bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Construction of A Bivalent Vaccine Against Anthrax and Smallpox Using The Attenuated Vaccinia Virus KVAC103
Authors: Park Deok Bum , Ahn Bo-Eun , Son Ho Sun , Lee Young-Ran , Kim Yu-Ri , Jo Su Kyoung , Chun Jeong-Hoon , Yu Jae-Yon , Choi Myung-Min , Rhie Gi-Eun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Anthrax and smallpox are high-risk infectious diseases, and considered as potential agents for bioterrorism. To develop an effective countermeasure for these diseases, we constructed a bivalent vaccine against both anthrax and smallpox by integrating a gene encoding protective antigen (PA) of Bacillus anthracis to the genome of the attenuated vaccinia virus strain, KVAC103. Results: Immunization with this bivalent vaccine induced antibodies against both PA and vaccinia virus in a mouse model. We also observed that the efficacy of this vaccine can be enhanced by combined immunization with immunoadjuvant-expressing KVAC103. Mice groups co-immunized with PA-expressing KVAC103 and either interleukin-15 (IL-15) or cholera toxin subunit A (CTA1)-expressing KVAC103 showed increased anti-PA IgG titer and survival rate against B. anthracis spore challenge compared to the group immunized with PA-expressing KVAC103 alone. Conclusions: We demonstrated that the attenuated smallpox vaccine KVAC103 is an available platform for a multivalent vaccine and co-immunization of immunoadjuvants can improve vaccine performance.
Combination Therapies with Thiazolidinediones are Associated with a Lower Risk of Acute Exacerbations in New-Onset COPD Patients with Advanced Diabetic Mellitus: A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Chen Kuan-Yuan , Wu Sheng-Ming , Tseng Chien-Hua , Lee Kang-Yun , Lin Yu-Huei , Liu Hung-Yi , Chien Li-Nien 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The effects of oral antihyperglycemic drugs (OADs) for T2DM on outcomes of co-existing COPD patients have been less concerned. We examined the association of combinational OADs and risk of AECOPD in T2DM patients with co-existing COPDMETHODS: A nested case-control study was conducted using data from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. Among new-onset COPD-T2DM patients, 65,370 were prescribed with metformin and 2nd line OADs before the date of COPD onset. Each AECOPD case was matched to 4 randomly selected controls according to the propensity score estimated by patient’s baseline characteristics. Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the association between AECOPD risk and OADs use. RESULTS: Among COPD-T2DM patients, 3,355 AECOPD cases and 13,420 matched controls were selected. All COPD-T2DM patients with a double combination of oral OADs (n=12,916), AECOPD patients were less likely to be exposed to SU and thiazolidinediones (TZD) compared to the patients received metformin (MET) and sulfonylurea (SU), with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51–0.94, P=0.02). Of the patients with a triple combination of oral OADs (n=3,859), we found that MET, SU and TZD had a lower risk of AECOPD (adjusted OR=0.81 (0.68-0.96, P=0.01) compared to a combination of MET, SU and a-glucosidase inhibitors (AGI) regardless the level of COPD complexity. CONCLUSION: Combination therapies with TZD were associated with reducing risk of AECOPD in advanced T2DM patients with co-existing COPD.
Identification of key genes and long non-coding RNA related to bone metastasis in breast cancer by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Teng Xu , Huang Wei , Yang Tianshu , Li Weishi , Zhou Lin , Wang Zihang , Feng Yajuan , Zhang Jingyao , Yin Xin , Wang Pei , Li Gen , Yu Hefen , Chen Zhongqiang , Fan Dongwei 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe molecular mechanism of bone metastasis in breast cancer is largely unknown. We aimed to find key genes and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) related to the bone metastasis of breast cancer using a bioinformatic approach. MethodsWe downloaded breast cancer bone metastasis gene expression data (GSE66206) and probe annotation files from the public database Gene Expression Omnibus. Then, we analyzed the network nodes to find core driver genes. Weighted correlation network analysis was performed on the gene expression profile of breast cancer bone metastasis to identify potential pathogenic modules. We performed function and pathway enrichment analyses of the genes and lncRNAs in the breast cancer bone metastasis-related modules. ResultsBased on our results, we constructed a differentially expressed lncRNA–mRNA network related to bone metastases in breast cancer and identified core driver genes, including BNIP3 and RP11-317-J19.1. ConclusionsOur findings provide a theoretical foundation for explaining the intrinsic molecular mechanism of breast cancer bone metastasis.
Return to work a bumpy road: A qualitative study on experiences of work ability and work situation in individuals with chronic whiplash-associated disorders
Authors: Peolsson Anneli , Hermansen Anna , Peterson Gunnel , Strid Emma Nilsing 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Work resumption is a big challenge in the rehabilitation process for individuals with whiplash-associated disorders (WAD). To better meet the needs of individuals with WAD in their return to work process, more knowledge on their experiences and perspectives is needed. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of work ability and the work situation of individuals who participated in a neck-specific exercise programme for chronic WAD. Methods: This qualitative study has an exploratory and descriptive design based on data collected through open-ended interviews with 17 individuals with chronic WAD. Data were analysed inductively using conventional content analysis. Results: Analysis of the data yielded the following five categories related to the participants’ narratives on their experiences of work ability and their work situation: Return to work – a process of setbacks and bureaucracy; The need to be understood by health care, and to receive a treatment plan; Individual resources are important for work ability; The consequences of reduced work ability; and Working conditions are important for work ability. Conclusion: Individuals with chronic WAD often struggle to return to work. Emotional and practical support from stakeholders is imperative and needs to be strengthened. Participating in a neck-specific exercise programme, including being acknowledged and receiving information about WAD, could positively affect the work ability of WAD sufferers. This study has provided management strategies to improve the ability to work for individuals with chronic WAD, and highlights the need to incorporate a healthy and sustainable return to work in the rehabilitation of individuals with WAD, thereby making their return to work a success.
Assessments of Therapeutic Effects of Platelet-rich Plasma in Knee Osteoarthritis: Possible Role of Inflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Hassan Mohammed H. , Saleem Tahia H. , Abuhamdah Sawsan , Tammam Hamdy , Zaki Nehal Ashraf , Abdel-Razik Ghada M. , Saleem Safaa Y. , Said Elsayed 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial disease that commonly affects the knee. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is able to regulate inflammation in OA. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) may be involved in the pathophysiology of arthritis. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may reduce pain associated with OA. The current study aimed to assess the possible therapeutic effects of PRP in patients with knee OA of various severities. Methods: A prospective study was performed on 90 patients were included and categorized into mild (30 cases, moderate (30 cases) and severe (30 cases) knee OA. Three intra-articular (I.A) injections of PRP, 2 weeks a part, were received. Pain score and MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score (MOAKS) were assessed. Serial synovial fluid cytokines assays in the form of Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), were performed using commercially available ELISA assay kits. The assays were performed pre-injection (S1), two weeks from the 1st I.A injection and two weeks from the 2nd I.A injection (S3) for all included patients. Results: The mean values of pain score and synovial TNF-α and MIF levels were significantly higher levels (S1, pre-injection) among severe OA when compared with both mild and moderate cases, p˂0.05 for all. There were significantly lower pain score and synovial TNF-α and MIF levels at S3 in mild, moderate and severe knee OA when compared with S1 values, p˂0.05 for all. There was significant improvement in synovitis in both mild and moderate cases (p˂0.05 for both). Conclusion: I.A injection of PRP significantly reduces the synovial fluid TNF-α and MIF levels with great therapeutic effects on both synovitis via reducing inflammatory cytokines, and bone marrow lesions mainly for mild knee OA and to a lesser extent for moderate cases.
Enhancing stability by trapping palladium inside N-heterocyclic carbene-functionalized hypercrosslinked polymers for heterogeneous C-C bond formations
Authors: Yue Chengtao , Xing Qi , Sun Peng , Zhao Zelun , Lv Hui , Li Fuwei 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Catalyst deactivation caused by the aggregation of active metal species in the reaction process poses great challenges for practical applications of supported metal catalysts in solid-liquid catalysis. Herein, we developed a hypercrosslinked polymer integrated with N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) as bifunctional support to stabilize palladium in heterogeneous C-C bond formations. This polymer supported palladium catalyst exhibits excellent stability in the one-pot fluorocarbonylation of indoles to four kinds of valuable indole-derived carbonyl compounds in cascade or sequential manner, as well as the representative Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction. Stabilizing mechanism investigations disclose that this catalyst displays a molecular fence effect in which the coordination of NHC sites and confinement of polymer skeleton contribute together to stabilize the active palladium species in the reaction process. This work provides new insight into the development of supported metal catalysts with high stability and will also boost their efficient applications in advanced synthesis.
Combination of Intraspine Interlaminar Device With Lumbar Discectomy in Patients With L5/S1 Disc Herniation
Authors: Feng Shitong , Fan Zihan , Li Xiang , Lin Jisheng , Yang Yong , Fei Qi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background. It is commonly recognized that interspinous spacers were not generally suitable for the application in L5-S1 level due to the short S1 spinous process.In this retrospective study, the feasibility and validity of the IntraSpine interlaminar device in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation on the L5/S1 level were evaluated.Methods. During the January 2018 and December 2018, a total of 30 patients, who were hospitalized in our hospital due to lumbar disc herniation (LDH) on the L5/S1 level, were included in the current study. The clinical symptoms before surgery, post-operation (3 days after surgery), 6 months after surgery, 12 months after surgery, and final follow-up were assessed using the back and leg visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI). Sagittal diameter of the lumbar spinal canal (SD), posterior disc height (PDH), left and right foramina height (LFH and RFH), left and right foramina width (LFW and RFW) were measured by sagittal reconstructions of CT scans. The range of motion (ROM) of L5-S1 level was estimated by lumbar dynamic X-ray images.Results. The back VAS, leg VAS, ODI, were significantly improved after surgery(P<0.05). The SD, PHD, LFH, RFH, LFW, and RFW after the operation and in the follow-up period were statistically different from those before surgery (P<0.05). The ROM of L5/S1 level at final follow-up was not statistically different from that before surgery (P = 0.299). 93.3% of patients demonstrated successful outcomes.Conclusions. The combination of IntraSpine interlaminar device with lumbar discectomy is an effective minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of L5/S1 disc herniation, which can delay and prevent the reduction of the disc height after discectomy in L5/S1 segment.
Long-term Body Mass Index Changes in obese Adults and the Risk of Heart Failure, Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality: A Longitudinal Study of 260,000 Adults
Authors: Iyen Barbara , Weng Stephen , Vinogradova Yana , Akyea Ralph , Qureshi Nadeem , Kai Joe 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Although obesity is a well-recognised risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), the impact of long-term body mass index (BMI) changes in overweight or obese adults, on the risk of heart failure, CVD and mortality has not been quantified.Methods: This population-based cohort study used routine UK primary care electronic health data linked to secondary care and death-registry records. We identified adults who were overweight or obese, free from CVD and who had repeated BMI measures. Using group-based trajectory modelling, we examined the BMI trajectories of these individuals and then determined incidence rates of CVD, heart failure and mortality associated with the different trajectories. Cox-proportional hazards regression determined hazards ratios for incident outcomes. Results: 264,230 individuals (mean age 49.5 years (SD 12.7) and mean BMI 33.8kg/m2 (SD 6.1)) were followed-up for a median duration of 10.9 years. Four BMI trajectories were identified, corresponding at baseline, with World Health Organisation BMI classifications for overweight, class-1, class-2 and class-3 obesity respectively. In all four groups, there was a small, stable upwards trajectory in BMI (mean BMI increase of 1.06kg/m2 (± 3.8)). Compared with overweight individuals, class-3 obese individuals had a 3.3-fold increased risk of heart failure (HR 3.26 (95% CI 2.98-3.57)), 2.7-fold increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR 2.72 (2.58-2.87)) and 3.3-fold increased risk of CVD-related mortality (HR 3.31 (2.84-3.86)) after adjusting for baseline demographic and cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusion: The majority of adults who are overweight or obese retain their degree of overweight or obesity over the long term. Individuals with stable severe obesity experience the worst heart failure, CVD and mortality outcomes. These findings highlight the high cardiovascular toll exacted by continuing failure to tackle obesity.
Genome-Wide Association Analysis Reveals Genetic Variations and Candidate Genes Associated with Salt Tolerance Related Traits in Gossypium Hirsutum
Authors: Xu Peng , Guo Qi , Meng Shan , Zhang Xianggui , Xu Zhenzhen , Guo Wangzhen , Shen Xinlian 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: As a pioneer industrial crop in saline-alkali lands, cotton is more resistant to salt and drought stresses. However, abiotic stresses still have significant negative effects on its growth and development. It is therefore important to breed salt tolerance varieties which can help accelerate the improvement of cotton production. The development of molecular markers linked to causal genes has provided an effective and efficient approach for improving salt tolerance. Results: In this study, a genome-wide association study of salt tolerance related traits at seedling stage was performed based on two years of phenotype identification for 217 representative upland cotton cultivars by Genotyping By-Sequencing platform. A total of 51,060 polymorphic SNPs unevenly distributed in 26 chromosomes were screened across the cotton cultivars, and 25 associations with 27 SNPs scattered over 12 chromosomes were detected significantly (-log10p>4) associated with three salt tolerance related traits in 2016 and 2017. Among these, the associations on chromosome A13 and D08 for RPH, A07 for RSFW, A08 and A13 for RSDW were expressed in both two environments, indicating that they were likely to be stable QTLs. A total of 12 salt-induced candidate genes were identified differentially expressed by the combination of GWAS and transcriptome analysis. Three promising genes were selected to conduct preliminary function verification of salt tolerance. The increase of GH_A13G0171-silenced plants in salt related traits under salt stress indicated its negative function in regulating the salt stress response. Conclusions: These results provided important genetic variations and candidate genes for accelerate the improvement of salt tolerance in cotton.
Moderately Reduced Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) among Community - Dwelling Older People Associated with Increased Long Term Mortality: A Study from Low to Middle Income Country in Asia.
Authors: Skulratanasak Peenida , Chalermsri Chalobol , Aekplakorn Wichai , Srinonpras Varalak 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is regarded as a component of renal senescence; however, the full impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among older people is still not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the effect of reduced GFR on all-cause mortality, and the combined effect of socioeconomic status and CKD on mortality among older Thai population.Methods: A retrospective cohort of Thai population aged >60 years was enrolled from the Fourth National Health Examination Survey, and estimated GFR (eGFR) and comorbid disease data were collected. Mortality information was gathered from the National Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System. Factors associated with all-cause mortality were determined using Cox proportional hazards model.Results: A total of 9,080 participants (mean age: 69.5 years) were included. Prevalence of CKD stage 3-5 was 53.3%. During the 2008-2015 period, the overall mortality rate among CKD was 28.9 per 1,000 person-years. The stages of CKD significantly associated with increased mortality were stages 3b, 4, and 5, as follows: HR: 1.44 (95% CI: 1.24-1.67), 2.42 (95% CI: 1.98-2.96), and HR: 6.43 (95% CI: 4.67-8.87), respectively. People with higher socioeconomic status and moderate-stage CKD had lower mortality than lower socioeconomic status moderate-stage CKD.Conclusion: Moderate decline in eGFR was found to be independently associated with all-cause mortality in Thai elderly population. Socioeconomic disparities were also observed among older CKD. Implementation of a mass screening program to identify asymptomatic individuals would accelerate diagnosis and treatment, and this would reduce the costs of care associated with advanced-stage disease.
Perspectives of Family Physicians Towards Access to Lung Cancer Screening for Individuals Living With Low Income – A Qualitative Study
Authors: Sayani Ambreen , Vahabi Mandana , O’Brien Mary Ann , Liu Geoffrey , Hwang Stephen W. , Selby Peter , Nicholson Erika , Lofters Aisha 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Individuals living with low income are less likely to participate in lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose computed tomography. Family physicians (FPs) are typically responsible for referring eligible patients to LCS; therefore, we sought to understand their perspectives on access to lung cancer screening for individuals living with low income in order to improve equity in access to LCS. Methods: A theory-informed qualitative study was conducted using data collected from 11 semi-structured interviews with FPs recruited from three primary care sites in downtown Toronto. Data was coded using the Systems Model of Clinical Preventative Care as a framework and interpretation was guided by the synergies of oppression analytical lens. Results: Four overarching themes describe FP perspectives on access to LCS for individuals living with low income: the degree of social disadvantage that influences lung cancer risk and opportunities to access care; the clinical encounter, where there is often a mismatch between the complex health needs of low income individuals and structure of health care appointments; the need for equity-oriented health care, illustrated by the neglect of structural origins of health risk and the benefits of a trauma-informed approach; and finally, the multiprong strategies that will be needed in order to improve equity in health outcomes. Conclusion: An equity-oriented and interdisciplinary team based approach to care will be needed in order to improve access to LCS, and attention must be given to the upstream determinants of lung cancer in order to reduce lung cancer risk.
Using simulation Technology to Analyze the COVID-19 Epidemic in Changsha, Hunan Province, China
Authors: Zhou Nan , LI Guoqun , LI Tong , LI Weitong , CHEN Mengxiang , ZHANG Siyu , ZHANG Heng , ZHA Wenting , Yuan LV 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
This study mainly uses simulation technology to simulate the COVID-19 epidemic in Changsha, Hunan Province, China, and analyze the impact of different prevention and control measures on the epidemic. we Collect the information of all COVID-19 patients in Changsha from January 21, 2020 to March 14, 2020 and relevant policies during the COVID-19 epidemic in Changsha. Established the SEIAR infectious disease dynamics model under natural conditions, and added isolation measures on this basis. Using Anylogic8.5, the COVID-19 epidemic in Changsha City was simulated under various conditions based on the established model.In this study we find that There were 242 COVID-19 patients in Changsha. including 121 males (50%) and 121 females (50%).Most cases occurred between February 6 and February 16. Through the calculation of the Rt during the epidemic in Changsha, it is found that it is reasonable to resume work on February 8, because the Rt value of Changsha dropped below 1 at this time.The simulation results show that reducing the contact rate of residents and reducing the success rate of virus transmission (wearing masks, disinfection, etc.) can effectively prevent the spread of COVID-19 and significantly reduce the number of peak patients.We believe that the disease is mainly spread by the respiratory tract. Therefore, the simulation results show that whether in the early or mid-stage of the epidemic, quarantining the names of residents or reducing the contact rate of residents is very effective in controlling the COVID-19 epidemic.
Multiple Freeze-thaw Cycles Lead to a Loss of Consistency in Poly(A)-enriched RNA Sequencing
Authors: Kellman Benjamin , Baghdassarian Hratch , Pramparo Tiziano , Shamie Isaac , Gazestani Vahid , Begzati Arjana , Li Shengzhong , Nalabolu Srinivasa , Murray Sarah , Lopez Linda , Pierce Karen , Courchesne Eric , Lewis Nathan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
RNA-Seq is ubiquitous, but depending on the study, sub-optimal sample handling may be required, resulting in repeated freeze-thaw cycles. However, little is known about how each cycle impacts downstream analyses, due to a lack of study and known limitations in common RNA quality metrics, e.g., RIN, at quantifying RNA degradation following repeated freeze-thaws. Here we quantify the impact of repeated freeze-thaw on the reliability of RNA-Seq. To do so, we developed a method to estimate the relative noise between technical replicates independently of RIN. Using this approach we inferred the effect of both RIN and the number of freeze-thaw cycles on sample noise. We find that RIN is unable to fully account for the change in sample noise due to freeze-thaw cycles. Additionally, freeze-thaw is detrimental to sample quality and differential expression (DE) reproducibility, approaching zero after three cycles for poly(A)-enriched samples, wherein the inherent 3’ bias in read coverage is more exacerbated by freeze-thaw cycles, while ribosome-depleted samples are less affected by freeze-thaws. The use of poly(A)-enrichment for RNA sequencing is pervasive in library preparation of frozen tissue, and thus, it is important during experimental design and data analysis to consider the impact of repeated freeze-thaw cycles on reproducibility.