bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogeny of teleost connexins reveals highly inconsistent intra- and interspecies use of nomenclature and misassemblies in recent teleost chromosome assemblies
Authors: Mikalsen Svein Ole , Tausen Marni , Kongsstovu Sunnvør í 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Based on an initial collecting of database sequences from the gap junction protein gene family (also called connexin genes) in a few teleosts, the naming of these sequences appeared variable. The reasons could be (i) that the structure in this family is variable across teleosts, or (ii) unfortunate naming. Rather clear rules for the naming of genes in fish and mammals have been outlined by nomenclature committees, including the naming of orthologous and ohnologous genes. We therefore analyzed the connexin gene family in teleosts in more detail. We covered the range of divergence times in teleosts (eel, Atlantic herring, zebrafish, Atlantic cod, three-spined stickleback, Japanese pufferfish and spotted pufferfish; listed from early divergence to late divergence).
Results: The gene family pattern of connexin genes is similar across the analyzed teleosts. However, (i) several nomenclature systems are used, (ii) specific orthologous groups contain genes that are named differently in different species, (iii) several distinct genes have the same name in a species, and (iv) some genes have incorrect names. The latter includes a human connexin pseudogene, claimed as GJA4P, but which in reality is Cx39.2P (a delta subfamily gene often called GJD2like). We point out the ohnologous pairs of genes in teleosts, and we suggest a more consistent nomenclature following the outlined rules from the nomenclature committees. We further show that connexin sequences can indicate some errors in two high-quality chromosome assemblies that became available very recently.
Conclusions: Minimal consistency exists in the present practice of naming teleost connexin genes. A consistent and unified nomenclature would be an advantage for future automatic annotations and would make various types of subsequent genetic analyses easier. Additionally, roughly 5% of the connexin sequences point out misassemblies in the new high-quality chromosome assemblies from herring and cod.
Multiple m6A RNA methylation modulators promote the malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma and affect its clinical prognosis
Authors: Qu Nanfang , Qin Sanyu , Zhang Xuemei , Bo Xiaotong , Liu Zhengchun , Tan Chao , Wen Guiqiong , Jiang Haixing 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in the world. N 6 -methyladenosine (m 6 A) RNA methylation is dynamically regulated by m 6 A RNA methylation modulators (“writer,” “eraser,” and “reader” proteins), which are associated with cancer occurrence and development. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between m 6 A RNA methylation modulators and HCC. Methods: First, using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases, we compared the expression levels of 13 major m6A RNA methylation modulators between HCC and normal tissues. Second, we applied consensus clustering to the expression data on the m 6 A RNA methylation modulators to divide the HCC tissues into two subgroups (clusters 1 and 2), and we compared the clusters in terms of overall survival (OS), World Health Organization (WHO) stage, and pathological grade. Third, using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, we constructed a risk signature involving the m 6 A RNA methylation modulators that affected OS in TCGA and ICGC analyses. Results: We found that the expression levels of 12 major m6A RNA methylation modulators were significantly different between HCC and normal tissues. After dividing the HCC tissues into clusters 1 and 2, we found that cluster 2 had poorer OS, higher WHO stage, and higher pathological grade. Four m 6 A RNA methylation modulators (YTHDF1, YTHDF2, METTL3, and KIAA1429) affecting OS in the TCGA and ICGC analyses were selected to construct a risk signature, which was significantly associated with WHO stage and was also an independent prognostic marker of OS. Conclusions: In summary, m 6 A RNA methylation modulators are key participants in the malignant progression of HCC and have potential value in prognostication and treatment decisions.
Does the medical insurance system really achieved the effect of poverty alleviation for the middle-aged and elderly people in China?Characteristics of vulnerable groups and failure links.
Authors: Ma Meiyan , Li Ye , Wang Nianshi , Wu Qunhong , Shan Linghan , Jiao Mingli , Fu Xuelian , Li Heng , Sun Tao , Yi Bin , Tian Wanxin , Xia Qi , Shi Baoguo , Hao Yanhua , Yin Hui , Ning Ning , Gao Lijun , Liang Libo , Wang Jiahui 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objective ： We examined the physiological, household, and spatial agglomeration characteristics of the health poverty population in China. We identified weak links that affect the implementation of the medical insurance and further improve its effectiveness for health poverty alleviation. Methods: A national representative sample from the 2015 China Health and Pension Tracking Survey (CHARLS) was analyzed. The WHO recommended method was adopted to calculate catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) and impoverishment by medical expenses (IME). We created a binary indicator for IME as the outcome variable and applied the treatment-effect model to analyze the determinants of IME. Results ： The rate of IME was 7.2% of the overall population, compared to 20.3% of the sample households trapped in CHE. The rate of IME enrolled in insurance schemes was 7.4% higher than that of uninsured families (4.8%). Economic level, living area, family size, age of household head, having hospitalized members, and participating in insurance were statistically significant for the rate of IME. Conclusion ： The original poverty -promoting policies has not reached the maximum point of convergence with China’s current demand for health. The overlapped health vulnerabilities exacerbated the risk of poverty among the elderly and households with high health needs and utilization. In addition, the medical insurance schemes have proven to be insufficient for protection against economic burden of poor households. So, special health needs, age, and household capacity to pay should be comprehensively considered while strengthening the connection between the disease insurance scheme with supplementary insurance. Keywords: medical insurance, poverty alleviation, healthy poverty, catastrophic health expenditure, impoverishment by medical expenses.
C -reactive protein and albumin ratio for the diagnosis of complicated appendicitis in children
Authors: Feng Wei , Yang Qian-Yu , Zhao Xu-Feng , Li Miao-Miao , Cui Hua-Lei 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: No reliably specific marker for complicated appendicitis has been identified. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin (ALB) ratio (CRP/ALB ratio) has been a new inflammation-based prognostic score which is associated with the severity of inflammation. However, its value in the diagnosis of complicated appendicitis has not been studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of CRP/ALB ratio for complicated appendicitis in children. Methods: A retrospective study of 232 children with acute appendicitis was conducted with assessment of age, gender, symptom duration, albumin and blood routine indexes on admission. According to intraoperative findings and postoperative pathological results, patients were divided into the simple appendicitis group (127 cases) and complicated appendicitis group (105 cases). SPSS version 17 was used to analyse the data. Results: Of the 232 patients, 118 (50.9%) were male and 114 (49.1%) were female. The CRP/ALB ratio was higher in complicated appendicitis compared with simple appendicitis (p<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the higher levels of mononuclear cell count (MC), CRP, procalcitonin (PCT) and CRP/ALB ratio were independent risk factors for complicated appendicitis in children. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of CRP/ALB ratio (0.946) was was bigger than MC (0.619), CRP (0.906) and PCT (0.843). CRP/ALB ratio >1.43 was found to be a significant marker in predicting complicatedappendicitis with 91.4% sensitivity and 90.6% specificity. Compared with CRP/ALB ratio =<1.43, patients with CRP/ALB ratio >1.43 had a 102.22 times higher chance of complicated appendicitis (95% CI: 41.322 - 252.874). Conclusion: Admission CRP/ALB ratio was significantly higher in children with acute complicated appendicitis. It is a novel but promising hematological marker that aids the differentiation of acute complicated and simple appendicitis.
Production of an anti-angiogenic factor sFLT1 is suppressed via promoter hypermethylation of FLT1 gene in choriocarcinoma cells
Authors: Sasagawa Tadashi , Jinno-Oue Atsushi , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Morita Kazuki , Tsuruga Tetsushi , Mori-Uchino Mayuyo , Fujii Tomoyuki , Shibuya Masabumi 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT1) as an anti-angiogenic factor is abundantly expressed in placental trophoblasts. Choriocarcinoma, a malignant tumor derived from trophoblasts, is known to be highly angiogenic and metastatic. However, the molecular mechanism underlying angiogenesis in choriocarcinoma pathogenesis remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the mRNA expression and DNA methylation status of the FLT1 gene in human choriocarcinoma cells and trophoblast cells. Methods: qRT-PCR, Western blotting and ELISA were conducted to evaluate the mRNA and protein expression levels of sFLT1. 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5azadC) treatment and bisulfite sequencing were used to study the FLT1 gene promoter methylation. The effect of sFLT1 on choriocarcinoma growth and angiogenesis was evaluated in a xenograft mouse model. Results: Expression of the FLT1 gene was strongly suppressed in choriocarcinoma cell lines compared with that in the primary trophoblasts. Treatment of choriocarcinoma cell lines with 5azadC, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, markedly increased in mRNA expression of three FLT1 splice variants and secretion of sFLT1 proteins. Bisulfite sequencing revealed that the CpG hypermethylation was observed at the FLT1 promoter region in choriocarcinoma cell lines and a human primary choriocarcinoma tissue but not in human trophoblast cells. Interestingly, in 5azadC-treated choriocarcinoma cell lines, sFLT1 mRNA expression and sFLT1 production were further elevated by hypoxic stimulation. Finally, as expected, sFLT1-expressing choriocarcinoma cells implanted into nude mice showed significantly slower tumor growth and reduced microvessel formation compared with GFP-expressing control choriocarcinoma cells. Conclusions: Inhibition of sFLT1 production by FLT1 silencing occurs via the hypermethylation of its promoter in choriocarcinoma cells. The stable expression of sFLT1 in choriocarcinoma cells resulted in the suppression of tumor growth and tumor vascularization in vivo . We suggest that the FLT1 gene may be a cell-type-specific tumor suppressor in choriocarcinoma cells.
Development of A Guideline for Reporting Mediation Analyses (AGReMA)
Authors: Cashin Aidan Gregory , McAuley James H , Lamb Sarah E , Hopewell Sally , Kamper Steven J , Williams Christopher M , Henschke Nicholas , Lee Hopin 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background There are a growing number of studies using mediation analysis to understand the mechanisms of health interventions and exposures. Recent work has shown that the reporting of these studies is heterogenous and incomplete. This problem stifles clinical application, reproducibility, and evidence synthesis. This paper describes the processes and methods that will be used to develop a guideline for reporting studies of mediation analyses (AGReMA). Methods/Design AGReMA will be developed over five overlapping stages. Stage one will comprise a systematic review to examine relevant evidence on the quality of reporting in published studies that use mediation analysis. In the second stage we will consult a group of methodologists and applied researchers by using a Delphi process to identify items that should be considered for inclusion in AGReMA. The third stage will involve a consensus meeting to consolidate and prioritise key items to be included in AGReMA. The fourth stage will involve production of AGReMA and an accompanying explanation and elaboration document. In the final stage we will disseminate the AGReMA statement via journals, conferences, and professional meetings across multiple disciplines. Discussion The development and implementation of AGReMA will improve the standardization, transparency, and completeness in the reporting of studies that use mediation analysis to understand the mechanisms of health interventions and exposures.
Leaving no one behind: lessons from implementation of policies for universal HIV treatment to universal health coverage
Authors: Assefa Yibeltal , Hill Peter S , Damme Wim Van , Dean Judith , Gilks Charles F 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: The third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-3) aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. SDG-3 has a specific target on universal health coverage (UHC), which emphasizes the importance of all people and communities having access to quality health services without risking financial hardship. The objective of this study is to review progress towards UHC using antiretroviral treatment (ART) as a case study. Methods: We used a mixed-methods design including qualitative and quantitative approaches. We reviewed and synthesised the evidence on the evolution of the WHO HIV treatment guidelines between 2002 and 2019. We calculated ART coverage over time by gender, age group, and location. We also estimated ART coverage differences and ratios. Findings: ART guidelines have evolved from “treating the sickest” to “treating all”. ART coverage increased globally from under 7% in 2005 to 62% in 2018. There have been successes in increasing ART coverage in all populations and locations. However, progress varies by population and location in many regions. There is inequity in ART coverage: women (68%) versus men (55%), and adults (62%) versus children (54%). This inequity has widened over time, and with expanded ART eligibility criteria. On the other hand, data from at least one high-burden country (Ethiopia) shows that inequity among regions has narrowed over time due to the improvements in the primary health care systems and implementation of the public health approach in the country. Conclusion: ART coverage has increased at global, regional and national levels to all population groups. However, the gains have not been equitable among locations and populations. Policies towards universality may widen the inequity in resource-limited settings unless countries take precautions and “put the last first”. We argue that primary health care and public health approaches, with multi-sectoral actions and community engagement, are vital to minimize inequity, achieve UHC and leave no one behind.
Sputum and plasma adiponectin levels in clinically stable adult cystic fibrosis patients with CFTR I1234V mutation
Authors: AbdulWahab Atqah , Allangawi Mona , Thomas Merlin , Bettahi Ilham , Sivaraman Siveen K. , Jerobin Jayakumar , Chandra Prem , Abou-Samra Abdul-Badi , Ramanjaneya Manjunath 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is associated with chronic inflammation leading to progress in lung function. Adiponectin is a predominantly anti-inflammatory adipokine that may have a role in CF lung. This study aims to determine total sputum and total plasma adiponectin levels in clinically stable adults CF patients with CFTR I1234V mutation, compared to plasma adiponectin levels in healthy controls and to investigate their correlations with body mass index (BMI) and spirometry in patients with CF. Methods: A cross-sectional study comprises 17 CF patients and 18 healthy controls. Adiponectin levels were measured by magnetic bead-based multiplex assay. Results: The mean age of adult CF patients was 22.9 years± 3.8 (18-30) and 76.5% CF patients had pancreatic sufficiency. The mean BMI in healthy controls was slightly higher than CF patients. The mean sputum adiponectin level was significantly lower than plasma adiponectin levels in CF patients and healthy controls (p<0.001), whereas no significant difference in plasma adiponectin levels between CF patients and healthy controls. The mean sputum adiponectin level was observed to be higher in CF patients with pancreatic insufficiency. Sputum adiponectin level was correlated positively with plasma adiponectin level in CF patients (r= 0.47, p=0.06). Sputum and plasma adiponectin levels in CF patients were correlated negatively with BMI and percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and Forced vital capacity (FVC). Conclusions Sputum adiponectin may provide a minimally invasive tool in the assessment of an inflammatory status in CF patients. Further larger study to address any difference in sputum and plasma adiponectin levels among CF patients with pancreatic sufficiency versus pancreatic insufficiency.
Prevalence and associated factors of erectile dysfunction among men DM patients in Gondar university hospital, Gondar Ethiopia
Authors: tesfaye tewodros , bayisa mulugeta , mesfin Nebiyu 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Back ground- globally it is likely that 387 million people have DM and this number expected to increase to 592 million by the year 2035. WHO estimated the number of cases of diabetes in Ethiopia to be about 800thausadns in 2011 and expected that it would increase to about 1.8 million by the year 2030. Psychosomatic and sexual dysfunctions are one among different complication that DM patients come across during their disease course. Therefore this study aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated with erectile dysfunction among adult men DM patients in Ethiopia.Method-An institutional based cross-sectional study design was conducted among male DM patients at Gondar university referral hospital chronic illness clinic. Single population proportion sampling technique was used. 367 were selected proportionally using systematic random sampling technique. Face to face interview method was employed using a structured questionnaire for data collection. Data were analyzed descriptively and through bi-and multivariate logistic regression model.Result-The prevalence rate is 53.1%. The mean age of the respondents was 54.12(SD+16.5112) years age from 21-90 years. Majority of the respondents 158(43.1%) were Orthodox followers followed by Muslim, 113(30.8%), Protestant 55(15.0%) and Catholic 41(11.2%). the median monthly salary was 2000 Ethiopian Birr. BMI of most respondents was within the range of 18.5-24.9. ED was significantly associated with Age, Duration of DM and Alcohol.Conclusion- Finding of this study indicated that ED is a major public and self issue with its multi-factorial among male DM. The evidence from this study found that being aged, alcoholic and longer duration of DM was significantly associated with ED.Key words- Erectile dysfunction, prevalence, male DM patients, Gondar University Referral Hospital.
Magnitude of screening for gestational diabetes mellitus in an urban setting in Tanzania; a cross-sectional analytic study
Authors: Mukuve Akampa Mbaaga , Mgonja Miriam Lucy , Sendagire Ibrahim , Noorani Mariam 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Medical screening detects risk factors for disease or presence of disease in otherwise well persons in order to intervene early and reduce morbidity and mortality. During antenatal care (ANC) it is important to detect conditions that complicate pregnancy, like gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Despite international and local guidelines recommending screening for GDM during ANC, there is evidence to suggest that the practice was not being carried out adequately. A major challenge may be lack of consensus on uniform GDM screening and diagnostic guidelines internationally and locally. The primary objective was to determine the magnitude of screening for GDM among women receiving ANC at the Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam and Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam. Secondary objectives were: to determine the methods used by health practitioners to screen for GDM, to determine the magnitude of undiagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus among women attending ANC and factors associated with screening for GDM among these women. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was done. Data collection was done using pre-tested questionnaires and reviewing antenatal care records. The proportion of women attending ANC who were screened for GDM was determined. The 75g Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) was offered to women who had not been screened after education and consent. Results: Only 107 out of 358 (29.9%) had been offered some form of GDM screening. Tests used for GDM screening were random blood sugar (56.8%), fasting blood sugar (32.8%), HbA1C (6%) and 75g OGTT (3.4%). The uptake of the OGTT was 27%. Of these women the prevalence of GDM was 27.4%. Factors associated with screening for GDM were history of big baby, history of pregnancy induced hypertension and participant awareness of GDM (all p : <0.05). Conclusions: Screening for GDM among women attending ANC was lower than the World Health Organization target. Efforts should be directed towards promoting GDM screening, increasing awareness about GDM and developing more effective screening methods.
MtOrt: An empirical mitochondrial amino acid substitution model for evolutionary studies of Orthoptera insects
Authors: Chang Huihui , Nie Yimeng , Zhang Nan , Zhang Xue , Sun Huimin , Mao Ying , Qiu Zhongying , Huang Yuan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Amino acid substitution models play an important role in inferring phylogenies from mitochondrial proteins. Although different amino acid substitution models have been proposed, only a few were estimated from mitochondrial protein sequences for specific taxa such as the mtArt model for Arthropoda. The increasing of mitochondrial genome data from broad Orthoptera taxa provides an opportunity to estimate the Orthoptera-specific mitochondrial amino acid empirical model. Results We sequenced complete mitochondrial genomes of 54 Orthoptera species, and then estimated an amino acid substitution model (named mtOrt) by maximum likelihood method based on the 283 complete mitochondrial genomes available currently. The results indicated that there are obvious differences between mtOrt and the existing model, and the new model can better fit the Orthoptera mitochondrial protein datasets. Moreover, topologies of trees constructed using mtOrt and existing models are frequently different. MtOrt does indeed have an impact on likelihood improvement as well as tree topologies. The comparisons between the topologies of trees constructed using mtOrt and existing models show that the new model outperforms the existing models in inferring phylogenies from Orthoptera mitochondrial protein data. Conclusions The new mitochondrial amino acid substitution model of Orthoptera shows obvious differences from the existing models, and outperforms the existing models in inferring phylogenies from Orthoptera mitochondrial protein sequences.