bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association Between Neutrophils and Renal Impairment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study
Authors: yang peidan , Lin Si-Min , Chen Zhi-Xin , Liu Min-Ying , Liu Qing-Ping , Lin Chang-Song , Chu Cong-Qiu , Xu Qiang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective
Whether neutrophil could be a risk factor of renal impairment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of renal impairment in RA and determine its correlation with neutrophils.
Methods
We retrospectively investigated renal function of 602 RA patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine by estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Potential risk factors for renal dysfunction were collected in all RA patients. We used univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to evaluate association between neutrophils and renal impairment.
Results
A total of 89 cases (14.8%) had renal impairment with GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, and 75 cases (84.3%) were female. Compared to RA patients with normal renal function, age, white blood cell count, serum levels of triglyceride, uric acid, C-reactive protein level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Cystatin-C, and creatinine in those with renal impairment increased, but red blood cell count and hemoglobin level decreased (all p < 0.05). Adjusted for numerous potential confounders, multivariate analysis indicated that neutrophils > 7.5 × 10^9/L (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.03 to 2.98), hemoglobin < 120 g/L (OR = 2.4, 95%CI: 1.360 to 4.281), and uric acid > 360umol/l (OR = 6.1, 95%CI: 3.71 to 10.10) significantly correlated with a higher risk of renal impairment.
Conclusions
Neutrophil count > 7.5 × 10^9/L may be associated with a high risk of renal impairment in RA. Prospective studies are needed to verify our results.
Significant increase in the incidence of high-risk pulmonary embolism during the COVID-19 shutdown: the pandemic response causes serious collateral consequences
Authors: Gressenberger Paul , Gary Thomas , Raggam Reinhard B. , Borenich Andrea , Pregartner Gudrun , Gütl Katharina , Muster Viktoria , Jud Philipp , Hafner Franz , Rief Peter , Seinost Gerald , Brodmann Marianne 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Strict stay-at-home rules, along with fear of coronavirus infection, have kept many patients from timely seeking medical attention during the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This situation may have led to an increase in the number of patients arriving at hospital in deteriorated clinical condition. In this regard, we aimed to investigate the incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) patients defined as high-risk according to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) presenting at our emergency department during the shutdown.
Methods
A retrospective data analysis explored the impact of the COVID-19 shutdown on the presentation of acute PE patients admitted to University Hospital Graz, Austria. We compared percentages of high-risk PE patients admitted during shutdown and during two control periods: the corresponding period in 2019 and an earlier period in 2020. By including data from the previous year, a general increase of high risk PE cases in 2020 compared to 2019 was ruled out. Risk assessment was carried out in accordance with current ESC guidelines for the diagnosis and management of acute PE.
Results
The percentage of patients with high-risk PE increased significantly during the COVID-19 shutdown period compared to the two control periods (p = 0.003; p = 0.011). Time from onset of symptoms to hospital admission was significantly longer in the study period compared to the control periods (p = 0.046 and p = 0.044, respectively).
Conclusion
The current findings indicate a significant increase in high-risk PE cases as well as delayed hospital admission of symptomatic PE patients during the COVID-19 shutdown period.
Secrecy capacity optimization artificial noise: the ergodic secrecy capacity lower bound and optimal power allocation
Authors: Gu Yebo , Wu Zhilu , Yin Zhendong , Huang Bowen 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The secure transmission problem of MIMO wireless system in fading channels is studied in this paper. We add a secrecy capacity optimization artificial noise(SCO-AN) to the transported signal for improving the security performance of the system. The closed-form expression of secrecy capacity's lower bound is obtained. Base on the closed-form expression of secrecy capacity's lower bound, We optimize the power allocation between the information-bearing signal and the SCO-AN. By calculating, the optimal ratio of power alloation betwenn the information-bearing signal and the SCO-AN is obtained. Through simulation, the results shows the secrecy capacity increases with more receiving antennas and less eavesdropping antennas.And more power should be allocated to the SCO-AN with the increase of the colluding eavedroppers.More over, we study the effect of channel estimation error on power allocation between information-bearing signal and SCO-AN and find that more power should be allocated to decrease eavesdroppers capacity if the channel estimation is not perfect.
Influence of Pilot and Small Trials in Meta-Analyses of Behavioral Interventions: A Meta-epidemiological Study
Authors: Beets Michael W. , Weaver R. Glenn , Ioannidis John P.A. , Jones Alexis , von Klinggraeff Lauren , Armstrong Bridget 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Pilot/feasibility or studies with small sample sizes may be associated with inflated effects. This study explores the vibration of effect sizes (VoE) in meta-analyses when considering different inclusion criteria based upon sample size or pilot/feasibility status. Methods: Searches were conducted for meta-analyses of behavioral interventions on topics related to the prevention/treatment of childhood obesity from 01-2016 to 10-2019. The computed summary effect sizes (ES) were extracted from each meta-analysis. Individual studies included in the meta-analyses were classified into one of the following four categories: self-identified pilot/feasibility studies or based upon sample size (N≤100, N>100, and N>370 the upper 75th of sample size). The VoE was defined as the absolute difference (ABS) between the re-estimations of summary ES restricted to study classifications compared to the originally reported summary ES. Concordance (kappa) of statistical significance between summary ES was assessed. Fixed and random effects models and meta-regressions were estimated. Three case studies are presented to illustrate the impact of including pilot/feasibility and N≤100 studies on the estimated summary ES.Results: A total of 1,602 effect sizes, representing 145 reported summary ES, were extracted from 48 meta-analyses containing 603 unique studies (avg. 22 avg. meta-analysis, range 2-108) and included 227,217 participants. Pilot/feasibility and N≤100 studies comprised 22% (0-58%) and 21% (0-83%) of studies. Meta-regression indicated the ABS between the re-estimated and original summary ES where summary ES were comprised of ≥40% of N≤100 studies was 0.29. The ABS ES was 0.46 when summary ES comprised of >80% of both pilot/feasibility and N≤100 studies. Where ≤40% of the studies comprising a summary ES had N>370, the ABS ES ranged from 0.20-0.30. Concordance was low when removing both pilot/feasibility and N≤100 studies (kappa=0.53) and restricting analyses only to the largest studies (N>370, kappa=0.35), with 20% and 26% of the originally reported statistically significant ES rendered non-significant. Reanalysis of the three case study meta-analyses resulted in the re-estimated ES rendered either non-significant or half of the originally reported ES. Conclusions: When meta-analyses of behavioral interventions include a substantial proportion of both pilot/feasibility and N≤100 studies, summary ES can be affected markedly and should be interpreted with caution.
Study on the Effect of Individual Factors on the Radiation Dose in Chest CT
Authors: Zhang Dechuan , Fan Longling , Liang Xuqian , Yin Teiying , Li Qigen , Liang Renrong , Chen Yuhong , Lei LV , Liu Xi , Yang Hua , Wang GuiXue 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective

To explore the influence of patient’s individual factors on the radiation dose in chest computed tomography (CT) scan.
Methods

Based on the clinical chest CT scan scheme and the scanning conditions were unified, Basic data of 103 patients who underwent chest CT scanning, including gender, age, height, weight and underlying diseases, were prospectively collected, and the dose length product (DLP) of each patient was recorded, Multivariate regression analysis was made on the obtained data.
Results

Under the same scanning parameters, image quality had no significant effect on chest CT radiation dose (P = 0.404 > 0.05); among the 103 cases, there were 20 kinds of basic diseases, only calcified lesion has a significant effect on chest CT radiation dose (P = 0.009 < 0.05), the other had no significant effects (P > 0.05); the major effect individual factors of radiation dose in CT scan were: gender (P = 0.000003 < 0.05), age (P = 0.016 < 0.05), height (P = 0.000021 < 0.05), weight (P = 4.30E-16 < 0.05). Age (P = 8.08E-8 < 0.05) and weight (P = 5.52E-21 < 0.05) were the only decisive factors in multiple regression analysis, while other influencing factors were not decisive (P > 0.05). The regression model was as follows: DLP=-39.45 + 2.19*age + 5.54*weight, the coefficient of multiple correlation R being 0.786, F(2,100) = 77.128, P < 0.01. Mean that gradually increase in age was related with 2.19 mGy∙cm increase in the DLP value, 1 kg increase in weight was associated with 5.54 mGy∙cm increase in the DLP value.
Conclusion

For chest CT, age and weight are the major impact individual factors of radiation dose. This model has shown obvious clinical significance and can provide solid theoretical basis for clinical application in reducing the radiation dose in chest CT.
Early Detection of Osteoarthritis in the Rat With an Antibody Specific to Type II Collagen Modified by Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Gigout Anne , Harazin Donata , Topping Louise M. , Lindemann Sven , Brenneis Christian , Nissim Ahuva 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease of the whole joint, with articular cartilage breakdown as a major characteristic. Cartilage degradation is mostly driven by chondrocytes which produce inflammatory mediators, proteases and oxidants. Nevertheless, the early pathogenesis events are still unclear. We employed antibody that is specific to oxidative post-translationally modified collagen type II (anti-oxPTM-CII) to detect early cartilage pathogenic changes in two rat models of OA.
Methods
The animals underwent surgery for destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) and were sacrificed at 3, 5, 7, 14 and 28 days or anterior cruciate ligament transection with partial meniscectomy (ACLT + pMx) and were sacrificed after 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days. Joints were stained with toluidine blue and Saffron du Gatinais for histological scoring, anti-oxPTM-CII and anti- collagen type X antibodies (anti-CX).
Results
We observed oxPTM-CII staining as early as 1 or 3 days after ACLT + pMx or DMM surgeries respectively, before overt cartilage lesions were visible. It was located mostly in the deep zone of the medial tibial cartilage, in the pericellular and territorial matrix of hypertrophic chondrocytes and co-localized with CX staining. Both staining were weak or absent for the lateral compartment or the contralateral knees except at later timepoints.
Conclusion
The results demonstrate that oxidants production and chondrocytes hypertrophy occur very early in the onset of OA, possibly initiating the pathogenic events of OA. We propose to use anti-oxPTM-CII as an early biomarker for OA ahead or radiographic changes.
Outcome of Prolonged Cardiac Arrest Under Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Due to Acute Myocardial Infarction: Complete vs Culprit Revascularization
Authors: Yu Hsi-Yu , Wang Chih-Hsien , Lin Lian-Yu , Lin Jou-Wei , Chi Nai-Hsin , Wang Yi-Chih , Chou Heng-Wen , Chou Nai-Kuan , Hwang Juey-Jen Hwang , CHEN YIH SHARNG 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background:

Immediate revascularization of infarct-related vessel (culprit strategy) is effective in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with cardiogenic shock. However, for AMI patients complicated with prolonged cardiac arrest under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation resuscitation (ECPR), whether culprit revascularization (IR) or complete revascularization (CR) is associated with better clinical outcome is not known.
Methods:

Patients with AMI complicated with prolonged cardiac arrest under ECMO support between 2006 and 2016 were included and were grouped by the status of revascularization completeness in three coronary territories into IR and CR groups. The primary endpoint is favorable neurological outcomes at hospital discharge. The second endpoint is the probability of a composite of major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE) at 1-year follow-up.
Results:

A total of 90 patients (32 IR and 58 CR) were included. Favorable neurological outcomes at hospital discharge were 21.9% and 37.9% in IR and CR patients, respectively (P = 0.121.) Multivariate logistic regression analysis did not reveal CR a significant risk factor (odds ratio: 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70–4.77, P = 0.221). One-year freedom from MACCE probabilities were 24.6% and 42.4% in IR and CR patients, respectively (P = 0.051.) Cox regression analysis revealed that CR, in addition to age, low-flow duration, and initial shockable rhythm, was a risk factor (hazard ratio: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.31–0.91, P = 0.020).
Conclusion:

For patients with AMI under ECPR, culprit strategy had similar result to that of CR strategy in one-year outcome.
A Sharp-Interface Immersed Boundary Method for Simulating High-Speed Compressible Inviscid Flows
Authors: Wang Junjie , Gu Xiangyu , Wu Jie 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
This paper presents a robust sharp-interface immersed boundary method for simulating inviscid compressible flows over stationary and moving bodies. The flow field is governed by Euler equations, which are solved by using the open source library OpenFOAM. Discontinuities such as those introduced by shock waves are captured by using Kurganov and Tadmor divergence scheme. Wall-slip boundary conditions are enforced at the boundary of body through reconstructing flow variables at some ghost points. Their values are obtained indirectly by interpolating from their mirror points. A bilinear interpolation is employed to determine the variables at the mirror points from boundary conditions and flow conditions around the boundary. To validate the efficiency and accuracy of this method for simulation of high-speed inviscid compressible flows, four cases have been simulated as follows: supersonic flow over a 15\(^\circ\) angle wedge, transonic flow past a stationary airfoil, a piston moving with supersonic velocity in a shock tube and a rigid circular cylinder lift-off from a flat surface triggered by a shock wave. Compared to the exact analytical solutions or the results in literature, good agreement can be achieved.
Rice Floury Shrunken Endosperm5 encodes a putative plant organelle RNA recognition protein that is required for cis-splicing of mitochondrial nad4 intron 1
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhang Wenwei , Liu Shijia , Tian Yunlu , Liu Xi , Yan Haigang , Cai Yue , Teng Xuan , Dong Hui , Chen Rongbo , Jiang Xiaokang , Wang Yihua , Wan Jianmin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Some important mitochondrial-encoded genes for respiration in higher plants are interrupted by introns. Many nuclear-encoded factors are involved in the splicing of these introns, but the underlying mechanisms remain to be deciphered.Results: Here, we isolated and characterized a rice mutant named floury shrunken endosperm5 (fse5). In addition to floury shrunken endosperm seeds with mutant phenotype either failed to germinate or produced retarded lethal seedlings. The Fse5 encodes a putative plant organelle RNA recognition (PORR) protein targeted to mitochondria. Mutation of Fse5 hindered splicing of the first intron of nad4, that encodes an essential subunit of mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase Complex I. The assembly and NADH dehydrogenase activity of Complex I were disrupted and the structure of the mitochondria was abnormal in the fse5 mutant. FSE5 protein was shown to interact with Mitochondrial Intron Splicing Factor 68 (MISF68), which is also a splicing factor for nad4 intron 1 identified previously in a yeast two-hybrid assay.Conclusion: Fse5 encoding a PORR protein is essential for splicing of nad4 intron 1, and loss of function affects seed development and seedling growth.
The Effect of Alcohol Strength on Alcohol Consumption: Findings from A Randomised Controlled Cross-Over Pilot Trial.
Authors: Perman-Howe Parvati Rose , Davies Emma L , Foxcroft David R 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Reducing the alcohol content of drinks has the potential to reduce population level alcohol consumption. This pilot study aimed to (1) test the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to assess the effect of alcohol strength on alcohol consumption within licensed premises in the United Kingdom (UK); and (2) provide data to estimate key parameters for a RCT. MethodsA double-blind randomised controlled cross-over pilot trial was based within four licensed premises in the UK. Participants (n=36) purchased and consumed ad libitum a 3.5% lager (intervention), and a taste matched 4.8% lager (control) during two separate study sessions. Descriptive statistics reported the efficacy and efficiency of the study processes, and the rates of licensed premises recruitment, and participant recruitment and attrition. Mean and the 95% confidence interval (CI) compared alcohol consumption between study conditions. The mean, standard deviation (SD) and CI of UK units of alcohol consumed were used to calculate a sample size for a RCT. Responses to participant questionnaires and duration of participation in study sessions between conditions were analysed.ResultsComponents of the study protocol were effective and efficient. The venue recruitment rate was less than anticipated whilst the participant recruitment rate was greater than anticipated. The rate of attrition was 23% and varied by less than 1% according to the arm of the trial. There was a reduction of alcohol consumed under the intervention conditions. Estimated mean difference, and 95% CI (UK units): -3.76 (-5.01 to -2.52). Based on a conservative estimate, using the smallest effect size in the CI (-2.52) and allowing for 23% attrition, the sample size required for a RCT powered at 95% is 53. Participants did not find one lager notably more pleasant in taste than the other: (on a scale of one to 10) -0.95 (-2.11 to 0.21). However, participants found the reduced-strength lager notably less enjoyable than the regular-strength lager: (on a scale of one to 10) -1.44 (-2.64 to -0.24) and they perceived themselves to be notably less intoxicated after consuming the reduced-strength lager: (on a scale of one to 10) -1.00 (-1.61 to -0.40).ConclusionA RCT is feasible with minor alterations to the study protocol and prior scoping work to establish different brands of alcohol that are more alike and more enjoyable than the intervention and control products used in the pilot trial. Trial registrationThe trial is registered in the American Economic Association (AEA) Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) Registry as of 16 June 2017: https://www.socialscienceregistry.org/trials/2266. The unique identifying number is: AEARCTR-0002266.
Flow of Antarctic Bottom Water from the Vema Channel
Authors: Morozov Eugene G , Frey Dmitry I. , Tarakanov Roman Y. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
We analyze measurements of bottom currents and thermohaline properties of water north of the Vema Channel with the goal to find pathway continuations of the Antarctic Bottom Water flow from the Vema Channel into the Brazil Basin. The analysis is based on the CTD/LADCP casts north of the Vema Channel. The flow in the deep-water Vema Channel consists of two branches. The deep current flows along the bottom of the channel and the other branch flows above the western wall of the channel. We found two smaller channels of the continuation of the bottom flow. These flows become weak and cease at a latitude of 26°S. The upper current that flows at a depth of 4100-4200 m along the continental slope is balanced by the gravity and Coriolis forces. We traced this current up to 24°S over a distance exceeding 250 km. This branch transports bottom water that eventually fills the deep basins of the North Atlantic.
Wild Medicinal Fungi: Phallus Impudicus-induced Telomere Damage Triggers p21/p53 and p16-dependent Cell Cycle Arrest and Drives to Male Fertility Reduction in Vitro
Authors: Solek Przemyslaw , Shemedyuk Nataliya , Shemedyuk Anastasiya , Dudzinska Ewa , Koziorowski Marek 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The multifunctional characteristics of Phallus impudicus extract encourages to conduct research for its probable potential in medical applications. Well, science is constantly seeking new evidence for the biological activity of extracts of natural origin. Drugs of natural origin should not cause any side effects on the physiological functions of the human body; however, this is not always successful. In this study, we used in vitro approach to evaluate the toxicity of alcohol Phallus impudicus extract on spermatogenic cells. We show, for the first time, cytotoxic properties of Phallus impudicus treatment associated with a decrease in cellular metabolic activity, dysregulation of redox homeostasis and impairment of selected antioxidant cell protection systems. As a consequence, p53/p21- and p16-mediated cell cycle arrest followed by p-27 activation is initiated. The observed changes were associated with telomere shortening and numerous DNA damage at the chromosome ends (altered expression pattern of TRF1 and TRF2 proteins), as well as upregulation of cleaved caspase-3 with a decrease in Bcl-2 synthesis, suggesting induction of apoptotic death. Therefore, these results provide molecular evidence for mechanistic pathways and novel adverse outcomes linked to the Phallus impudicus treatment towards men's health and fertility reduction.