bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Youth vaping and smoking and parental vaping: a panel survey
Authors: Green Michael , Gray Linsay , Sweeting Helen 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Concerns remain about potential negative impacts of e-cigarettes including possibilities that: youth e-cigarette use (vaping) increases risk of youth smoking; and vaping by parents may have impacts on their children’s vaping and smoking behaviour.Methods: With panel data from 3291 youth aged 10-15 years from the 7th wave of the UK Understanding Society Survey (2015-2017), we estimated effects of youth vaping on youth smoking (ever, current and past year initiation), and of parental vaping on youth smoking and vaping, and examined whether the latter differed by parental smoking status. Propensity weighting was used to adjust for measured confounders and estimate average effects of vaping for all youth, and among youth who vaped. E-values were calculated to assess the strength of unmeasured confounding influences needed to negate our estimates.Results: Associations between youth vaping and youth smoking were attenuated considerably by adjustment for measured confounders. Estimated average effects of youth vaping on youth smoking were stronger for all youth (e.g. OR for smoking initiation: 32.5; 95% CI: 9.8-107.1) than among youth who vaped (OR: 4.4; 0.6-30.9). Relatively strong unmeasured confounding would be needed to explain these effects. Associations between parental vaping and youth vaping were explained by measured confounders. Estimates indicated effects of parental vaping on youth smoking, especially for youth with ex-smoking parents (e.g. OR for smoking initiation: 11.3; 2.7-46.4) rather than youth with currently smoking parents (OR: 1.0; 0.2-6.4), but these could be explained by relatively weak unmeasured confounding.Conclusions: While measured confounding accounted for much of the associations between youth vaping and youth smoking, indicating support for underlying propensities, our estimates suggested residual effects that could only be explained away by considerable unmeasured confounding or by smoking leading to vaping. Estimated effects of youth vaping on youth smoking were stronger among the general youth population than among the small group of youth who actually vaped. Associations of parental vaping with youth smoking and vaping were either explained by measured confounding or could be relatively easily explained by unmeasured confounding.
Intracellular expression of arginine deiminase activates the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway by inhibiting cytosolic ferritin and inducing chromatin autophagy
Authors: Feng Qingyuan , Bian Xuzhao , Liu Xuan , Wang Ying , Zhou Huiting , Ma Xiaojing , Quan Chunju , Yao Yi , Zheng Zhongliang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background ： Based on its low toxicity, arginine starvation therapy has the potential to cure malignant tumors that cannot be treated surgically. The Arginine deiminase (ADI) gene has been identified to be an ideal cancer-suppressor gene. ADI expressed in the cytosol displays higher oncolytic efficiency than ADI-PEG20 (Pegylated Arginine Deiminase by PEG 20,000). However, it is still unknown whether cytosolic ADI has the same mechanism of action as ADI-PEG20 or other underlying cellular mechanisms. Methods: The interactions of ADI with other protein factors were screened by yeast hybrids, and verified by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescent staining. The effect of ADI inhibiting the ferritin light-chain domain (FTL) in mitochondrial damage was evaluated by site-directed mutation and flow cytometry. Control of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway was analyzed by Western Blotting and real-time PCR experiments. The effect of p53 expression on cancer cells death was assessed by siTP53 transfection. Chromatin autophagy was explored by immunofluorescent staining and Western Blotting. Results: ADI expressed in the cytosol inhibited the activity of cytosolic ferritin by interacting with FTL. The inactive mutant of ADI still induced apoptosis in certain cell lines of ASS- through mitochondrial damage. Arginine starvation also generated an increase in the expression of p53 and p53AIP1, which aggravated the cellular mitochondrial damage. Chromatin autophagy appeared at a later stage of arginine starvation. DNA damage occurred along with the entire arginine starvation process. Histone 3 (H3) was found in autophagosomes, which implies that cancer cells attempted to utilize the arginine present in histones to survive during arginine starvation. Conclusions: Mitochondrial damage is the major mechanism of cell death induced by cytosolic ADI. The process of Chromatophagy does not only stimulate cancer cells to utilize histone arginine but also speeds up cancer cell death at a later stage of arginine starvation.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) findings in Serpiginous Choroiditis
Authors: Macedo Sergio , Pohlmann Dominika , Lenglinger Matthias , Pleyer Uwe , Joussen Antonia M. , Winterhalter Sibylle 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background. To describe changes in the retina/choroid in patients with Serpiginous Choroiditis (SC) by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) in a multimodal imaging approach. Methods. Prospective, monocentric study of 24 eyes of 12 consenting patients diagnosed with SC, who underwent OCTA, which was analyzed and compared to other methods such as enhanced depth imaging-OCT, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and fundus autofluorescence. Results. The study group consisted of 9 patients with peripapillary SC, 1 macular SC, and 2 atypical cases. All eyes presented an inactive SC confirmed by standard imaging. OCTA demonstrated the lesions tridimensionally in great detail. There was no difference in the angioarchitecture among the 3 forms of SC. A loss of the choriocapillaris/retinal pigment epithelium left a “window-defect”, where the vessels of larger caliber of the choroid became recognizable and their appearance inverted (“white-on-black”). A relationship between the presence of segmentation errors (SE) in the slabs and low visual acuity was established with a one-way ANOVA. Conclusions. OCTA was able to non-invasively assess vascular lesions of the choroid/retina in patients with SC with a high degree of correlation to other diagnostic modalities. Consequent long-term assessments could lead to a better understanding of disease progression.
Patient-specific instrument-assisted minimally invasive internal fixation of calcaneal fracture for rapid and accurate execution of a preoperative plan: A retrospective study
Authors: Wang Chenggong , Xu Can , Li Mingqing , Li Hui , Xiao Han , Zhong Da , Liu Hua 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Traditional methods for minimally invasive internal fixation (MIIF) of calcaneal fractures require extensive intraoperative fluoroscopy, and fracture recovery is usually not ideal. We developed a new surgical procedure using digital surgical simulation and constructed a patient-specific instrument (PSI) for calcaneal fracture that we used during the operation. This study investigated whether PSI-assisted MIIF of calcaneal fracture enables rapid and accurate execution of the preoperative plan.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with Sanders type III or IV fresh calcaneal fractures who had undergone PSI-assisted MIIF at our hospital from January 2016 to December 2018. We analyzed perioperative data including intraoperative fluoroscopy time, concurrence of internal fixation actual usage (IFAU) with the preoperative plan, surgery time, and complications. We also compared pre- and postoperative actual measurements from X-ray radiographs and computed tomography images including Böhler, Gissane, and calcaneus valgus angles; subtalar joint width; and calcaneal volume overlap ratio with the preoperative design. All patients had been followed up and their American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) score was available.Results: Mean intraoperative fluoroscopy time was 3.95±1.78 h; IFAU in 16 patients (16 feet) was the same as the preoperative plan; mean surgery time was 28.16±10.70 min; and none of the patients developed complications. Böhler, Gissane, and calcaneus valgus angles and subtalar joint width did not differ between pre- and postoperative plans; however, the actual preoperative values of each of these parameters differed significantly from those measured postoperatively. The calcaneal volume overlap ratio with the preoperative design was 91.2%±2.3%. AOFAS scores increased with time, with significant differences in the score at each time point.Conclusions: The newly developed PSI-assisted calcaneal fracture MIIF method can rapidly and accurately execute the preoperative plan.
The Therapeutic Efficacy of Adjunct Therapeutic Plasma Exchange for Septic Shock with Multiple Organ Failure: A Single Center Retrospective Review
Authors: Keith Philip , Wells Adam H , Hodges Jeremy , Fast Stephen H , Adams Amber , Scott L Keith 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Sepsis remains a common condition with high mortality when multiple organ failure develops. The evidence for therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in this setting is promising but inconclusive. Our study aims to evaluate the efficacy of adjunct TPE for septic shock with multiple organ failure compared to standard therapy alone. Methods: A retrospective, observational chart review was performed, evaluating outcomes of patients with catecholamine resistant septic shock and multiple organ failure in Intensive Care Units at a tertiary care hospital in Winston Salem, North Carolina from August 2015- March 2019. Adult patients with catecholamine resistant septic shock (≥ 2 vasopressors) and evidence of multiple organ failure were included. Patients who received adjunct TPE were identified and compared to patients who received standard care alone. A propensity score using age, gender, chronic co-morbidities (HTN, DM, CKD, COPD), APACHE II score, SOFA score, lactate level, and number of vasopressors was used to match patients, resulting in 40 patients in each arm. Results: Mean baseline APACHE II and SOFA scores were 32.5 and 14.3 in TPE patients versus 32.7 and 13.8 in control patients. The 28-day mortality rate was 40% in the TPE group versus 65% in the standard care group (p=0.043). Improvements in baseline SOFA scores at 48 hours were greater in the TPE group compared to standard care alone (p=0.001), and patients receiving adjunct TPE had a more favorable fluid balance at 48 hours (p=0.01). Patients receiving adjunct TPE had longer ICU and hospital lengths of stay (p=0.003 and p=0.006). Conclusions: Our retrospective, observational study in adult patients with septic shock and multiple organ failure demonstrated improved 28-day survival with adjunct TPE compared to standard care alone. Hemodynamics, organ dysfunction, and fluid balance all improved with adjunct TPE, while lengths of stay were increased in survivors. The study design does not allow for a generalized statement of support for TPE in all cases of sepsis with multiple organ failure but offers valuable information for a prospective, randomized clinical trial.
TgROP18 Targets IL20RB for Host-Defense-Related-STAT3 Activation During T. gondii Infection
Authors: Kong Ling , Jiang Dan , He Cheng , Xia Jing , We Haixia , Zhou Lijuan , Peng Hong-Juan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic protozoan infecting almost one-third of the world’s population. T. gondii rhoptry protein 18 (TgROP18) is a key virulence factor determining the parasite’s acute virulence and is secreted into host cells during infection. We previously identified the interaction of TgROP18 and host cell immune-related receptor protein IL20RB, and observed the activation of STAT3 in human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells infected by the rop16 knockout RH strain, though TgROP16 is regarded as being responsible for host STAT3 activation during T. gondii invasion. Therefore, we hypothesize TgROP18 can activate host STAT3 through binding to IL20RB.Methods: CRISPR-CAS9 technology was used to generate the ROP16 and ROP18 double knockout RH strain, RH-∆rop16∆rop18. SDS-PAGE and Western blot were used to detect STAT3 activation in different HaCaT cells with high endogenous IL20RB expression treated with T. gondii tachyzoites infection, recombinant ROP18, or IL-20. FRET and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was used to detect the protein-protein interaction. Results: We observed that TgROP18 was involved in a synergic activation of the host JAK/STAT3 pathway together with TgROP16 in human HaCaT cells infected with T. gondii or treated with recombinant TgROP18 protein, stimulating host proinflammatory immune responses such as expression of TNF-a. The effect of recombinant ROP18 on STAT3 phosphorylation was presented in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, TgROP18 was identified to target IL20RB on its extracellular domain. When we treated different cell lines with the recombinant ROP18, STAT3 phosphorylation could only be observed in the cells with endogenous IL20RB expression, such as HaCaT cells. Conclusions: These findings indicate that TgROP18-IL20RB interaction upon T. gondii invasion was involved in STAT3 activation, which is associated with host cell defense.
Brazilian National Policy of Comprehensive Women’s Health Care and Mortality during Climacteric Period: Has Anything Changed?
Authors: Sorpreso Isabel Cristina Esposito , Figueiredo Francisco Winter dos Santos , Ramos José Lucas Souza , Zuchelo Lea Tami SuzuKi , Adami Fernando , Baracat Edmund Chada , Júnior José Maria Soares 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The National Policy for Integral Attention to Women’s Health was implemented more than two decades ago, with the monitoring of potential benefits being explored. One of the life cycles of women contemplated in this health policy is the importance of health care during the climacteric. Prevention and health promotion actions carried out by the Brazil National Health System - Unified Health System and enshrined in health Brazilian policies for women. Thus, our purpose was to identify climacteric women’s main causes of death as well as the mortality trend of such causes, especially after PNAISM implementation. Methods: An ecological study was conducted by Disciplina de Ginecologia da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo from 2018–2019. Data were retrieved from the Brazilian Health Department by accessing the mortality information system of the National Health Information, divided into periods 1996–2004 and 2005–2006 according to implementation of the National Police. The death records of Brazilian women aged 35 to 64 years who had a diagnosis were retrieved. Trends and differences between periods were evaluated using linear regression. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: The main causes of death in women were circulatory system diseases (29.39%, 736,972 deaths), neoplasms (26.17%, 656,385 deaths), respiratory system diseases (7.29%, 182,812 deaths), endocrine , nutritional and metabolic diseases (6.81%, 170,881 deaths), and external causes of morbidity and mortality (5.49%, 137,674 deaths). Implementation of PNAISM led to a further reduction in mortality from circulatory system diseases (β=-0.58; 95% CI, -0.68 to -0.48; r²=0.93; p<0.001), and any significant changes in neoplasm mortality (β=0.07; 95% CI, -0.01. 0.15; r²=0.22; p=0.070). Conclusions: The leading causes of death during climacteric are circulatory system diseases, neoplasms, respiratory system diseases, nutritional, metabolic, and endocrine diseases, and external causes of morbidity and mortality, with no changes in neoplasms and respiratory system diseases. Thus, the analysis of women’s health indicators, such as mortality rates, is fundamental in order to enable the monitoring of benefits and results related to PNAISM as well as directing the design and implementation of other new health policies to be developed for women.
Circulating miR-660-5p is associated with no-reflow phenomenon in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: zhang Jian-Wei , Hu Cheng-Ping , Zhao Ying-Xin , He Ling-Jie 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The no-reflow phenomenon (NRP) is an important factor affecting the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). This study aims to investigate the association of circulating miR-660-5p with NRP in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing PPCI.Methods: Consecutive patients diagnosed with anterior STEMI within 12 h of pain onset were included in the study; in these patients, coronary angiography confirmed that the infarct-related artery was the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Angiographic NRP was defined as a final TIMI flow of 2 or a final TIMI flow of 3 with a myocardial blush grade (MBG) < 2. High miR-660-5p was defined as a value in the third tertile. The relationship of circulating miR-660-5p with NRP was assessed using Spearman correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis.Results: Fifty-two eligible patients were finally included in this study (mean age: 56±12.4 years, >65 years: 53.8%, male: 76.9%, and mean BMI: 26.3±3.5). The incidence of NRP was 38.5%. Circulating miR-660-5p was significantly related to the mean platelet volume (MPV). Patients were divided into tertiles by miR-660-5p levels (Q1: ≤ 7.18, Q2: 7.18-11.31, Q3: > 11.31). Patients in the high microRNA-660-5p group had almost a 6-fold higher risk of NRP than those in the low microRNA-660-5p group [(odds ratio (OR)=5.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.40-23.07, p=0.015). When analysed by tertiles, consistent trends of an increasing relative odds of NRP were reported (OR1 for Q2 VS. Q1: 1.25, 95% CI: 0.27-5.73, p=0.77; OR2 for Q3 VS. Q1: 5.96, 95% CI: 1.33-26.66, p=0.02), even after multivariable adjustment. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that the microRNA-660-5p level of 10.17 was the best cut-off level to predict the incidence of the no-reflow phenomenon in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.768 (95% CI: 0.636-0.890).Conclusion: Circulating miR-660-5p was significantly associated with NRP, and it may be a useful biomarker to predict the incidence of NRP in patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI.
A Novel Timing and Frequency Offset Estimation Algorithm for Filtered OFDM System
Authors: Feng Xingle , Wang Mengjie , Chen Li , Zhu Wenxia , Hua Kun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
As a critical technology of 5G air interface waveform, F-OFDM not only inherits the technical advantages of OFDM, but also has outstanding advantages in system flexibility and spectrum efficiency. However, as a multi-carrier technology, it is still extremely sensitive to sample timing offset (STO) and carrier frequency offset (CFO). In this letter, an improved Park frequency domain training sequence (FS-Park) is proposed to complete STO and CFO estimation of F-OFDM system. Firstly, a real-value pseudorandom number (PN) sequence is sent to each subcarrier as training sequence in frequency domain, the corresponding time domain training symbol has a conjugate symmetry structure. Secondly, the training symbol is utilized for timing synchronization, then the fractional frequency offset is estimated based on the cyclic prefix in time domain. Finally, the integer frequency offset is estimated in frequency domain based on the auto-correlation of PN sequence. The simulation results illustrate that the FS-Park algorithm not only has a single pulse timing metric curve and great STO estimation accuracy, but also has better performance of CFO estimation than classical Park algorithm and Liang Xiao's method.
Agreement between Original and Rasch-Approved Neck Disability Index
Authors: LU ZE , MacDermid Joy C. , Nazari Goris 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Given the high prevalence of neck pain, the neck disability index (NDI) has been used to evaluate patient status and treatment outcomes. Modified versions were proposed as solutions to measurement deficits in the NDI. However, the original 10-item NDI scored out of 50 is still the most administered. Examining the extent of agreement between traditional and Rasch-based versions using Bland-Altman (B&A) plots will inform our understanding of score differences that might rise from using different versions. Therefore, the objective of current study was to describe the extent of agreement between different versions of NDI.Methods: The current study was a secondary data analysis where the study data was compiled from two prospectively collected data sources. We performed a comprehensive literature search to identify Rasch approved NDI within four databases including Embase, Medline, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Alternate forms and scoring were compared to each other and the standard NDI. We graphed B&A plots and calculated the mean difference and the 95% limits of agreement (LoA; ±1.96 times the standard deviation).Results: Two Rasch approved alternative versions (8 vs 5 items) were identified from 303 screened publications. We analyzed data from 201 (43 males and 158 females) patients attending community clinics for neck pain. We found that the mean difference was approximately 10% of the total score between the 10-item and 5-item (-4.6 points), whereas the 10-item versus 8-item and 8-item versus 5-item had smaller mean differences (-2.3 points). The B&A plots displayed wider 95% LoA for the agreement between 10-item and 8-item (LoA: -12.0, 7.4) and 5-item (LoA: -14.9, 5.8) compared with the LoA for the 8-item and 5-item (LoA: -7.8, 3.3). Conclusion: Two Rasch-based NDI solutions (8 vs 5 items) that differ in number of items and conceptual construction are available to provide interval level scoring. They both provide scores that are substantially different from the ordinal NDI, which does not provide interval level scoring. Smaller differences between the two Rasch solutions exist and may relate to the items included. Due to the size and unpredictable nature of the bias between measures, they should not be used interchangeably.