bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Open Clinical Trial of the Use of Antioxidants and Pentoxifylline as Coadjuvant Measures to Standard Therapy to Improve Prognosis of Patients with Pneumonia and Septic Shock due to Covid-19
Authors: Chavarria Adrián , Vázquez Rafael Ricardo , Cherit José Guillermo , Bello Héctor , Suastegui Humberto , Castañeda Lidia , Estrada Gabriela , Valdez Fabián , Marcos Omar , Orozco Huitzilihuitl , Pech Linaloe , Velasco Ricardo , Lans Verónica , Torres Israel , López Maria Elena 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection produces pneumonia with pulmonary alveolar collapse and in some cases sepsis and septic shock. There is no specific treatment for COVID-19. Vitamin C (Vit C), Vitamin E (Vit E), N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and Melatonin (MT) increase the intracellular content of GSH, kidnap free radicals and protect DNA, proteins in the cytosol and lipids of cell membranes. Pentoxifylline (Px) has anti-inflammatory activities. Methods: Here we evaluate the effect of Vit C, Vit E, NAC, and MT plus Px in COVID-19 patients with moderate and severe pneumonia. 110 patients of either sex were included. They were divided into five groups with 22 patients each. Group 1 received Vit C+Px, group 2 Vit E+Px, group 3 NAC+Px, group 4 MT+Px, and group 5 only Px. Oxidative stress markers as Lipid peroxidation levels, evaluation of total antioxidant capacity and nitrites were evaluate by spectrophotometry, and by ELISA assay IL-6 levels. Results: The antioxidant therapy improved the survival scores including SOFA, Apache II, SAPS II, COVIDGRAM and GCS. OS markers in plasma such as LPO (p≤0.04) and TAC (p≤0.03) decreased in COVID-19 patients administered with antioxidants. There was an increase of IL-6 (p≤0.01) and decreases of CRP (p≤0.01) and PCT (p≤0.05) in COVID-19 patients when entering the hospital and the different antioxidants reversed this alteration at the end of the hospital stay. Conclusions: This study confirms the presence of OS in COVID-19 patients. The results suggest that the treatment with antioxidant supplements such as Vit C, E, NAC, and MT plus Px could contribute to the deceleration of the aggressive and lethal development COVID-19. There is evidence that antioxidants in moderate doses decrease inflammation and control of OS; therefore, their use as an adjuvant therapy to improve prognosis is confirmed. The antioxidant therapy can be effective in this pandemia since it improves all of the survival scores including SOFA, Apache II, SAPS II, COVIDGRAM, GCS by lowering the LPO, IL-6, CRP, PCT and increasing systemic TAC.
Psychological and Physiological Stress and Burnout Among Maternity Providers in A Rural County in Kenya: Individual and Situational Predictors
Authors: Afulani Patience , Ongeri Linnet , Kinyua Joyceline , Temmerman Marleen , Mendes Wendy Berry , Weiss Sandra 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Stress and burnout among healthcare workers has been recognized as a global crisis needing urgent attention. Yet few studies have examined stress and burnout among healthcare providers in sub-Saharan Africa, and even fewer among maternity providers who work under very stressful conditions. To address these gaps, we examined self-reported stress and burnout levels as well as stress-related physiologic measures of these providers, along with their potential predictors. Methods: Participants included 101 maternity providers (62 nurses/midwives, 16 clinical officers/doctors, and 23 support staff) in western Kenya. Respondents completed Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale, the Shirom-Melamed Burnout scale, and other sociodemographic, health, and work-related items. We also collected data on heart rate variability (HRV) and hair cortisol levels to assess stress-related physiologic responses to acute and chronic stress respectively. Multilevel linear regression models were computed to examine individual and work-related factors associated with stress, burnout, HRV, and cortisol level. Results: 85% of providers reported moderate stress and 11.5% high stress. 65% experienced low burnout and 19.6% high burnout. Average HRV (measured as the root mean square of differences in intervals between successive heart beats: RMSSD) was 60.5 (SD=33.0) and mean cortisol was 38.6 (SD=44.3). Greater satisfaction with life accomplishments was associated with reduced stress (𝛽=-2.83; CI=-5.47; -0.18), while motivation to work excessively (over commitment) was associated with both increased stress (𝛽=-0.61 CI: 0.19, 1.03) and burnout (𝛽=2.05, CI=0.91, 3.19). Female providers had higher burnout scores compared to male providers. Support staff had higher HRV than other providers and providers under 30 years of age had higher HRV than those 30 and above. Although no association between cortisol and any predictor was statistically significant, the direction of associations was consistent with those found for stress and burnout. Conclusions: Most providers experienced moderate to high levels of stress and burnout. Individuals who were more driven to work excessively were particularly at risk for higher stress and burnout. Higher HRV of support staff and providers under age 30 suggest their more adaptive autonomic nervous system response to stress. Given its impact on provider wellbeing and quality of care, interventions to help providers manage stress are critical.
Mid-term Outcomes of Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement Versus the Bentall Procedure for Middle-aged Chinese Patients with Acute DeBakey I Aortic Dissection: A Single-center Retrospective Study.
Authors: Wu Qingsong , wang Zhisheng , Qiu Zhihuang , Shen Yue , Chen Xiaodong , Chen Xingfeng , Chen Liangwan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The mid-term and long-term efficacies of valve preservation in acute DeBakey I aortic dissection(AD) are controversial. Thus, it is unclear whether middle-aged patients with acute DeBakey I AD should undergo valve-sparing procedures or the Bentall procedure in an emergency setting.Methods: This study included 213 middle-aged Chinese patients(30-60 years old) who were treated for acute DeBakey I AD between January 2009 and June 2015. The treatments involved valve-sparing aortic root replacement(VSARR)(117 patients) or the Bentall procedure(96 patients). Preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative, and follow-up data were analyzed. Echocardiography and thoracoabdominal computed tomography angiography(CTA) findings were reviewed at 3 months, 1 year, and then annually after surgery. Results: No significant differences were observed in terms of the preoperative, intraoperative, in-hospital mortality, and postoperative parameters. There were also no significant differences in aortic regurgitation(AR). However, follow-up examinations using CTA revealed that 6 patients had endoleakage at the distal end of the triple-branched stent(0/110 patients [0.0%] vs. 6/90 patients [6.7%], P=0.022). The anticoagulation-related thromboembolism/bleeding events was significantly lower in group A than in group B(0/110 patients [0.0%] vs. 11/90 patients [11.1%], P=0.001). And postoperative aortic valve re-operation rate was significantly lower in group A (1/110 patients [0.9%] vs. 8/90 patients [8.9%], P=0.020). There was no significant difference in survival during the follow-up period (log-rank P>0.05).Conclusion: For middle-aged patients with acute DeBakey I AD, VSARR were associated with a lower rate of endoleakage at the distal end of the triple-branched stent, thromboembolism/bleeding events and aortic valve re-operation(vs. the Bentall procedure) .
Equilibrium and Thermodynamic Investigation of Biosorption of Nickel from Water by Activated Carbon Made from Palm Kernel Chaff
Authors: Nnaji Chidozie , Agim Edward , Mama Cordelia , Emenike PraiseGod , Ogarekpe Nkpa 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Novel biosorbents were derived from a waste product of palm kernel oil extraction known a palm kernel chaff (PKC). One portion of the PKC was carbonized in a furnace and then activated chemically while the other half was activated without carbonization. Both were designated as CPKC and UPKC respectively. The two biosorbents so produced were then used to conduct batch equilibrium sorption studies at 30 ºC, 35 ºC and 40 ºC and pH 3.0 and 9.0. The Koble-Corrigan, Dubinin-Radushkevich and the Freundlich isotherms fitted the experimental data very well with R2 values of 0.97 to 1.0, 0.95 to 1.0 and 0.96 to 1.0 respectively. The linear type II Langmuir isotherm performed much better (0.96 ≤ R2 ≤ 1.0) than the nonlinear isotherm. The maximum sorption capacity was obtained as 120.6 mg/g using CPKC at pH 9.0 and 35ºC. The values of Langmuir separation coefficient (0.022 ≤ RL≤0.926) show that the sorption of nickel to PKC is favourable. The most favourable sorption condition was found for CPKC at pH 9 and temperature of 40 ºC. The values of sorption energy (8.21 ≤ E ≤ 14.27) and the isosteric heat of sorption (-133.09≤∆Hx≤-17.92) indicate that the mode of sorption is mostly ion exchange. Thermodynamic parameters also show that the process is exothermic and entropy-driven.
Thermostable Adenosine 5’-Monophosphate Phosphorylase from Thermococcus kodakarensis forms catalytically active inclusion bodies
Authors: Kamel Sarah , Walczak Miriam , Kaspar Felix , Westarp Sarah , Neubauer Peter , Kurreck Anke 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Catalytically active inclusion bodies (CatIBs) produced in E. coli are an interesting but currently underexplored strategy for enzyme immobilization. They can be purified easily and used directly as stable and reusable heterogenous catalysts. However, very few examples of CatIBs that are naturally formed during heterologous expression have been reported so far. Previous studies have revealed that the adenosine 5'-monophosphate phosphorylase of Thermococcus kodakarensis (TkAMPpase) forms large soluble multimers with high thermal stability. Herein, we show that heat treatment of solubilized protein induces aggregation of active protein which phosphorolysis all natural 5’-mononucleotides. Additionally, inclusion bodies formed during the expression in E. coli were found to be similarly active with 2−6 folds higher specific activity compared to the heat-induced aggregates. Interestingly, differences in the substrate preference were observed. These results show that the recombinant thermostable TkAMPpase is one of rare examples of naturally formed CatIBs.
Construction and Characterization of EGFP Reporter Plasmid Harboring Putative Human RAX Promoter for in Vitro Monitoring of Retinal Progenitor Cells Identity
Authors: Atefi Atefeh , kojouri Pendar Shojaei , Karamali Fereshteh , Irani Shiva , Esfahani Mohammad Hossein Nasr 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: In retinal degenerative disease, progressive and debilitating conditions result in deterioration of retinal cells and visual loss. In human, retina lacks the inherent capacity for regeneration. Therefore, regeneration of retinal layer from human retinal progenitor cells (hRPCs) is a challenging task and restricted in vitro maintenance of hRPCs remains as the main hurdle. Retina and anterior neural fold homeobox gene ( RAX ) play critical roles in developing retina and maintenance of hRPCs. In this study, for the first time regulatory regions of human RAX gene with potential promoter activity were experimentally investigated. Results: For this purpose, after in silico analysis of regulatory regions of human RAX gene, the expression of EGFP reporter derived by putative promoter sequences was first evaluated in 293T cells and then in hRPCS derived from human embryonic stem cells. The candidate region ( RAX -3258bp) showed the highest EGFP expression in hRPCs. This reporter construct can be used for invitro monitoring of hRPC identity and verification of an efficient culture medium for maintenance of these cells. Conclusions: Furthermore, our findings provide a platform for better insight into regulatory regions of human RAX gene and molecular mechanisms underlying its vital functions in retina development.
Existence of a Single Population of Hilsa Shad (Tenualosa Ilisha) With Low Genetic Variation in Bangladesh Waters Revealed by Cross-Species Gene Enrichment Method&nbsp;
Authors: Sarker Anirban , Naher Habibon , Huang Junman , Sarker Kishor , Yin Guoxing , Baki Mohammad , Li Chenhong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Tenualosa ilisha is a popular anadromous and significant trans-boundary fish. For sustainable management and conservation of this fish, drawing an appropriate picture reflecting population status of this species is very essential based on their all-strategic habitats in Bangladesh. In this study, 139 samples from 18 sites were collected and cross-species gene enrichment method was applied to discover the exact population status of the fish. Like most of the Clupeiforms, nucleotide diversity and variation of this shad were very low. Population differences between most of the locations were low and not significant. However, P values of a few locations were significant (P< 0.05) but their pairwise FST values were very poor, which is inadequate to recognize any local populations. Structure analysis, PCA and maximum likelihood IQtree all indicated the presence of a single population in the Bangladesh water with some admixture individuals, which may contain partial genes from other populations. In the ML IQtree and Network, most of the individuals were mixed without showing any precise grouping, which might due to their highly migratory nature. Fishes from special type of habitats, e.g., haors, small coastal rivers etc. were not unique and no genetic differences between migratory cohorts were found.
The First Detection of a [C II] 158μm Emitter Associated with a Strong OI Absorber at the End of the Reionization Epoch
Authors: Wu Yunjing , Cai Zheng , Neeleman Marcel , Finlator Kristian , Kanekar Nissim , Zhang Shiwu , Prochaska Jason , Wang Ran , Fan Xiaohui , Keating Laura , Wang Feige , Yang Jinyi , Hennawi Joseph , Wang Junxian 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The physical and chemical properties of the circumgalactic medium (CGM) at z ≳ 6 have been studied successfully through the absorption in the spectra of background Quasi-Stellar Objects (QSOs) 1–3. One of the most crucial questions is to investigate the nature and location of the source galaxies that give rise to these early metal absorbers4–6. Theoretical models suggest that momentum-driven outflows from typical star-forming galaxies can eject metals into the CGM and the intergalactic medium (IGM), with the projected separation between absorbers and galaxies expected to range from 5 to 50 proper kpc at z=5–6 7–10. Deep, dedicated surveys have searched for Lyα emission associated with strong CIV absorbers at z ≈ 6, but only a few Lyα emitter candidates have been detected. Interpreting these detections is moreover ambiguous because Lyα is a resonant line11–13, raising the need for complementary techniques for detecting absorbers’ host galaxies. Here, using Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA), we report, for the first time, the [C II] 158µm emission and the far-infrared dust continuum associated with a strong low-ionization absorber, O I, at z = 5.978. The [C II] luminosity is 73 million solar luminosities, corresponding to a dark matter halo mass of 100 billion solar masses. This is one to two orders of magnitude more massive than typical values predicted from cosmological simulations9, 16.
Factor Graph-aggregated Heterogeneous Network Embedding for Disease-gene Association Prediction
Authors: He Ming , Huang Chen , Liu Bo , Wang Yadong , Li Junyi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Exploring the relationship between disease and gene is of great significance for understanding the pathogenesis of disease and de-veloping corresponding therapeutic measures. The prediction of dis-ease-gene association by computational methods accelerates the pro-cess.Results Many existing methods cannot fully utilize the multi-dimen-sional biological entity relationship to predict disease-gene association due to multi-source heterogeneous data. This paper proposes Fac-torHNE, a factor graph-aggregated heterogeneous network embedding method for disease-gene association prediction, which captures a vari-ety of semantic relationships between the heterogeneous nodes by fac-torization. It produces different semantic factor graphs and effectively aggregates a variety of semantic relationships, by using end-to-end multi-perspectives loss function to optimize model. Then it produces good nodes embedding to prediction disease-gene association.Conclusions Experimental verification and analysis show FactorHNE has better performance and scalability than the existing models. It also has good interpretability can be extended to large-scale biomedical net-work data analysis.
Asymmetric Three-Component Olefin Dicarbofunctionalization Enabled by Photoredox and Copper Dual Catalysis
Authors: Xiao Wen-Jing , Wang Peng-Zi , Gao Yuan , Huan Xiao-Die , Chen Jun , Chen Jia-Rong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
An intermolecular, enantioselective three-component radical vicinal dicarbofunctionalization reaction of olefins enabled by merger of radical addition and cross-coupling using photoredox and copper dual catalysis is presented here. Key to the success of this protocol relies on chemoselective addition of acyl and cyanoalkyl radicals, generated in situ from the redox-active oxime esters by a photo-catalytic N-centered iminyl radical-triggered C-C bond cleavage event, onto the alkenes to form new carbon radicals. Single electron metalation of such newly formed carbon radicals to TMSCN-derived L1Cu(II)(CN)2 complex leads to asymmetric cross-coupling. This three-component process proceeds under mild conditions, and tolerates a diverse range of functionalities and synthetic handles, leading to valuable optically active β–cyano ketones and alkyldinitriles, respectively, in a highly enantioselective manner (> 60 examples, up to 97% ee).
Genotype-by-environment Interaction in Holstein Heifer Fertility Traits using Single-step Genomic Reaction Norm Models
Authors: Shi Rui , Brito Luiz , Liu Aoxing , Luo Hanpeng , Chen Ziwei , Liu Lin , Guo Gang , Mulder Herman , Ducro Bart , Linden Aart van der , Wang Yachun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The effect of heat stress on livestock production is a worldwide issue, where animal performance is influenced by exposure to high environmental temperatures, indicating the existence of possible genotype-by-environment interactions (G´E). The main objectives of this study were to (1) detect the time periods in which heifer fertility traits are more sensitive to the exposure to high environmental temperature and/or humidity, (2) investigate G´E due to heat stress in heifer fertility traits, and (3) identify genomic regions associated with heifer fertility and heat stress in Holstein cattle. Results: Phenotypic records for three heifer fertility traits (i.e., age at first calving, interval from first to last service, and conception rate at the first service) were collected, from 2005 to 2018, for 56,998 Holstein heifers raised in 15 herds in the Beijing area (China). By integrating environmental data including hourly air temperature and relative humidity, the critical periods in which the heifers are more sensitive to heat stress were defined as <=30 days before the first service for age at first calving and interval from first to last service, or 10 days before and <= 60 days after the first service for conception rate. Using reaction norm models, significant G´E was detected for all three traits regarding both environmental gradients, proportion of days exceeding heat threshold and minimum temperature humidity index. Through single-step genome-wide association study, PLAG1, AMHR2, SP1, KRT8, KRT18, MLH1, and EOMES were suggested as candidate genes for heifer fertility while HCRTR1, AGRP, PC, and GUCY1B1 were for heat tolerance. Conclusions: The critical periods in which reproductive perfromances of heifers are more sensitive to heat stress are trait-dependent. Thus, detailed analysis should be conducted to determine this particular period for other fertility traits. The considerable magnitude of G´E and sire re-ranking indicates the necessity to consider G´E in breeding schemes. This will enable selection of more heat-tolerant animals with high reproductive efficiency under harsh climatic conditions. The candidate genes identified to be linked with response to heat stress provide a better understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms of heat tolerance in dairy cattle.
Precision Medicine, Developmental Plasticity and Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease
Authors: Wang Carol , Attia John , Lye Stephen , Oddy Wendy , Beilin Lawrence , Mori Trevor , Meyerkort Claire , Pennell Craig 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: It is well established that genetics, environment, and interplay between them play crucial roles in adult disease. We aimed to evaluate the role of genetics, early life nutrition, and interaction between them, on optimal adult health. Methods: As part of a large international consortium (n~154,000), we identified 60 SNPs associated with both birthweight and adult disease. Utilising the Raine Study, we developed a birthweight polygenic score (BW-PGS) based the 60 SNPs and examined relationships between BW-PGS and adulthood cardiovascular risk factors, specifically evaluating interactions with early life nutrition. Findings: Healthy nutrition was beneficial for all individuals; longer duration of any breastfeeding was associated with lower BMI and lower Systolic Blood Pressure in those with higher BW-PGS. Interpretation: Optimal breastfeeding offers the greatest benefit to reduce adult obesity and hypertension in those genetically predisposed to high birthweight. This provides an example of how precision medicine in early life can improve adult health.
Metabolic Modeling Reveals Potential Muscle Metabolite Markers of Insulin Resistance in Newly Diagnosed Diabetic Patients
Authors: Khoshnejat Maryam , Banaei-Moghaddam Ali Mohammad , Kavousi Kaveh , Moosavi-Movahedi Ali Akbar 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a challenging and globally ubiquitous metabolic disease caused by insulin resistance. Skeletal muscle is the major insulin-sensitive tissue that plays a great role in blood sugar homeostasis. Dysfunction of muscle metabolism is implicated in the disturbance of glucose hemostasis and the development of insulin resistance and T2DM. Here, we attempted to find metabolic dysregulations that are associated with the onset of T2DM. Besides, metabolite markers of T2DM were explored. MethodsWe reconstructed a human muscle-specific metabolic model and applied it to perform metabolic analysis in newly diagnosed T2DM patients. We investigated the metabolism reprogramming by using two topology-based and constraint-based approach. Moreover, we applied a machine learning method to predict potential metabolite markers of insulin resistance in muscle.ResultsOur results showed that metabolic alterations have occurred in carbohydrate, fatty acids, lipids, amino acids, and inositol phosphate metabolisms as well as pathways implicated in building extracellular matrix (ECM). Also, dysregulation of coenzyme Q10 metabolism was observed. Moreover, 13 exchange metabolites were predicted as the potential metabolite markers of insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. The efficiency of these markers in detecting insulin-resistant muscle was validated using a separate muscle gene expression data from another diabetes-related study. ConclusionIn this study, the most updated muscle-specific metabolic model was generated and successfully was validated. This model was used for the investigation of metabolic disturbances at the onset of T2DM. Our results indicated the significance of ECM metabolites in insulin resistance, and reinforce the role of coenzyme Q10 as a candidate for further research in insulin resistance and T2DM treatment. The model is freely available and can be used for other muscle metabolic studies. We also predicted metabolite markers of insulin resistance in the skeletal muscle, which can be considered for further empirical investigations.