells upon miR-140-3p overexpression or XIAP knockdown.ConclusionmiR-140-3p is downregulated in radioresistant NPC. miR-140-3p could hamber radioresistance of NPC via directly target XIAP, suggesting miR-140-3p/XIAP axis is vital in the regulation of irradiation sensitivity.
Chronic inflammation of middle ear cholesteatoma promotes its recurrence via a paracrine mechanism
Authors: Schuermann Matthias , Oppel Felix , Shao Senyao , Volland-Thurn Verena , Kaltschmidt Christian , Kaltschmid Barbara , Scholtz Lars-Uwe , Sudhoff Holger 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCholesteatoma disease is an expanding lesion in the middle ear. Hearing loss and facial paralysis alongside with other intracranial complications are found. No pharmaceutical treatment is available today and recurrence after surgical extraction occurs. We investigated possible TLR4-based mechanisms promoting recurrence and explore possible treatments strategies.MethodsWe isolated fibroblasts and epidermal stem cells from cholesteatoma tissue and healthy auditory canal skin. Subsequently, their expression under standard culture conditions and after stimulation with LPS was investigated by RT-qPCR. Cell metabolism and proliferation were analysed upon LPS treatment, with and without TLR4 antagonist. An indirect co-culture of fibroblasts and epidermal stem cells isolated from cholesteatoma tissue was utilized to monitor epidermal differentiation upon LPS treatment by RT-qPCR and immunocytochemistry.ResultsUnder standard culture conditions, we detected a tissue-independent higher expression of IL-1β and IL-8 in stem cells, an upregulation of KGF and IGF-2 in both cell types derived from cholesteatoma and higher expression of TLR4 in stem cells derived from cholesteatoma tissue. Upon LPS challenge, we could detect a significantly higher expression of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 in stem cells and of TNF-a, GM-CSF and CXCL-5 in stem cells and fibroblasts derived from cholesteatoma. The expression of the growth factors KGF, EGF, EREG, IGF-2 and HGF was significantly higher in fibroblasts, particularly when derived from cholesteatoma. Upon treatment with LPS the metabolism was elevated in stem cells and fibroblasts, proliferation was only enhanced in fibroblasts derived from cholesteatoma. This could be reversed by the treatment with a TLR4 antagonist. The cholesteatoma fibroblasts could be triggered by LPS to promote the epidermal differentiation of the stem cells, while no LPS treatment or LPS treatment without the presence of fibroblasts did not result in such a differentiation.ConclusionWe propose that cholesteatoma recurrence is based on TLR4 signalling imprinted in the cholesteatoma cells. It induces excessive inflammation of stem cells and fibroblasts, proliferation of perimatrix fibroblasts and the generation of epidermal cells from stem cells thru paracrine signalling by fibroblasts. Treatment of the operation site with a TLR4 antagonist might reduce the chance of cholesteatoma recurrence.
Perception of Malaria Chemoprevention Interventions in Infants and Children in Eight Sub-Saharan African Countries: an End-User Perspective Study
Authors: Audibert Celine , Tchouatieu Andre-Marie 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Preventive chemotherapy interventions have been identified as key tools for malaria prevention and control. Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) and intermittent preventive treatment of infants (IPTi) represent the two major chemoprevention measures recommended by the WHO since 2012. A large number of publications of clinical trials have reported on the efficacy and safety profile of these interventions. However, little literature exists on end-user experience. The objective of this study was to provide insights on the perceptions and attitudes towards SMC and IPTi to identify drivers of and barriers to acceptance.Methods: a total of 179 in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with community health workers (CHWs), health center managers, parents of children receiving chemoprevention, and national decision-makers across eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Questionnaires were adapted to the malaria chemoprevention intervention in place in each country. The transcribed verbatim responses were coded and analyzed using a thematic approach.Results: Study data indicate that SMC is largely well perceived and accepted by end-users, mainly due to its generally favorable efficacy and safety profile. Despite this largely positive perception, coverage remained below 100%, with health-center managers and CHWs who participated in our survey estimating, respectively, that 88% and 92% of eligible children received the first dose each month. The main causes mentioned for missing doses were children’s absenteeism, children being sick, parents’ reluctance, and lack of staff. Regarding IPTi, results from participants based in Sierra Leone showed that the intervention was generally well accepted and integrated into the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) program. High infant mortality rate due to malaria and supportive efficacy data led Sierra Leone to implement IPTi, although these arguments were not sufficient for respondents from other countries. At the field level, parents and CHWs from Sierra Leone recognized the efficacy of the intervention in protecting their infants from malaria. The main challenges encountered were access to water, crushing the tablets, and high staff turnover.Conclusions: SMC and IPTi are perceived as valuable interventions. Our study identified the key elements that need to be considered to facilitate the expansion of these two interventions to different geographies or age groups.
Unveiling the origin of steep decay in γ-ray bursts
Authors: Ronchini Samuele , Oganesyan Gor , Branchesi Marica , Ascenzi Stefano , Bernardini Maria Grazia , Brighenti Francesco , Dall'Osso Simone , D'Avanzo Paolo , Ghirlanda Giancarlo , Ghisellini Gabriele , Ravasio Maria Edvige , Salafia Om Sharan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
γ-ray bursts (GRBs) are short-lived transients releasing a large amount of energy (10^51-10^53 erg) in the keV-MeV energy range. GRBs are thought to originate from internal dissipation of the energy carried by ultra-relativistic jets launched by the remnant of a massive star’s death or a compact binary coalescence. While thousands of GRBs have been observed over the last thirty years, we still have an incomplete understanding of where and how the radiation is generated in the jet. A novel investigation of the GRB emission mechanism, via time-resolved spectral analysis of the X-ray tails of bright GRB pulses, enables us to discover a unique relation between the spectral index and the flux. This relation is incompatible with the long standing scenario invoked to interpret X-ray tails, that is, the delayed arrival of pho-tons from high-latitude parts of the jet. We show that our results provide for the first time evidence of adiabatic cooling and efficient energy exchange between the emitting particles in the relativistic outflows of GRBs.
Optimization of the Separation of Unburned Coal from a Selected Fly Ash
Authors: Wierzchowski Krzysztof , Klupa Agnieszka , Białecka Barbara , Moszko Joanna Całus 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Unburned coal grains often hinder the economic utilization of fly ash and also represent energy loss of the fuel. This paper addresses the possibility of separating unburned coal from a selected fly ash with typical mineralogical and chemical characteristics. To assess the possibility of separating the unburned coal, the analysis of the grain density and composition of ash was used. The unburned coal was separated using one wet gravity and three dry methods. The highest amount of unburned coal, 62% in the concentrate, was obtained using the fluidized bed method with separation. The largest weight yield of concentrate equal to 17.8% was obtained using the electrostatic method.