bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Demographic, Behavioral, and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in the Saudi Population: Results from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology study (PURE-Saudi)
Authors: Alhabib Khalid , Batais Mohammed A , Almigbal Turky H , Alshamiri Mostafa Q , Altaradi Hani , Rangarajan Sumathy , Yusuf Salim 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of death in Saudi Arabia. We aimed to assess associated demographic, behavioral, and CVD risk factors as part of the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study.MethodsPURE is a global cohort study of adults ages 35–70 years in 20 countries. PURE-Saudi study participants were recruited from 19 urban and 6 rural communities randomly selected from the Central province (Riyadh and Alkharj) between February 2012 and January 2015. Data were stratified by age, sex, and urban vs rural and summarized as means and standard deviations for continuous variables and as numbers and percentages for categorical variables. Proportions and means were compared between men and women, among age groups, and between urban and rural areas, using Chi-square test and t-tests, respectively.ResultsThe PURE-Saudi study enrolled 2047 participants (mean age, 46.5 ± 9.12 years; 43.1% women; 24.5% rural). Overall, 69.4% had low physical activity, 49.6% obesity, 34.4% unhealthy diet, 32.1% dyslipidemia, 30.3% hypertension, and 25.1% diabetes. In addition, 12.2% were current smokers, 15.4% self-reported feeling sad, 16.9% had a history of periods of stress, 6.8% had permanent stress, 1% had a history of stroke, 0.6% had heart failure, and 2.5% had coronary heart disease (CHD). Compared to women, men were more likely to be current smokers and have diabetes and a history of CHD. Women were more likely to be obese, have central obesity, self-report sadness, experience stress, feel permanent stress, and have low education. Compared to participants in urban areas, those in rural areas had higher rates of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, and lower rates of unhealthy diet, self-reported sadness, stress (several periods), and permanent stress. Compared to middle-aged and older individuals, younger participants more commonly reported an unhealthy diet, permanent stress, and feeling sad.ConclusionThese results of the PURE-Saudi study revealed a high prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle and CVD risk factors in the adult Saudi population, with higher rates in rural vs urban areas. National public awareness programs and multi-faceted healthcare policy changes are urgently needed to reduce the future burden of CVD risk and mortality.
The efficacy of a motorized lower-limb prosthetic device: a pilot study
Authors: Ghillebert Jo , Geeroms Joost , Flynn Louis , Bock Sander De , Govaerts Renée , Crea Simona , Vitiello Nicola , Lefeber Dirk , Roelands Bart , Meeusen Romain , Pauw Kevin De 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Comparing Non-invasive Diagnostic Methods for Arteriovenous Fistula Stenosis: A Prospective Study
Authors: Raksasuk Sukit , Rojwatcharapibarn Satit , Srithong Thatsaphan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

International guidelines recommended screening for AVF stenosis using various non-invasive methods. The previous studies have reported conflicting results. This study aims to evaluate the utility of the different non-invasive AVF flow measurements for detecting AVF stenosis.

Methods

We evaluated 23 HD patients with the clinical suspicion for AVF stenosis based on physical examination or high venous pressures during. Patients underwent all three non-invasive measurements including ultrasound dilution, urea dilution, and Doppler ultrasonography. Fistulography was performed to confirm the degree of AVF stenosis in all patients.

Results

Fistulography revealed AVF stenosis in eighteen patients, twelve of whom had severe stenosis (greater than 50% stenosis). About the location of the stenotic lesions, eight were at the inflow site, six at the outflow site, and four at both sites. In those AVFs with severe stenosis, median access flows were 625 mL/min by ultrasound dilution method, 615 mL/min by urea dilution method, and 590 mL/min by Doppler ultrasonography. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that Doppler ultrasonography had a high discriminative ability and the averaged areas under the curves were 0.933 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81 to 0.99) for stenosis and 0.929 (95% CI, 0.82 to 0.99) for severe stenosis. The sensitivity of each method for prediction of access stenosis was 73%, 73%, 80% by using the ultrasound dilution, urea dilution, and Doppler ultrasonography methods, respectively. The specificity of each method was 40%, 80%, and 100% respectively. Physical examination showed 80% sensitivity and 80% specificity for detecting AVF stenosis. The combination of non-invasive access flow measurement with physical examination increased the sensitivity for detection of AVF stenosis to 80%, 93%, and 93% respectively.

Conclusions

Doppler ultrasound combine with physical examination, was more accurate than other non-invasive methods for detection of AVF stenosis.
Effects of remifentanil-propofol combined with dexmedetomidine on cognitive dysfunction in elder patients after ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy: A double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Fangjun , Xie Dan , Xu Hongchun , Ye Qin , Wu Le , Gao Xiaopei 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUNDClinical study indicated that infusion of dexmedetomidine without loading dose intraoperative provided smooth and haemodynamically stable emergence, and improved quality of recovery with fewer postoperative side effects and analgesic requirements 9 . The objective is to determine remifentanil-propofol combined with dexmedetomidine during general anesthesia would decrease the incidence and severity of postoperative emergence agitation, anxiety and depression, and without effect on the cognitive dysfunction in elder patients.METHODS120 elder patients scheduled for ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy were randomly allocated to PR group administered the normal saline, and PRD group administered dexmedetomidine 0.4 µg.Kg -1 .h -1 intravenously after induction of anesthesia, and stopped 30 minutes before the end of surgery. The primary outcome was the scores of richmond agitation sedation, mini mental state examination, state-trait anxiety inventory, zung self-Rating depression scale, and the arabic numeral memory. The secondary outcome was the duration of surgery, and time to spontaneous respiration, recovery and extubation.RESULTSThe dosage of propofol and remifentanil decreased more significantly in PRD group ( P< 0.001). The RASS scores in the PRD group was significantly lower than in PR group at t 1-3 ( P< 0.001). The MMSE scores were lower at T 1 - 2 in two groups ( P< 0.001). Compared to PR group, the ZSDS scores and STAI scores at T 1 - 2 were lower in PRD group ( P <0.005). The recalled arabic numbers were lower at T 2 in PR group ( P< 0.001).CONCLUSIONDexmedetomidine administration could reduce both the dosage of remifentanil and propofol during surgery, and the incidence and severity of postoperative emergence agitation, anxiety and depression in elderly patients.Trial registrationthe Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900021254, Registered 3 February 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/ChiCTR1900021254.
Metadichol®, a Novel Nano Lipid Formulation that Inhibits SARS-COV-2 and a Multitude of Pathological Viruses in vitro
Authors: Raghavan Palayakotai 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

BackgroundNew pathogenic virus outbreaks, occurring with increasing regularity, are leading us to explore novel approaches, which will reduce the reliance on time-consuming vaccine modes to halt the outbreaks. The requirement is to find a universal approach to disarm any new and as yet unknown viruses as they appear. A promising approach could be targeting lipid membranes, which are common to all viruses and bacteria.The ongoing pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) has reaffirmed the importance of interactions between components of the host cell plasma membrane and the virus envelope as a critical mechanism of infection. Metadichol®, a nano lipid emulsion, has been examined and shown to be a strong candidate to help stop the proliferation of SARS-COV-2.Naturally derived substances, such as long-chain saturated lipid alcohols, reduce the infectivity of various types of viruses, including coronaviruses such as SARS-COV-2, by modifying lipid-dependent attachment to human host cells. SARS-COV-2 uses the receptor ACE2 for entry and the serine protease TMPRSS2 for S protein priming. MethodsMetadichol was tested against TMPRSS2 ana ACE2 invitro using commercial available kits. Also it was tested against the live virus in Caco2 cells to test for inhibition of viral replication of SARS-COV-2.ResultsMetadichol®, a nano lipid formulation of long-chain alcohols, has been shown to inhibit TMPRSS2 (EC50 96 ng/ml). Compared to the inhibitor camostat mesylate (EC50 26000 ng/ml), it is 270 times more potent. Additionally, Metadichol® is also a weak inhibitor of ACE2 at 31 µg/ml. Further a live virus assay in Caco2 cells, Metadichol® inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication with an EC90 of 0.16 µg/ml.ConclusionsMetadichol inhibits SARS-COV-2 virus and since it a non toxic molecule can be easily tested in humans and as it has LD 50 of over 5000 mg/kilo and could help mitigate the crisis facing the world today.
Interleukin-21 reduces Listeria monocytogenes secondary infection via CD8+ effector memory T cells
Authors: Gazi Md. Yeashin , Takeda Yuji , Nara Hidetoshi , Araki Akemi , Nemoto Nobuhito , Asao Hironobu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background/Purpose: Interleukin-21 (IL-21), which is a member of the common γ-chain cytokine family, is mainly produced by CD4+ T cells and has broad impact on immune responses. IL-21 isoform is a splicing variant of IL-21 and is functionally similar to conventional IL-21. We established IL-21 isoform transgenic (IL-21isoTg) mouse, which constitutively expresses IL-21 isoform specifically in T cells. IL-21isoTg mouse possesses high amount of CD8+ T cells in normal physiological condition. The purpose of this study is to determine whether CD8+ T cells in the IL-21isoTg mouse work against intracellular bacteria infection.Methods: Wild type (WT) and IL-21isoTg mouse are orally inoculated Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) on day 0, and 15 days after primary infection. Bacterial load in each organs, and T cell responses are analyzed.Results: IL-21isoTg and wild type (WT) mouse had similar bacterial load after L. monocytogenes primary infection. On the other hand, after secondary challenge infection, IL-21isoTg mouse exhibited reduced bacterial load in some organs compared to WT. Analysis of T cell response after primary infection showed that IL-21isoTg mouse induced higher levels of CD8+ effector memory T (TEM) cells than WT.Conclusion: IL-21-induced CD8+ TEM cells might eventually reduce the bacterial load in organs after secondary challenge infection in IL-21isoTg mouse. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show that IL-21 is a pivotal factor involved in eliminating intracellular bacteria, probably through CD8+ TEM cells.
Social trust and emotional health in older adults in China: The mediating and moderating role of subjective well-being and subjective social status
Authors: Chen Hongsheng , Zhu Zhenjun 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

China is becoming an aging society. The emotional health of the elderly is gaining importance. Social trust is an important factor affecting emotional health, but existing studies have rarely considered the various effects of different types of social trust on elderly emotional health. Few studies have analysed the role of subjective well-being and subjective social status in the relationship between social trust and elderly emotional health.
Methods

Using the data of the China Labor-force Dynamics Survey 2016 (CLDS 2016) and regression models, this study selected 3767 respondents aged 60 years and above to analyse the impact of social trust on their emotional health. Social trust was divided into three categories: trust in family members, trust in friends, and trust in neighbours. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used to assess emotional health, and the respondents’ self-assessment scores were adjusted.
Results

Trust in family members was significantly and positively associated with emotional health (coefficient = 2.854, P < 0.01) and subjective well-being (coefficient = 0.189, P < 0.01). Trust in friends was significantly and positively associated with emotional health and subjective well-being (coefficient = 1.703, P < 0.01; coefficient = 0.171, P < 0.01, respectively). Trust in neighbours was significantly and positively associated with emotional health and subjective well-being (coefficient = 1.461, P < 0.01; coefficient = 0.186, P < 0.01; respectively). Subjective well-being effectively reduced the impact of social trust in family, friends, and neighbours on the emotional health of the elderly by 0.378, 0.341, and 0.370, respectively. Trust in family members, friends, and neighbours, significantly and positively affected respondents’ subjective social status (coefficient = 0.115, P < 0.05; coefficient = 0.095, P < 0.05; coefficient = 0.121, P < 0.01, respectively). Subjective social status effectively reduced the impact of social trust in family, friends, and neighbours on the emotional health of the elderly by 0.092, 0.076, and 0.096, respectively. The positive relationship between trust in family members and emotional health was weakened by subjective well-being, and that between trust in neighbours and emotional health was weakened by subjective social status.
Conclusions

Family relationships play an important role in maintaining the emotional health of the elderly. In response to population ageing, more social policies must be introduced to care for the elderly and help them lead a happy and satisfactory life.
Linkage of Sustainability to Environmental Impact Assessment Using Ecosystem Services Concept; Lessons from Thailand
Authors: Swangjang Kanokporn 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Ecosystem Services (ES) could support Environmental Assessments (EAs) purpose towards sustainable approaches. This study systematically analyzed the ES contents of Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) to ascertain whether they addressed appropriate data that could be used as a tool for sustainable project implementation. Three levels of EISs including Environmental Health Impact Assessments (EHIA), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), and Initial Environmental Examinations (IEE) were analyzed. The results indicated that the quality of EISs which reflect the ES depended primarily on the project type. Relationships among ecological, social and economic components, based on land use consideration were crucial to consider the supply of resources and the demands made by the project. However, indirect effects, especially residual and cumulative impacts and alternative evaluations were lacking. Mitigation and monitoring specifications were satisfied, but could not guarantee the efficiency of project control due to lacking of mitigation hierarchy. The weakness of ecological impact analysis directly concerned biodiversity compensation, which links to net loss and net gain in ecosystem.The possibility of ES integration in EAs was reflected by the limitations and opportunities detailed in the content which was finally developed.
6-phosphofructo-2-kinase as therapeutic targets in cancer based on an integrated pan-cancer study6-phosphofructo-2-kinase as therapeutic targets in cancer based on an integrated pan-cancer study
Authors: Qin Haimei , Wang Junli , Liao Biyun , Liu Zhonglin , Shi Feng , Wang Rong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Warburg effect confirm that tumor cells prefer to use glycolysis to perform metabolism glucose metabolism. PFKFB enzymes involve the activity of 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase in the metabolism of glycolysis. But their roles in immunity and the regulation of tumor microenvironment has not been fully understood. Methods: We performed a comprehensive analysis of PFKFB in with immune subtypes, tumour microenvironment, and drug sensitivity from data of pan-cancer. Data of 33 cancer subtypes including RNA-Seq, clinical phenotype, stemness scores of mRNA (RNAss) and DNA-methylation (DNAss), and immune subtypes was downloaded from TCGA. NCI-60 data and RNA-seq data were acquired from the CellMiner. Perl language and R language with packages were used to deal with data. Results: Expression of PFKFB family emerges different heterogeneity in different cancer. PFKFB1, PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 predicted poor prognosis of patients with multiple cancers. All members are associated with immune response. PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 involved tumor microenvironment of pan-cancer. Importantly, our study found that PFKFB genes, especially PFKFB2 and PFKFB4 may contribute to drug resistance in cancer cells. Conclusions: PFKFB family member possess special characters in each cancer based on gene expression and their correlation with immune infiltrates, tumor microenvironment. PFKFB2 and PFKFB4 may act as therapeutic targets in cancer.
Location of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) in Zone III Using External Landmark Without Fluoroscopy: A CTA-based Retrospective Study
Authors: Weng Danlei , Qian Anyu , Zhou Qijing , Xu Jiefeng , Xu Shanxiang , Zhang Mao 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) can timely prevent the wounded from massive hemorrhage. We aim to study whether the combination of the xiphoid process and the umbilicus could guide the placement of REBOA in zone III without fluoroscopy.
Methods

We conducted a retrospective study in a university hospital that included 57 subjects who underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) from April to December in 2019. External distances and intravascular lengths were measured by three-dimensional reconstruction CT images on the workstation, including the distances from the femoral artery to the xiphoid process (FA-Xi), the midpoint between the xiphoid process and the umbilicus (FA-mXU), the umbilicus (FA-Ui), the midpoint of the zone III (FA-mZIII), the lowest renal artery (FA-LRA), and aortic bifurcation (FA-AB). The relationship between external landmarks and REBOA catheter positioning in zone III was studied, involving the quartering distances between the xiphoid process and the umbilicus, the distance below the xiphoid process and that above the umbilicus. The predicted accuracy and safety margin of the balloon (distal and proximal) were calculated by curvature plane reconstruction. The probability of balloon positioning in zone III using these three methods was compared by Chi square test.
Results

The average length of aortic zone III was 9.4 cm (SD = 10.0), and that of FA-mZIII on the right and left sides were 24.4 cm (SD = 2.1) ,23.8 cm (SD = 2.1), respectively. FA-Xi was significantly longer than FA-LRA, and FA-Ui was significantly shorter than FA-AB (P < 0.05). Using the quartering distances between the xiphoid and the umbilicus, the distance below the xiphoid, the distance above the umbilicus to predict the length of REBOA catheter positioning in zone III showed no statistically significant difference. Using FA-mXU to predict the accuracy of catheter positioning in zone III on the left and right sides were 84.2% and 86%. Although there was a little difference between the left side of FA-mZIII and FA-mXU, there were no statistical differences on the right side.
Conclusions

The midpoint between the xiphoid process and the umbilicus is a good external landmark to guide the placement of REBOA in zone III without fluoroscopy.
Effectiveness of a Polyphenolic Extract (Lippia Citriodora and Hibiscus Sabdariffa) on Appetite Regulation in Overweight and Obese Grade I Population: A 8 weeks Randomized, Double-Blind, Cross-Over, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Serna Ana , Marhuenda Javier , Arcusa Raúl , Pérez-Piñeiro Silvia , Sánchez-Macarro Maravillas , Victoria-Montesinos Desiree , Cánovas Fernando , Jones Jonathan , Caturla Nuria , López-Román Javier 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Polyphenols have shown capacity to improve appetite sensation, leading to enhanced control of body weight. However, despite being related with hunger-related hormones, metabolic and mechanism is not well known.Methods: The effectiveness of a nutraceutical composed of extract to Lippia citriodora and Hibiscus sabdarrifa (Lc-Hs) for controlling satiety and hunger was analyzed in a placebo controlled (Pla) clinical intervention. The study was divided in two 60 days periods separated by 30 days length washout period. At the end of each period, volunteers (n=33; both sexes) were proposed to eat an ad-libitum meal. Meanwhile, appetite sensation was determined by visual analog scales at different times. Moreover, blood extraction was performed to evaluate hunger-related hormones (insulin, leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, GLP-1 and peptide YY) and glycemic and lipid profile. Results: A decrease in appetite sensation was observed in Lc-Hs group, showing higher satiety quotient (Pla = 3.36 ± 2.33 %/kcal; Lc-Hs = 5.53 ± 2.91 %/kcal; p<0.0001). Area under the curve was higher in Pla compared to Lc-Hs during the test, from baseline to minute 240 (240 (Pla 9136.65 ± 2261.46 % x min-1; Lc-Hs 8279.73 ± 2745.71 % x min-1; p<0.014). Leptin values varied from baseline (Pla 12.36 ± 1.98 ng/mL; Lc-Hs 13.13 ± 1.99 ng/mL) to the end of the study (Pla 12.60 ± 2.02 ng/mL; Lc-Hs 12.06 ± 2.05 ng/mL; p<0.047). GLP-1 values varied (p<0.001) in Lc-Hs group from baseline (4.34 ± 0.49 ng/mL) to the end of the study (3.23 ± 0.52 ng/mL).Conclusion: The supplementation with the Lc-Hs extract decreases appetite sensation in overweight and obese population, reducing calorie intake after an ad-libitum meal. Due to variation on hunger-related hormones and the relationship between satiety feeling, it would be interesting to develop future research focused on the variation of the hormones themselves.