bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of Spica Prunellae against thyroid-associated Ophthalmopathy based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: Zhang Yuhan , Li Xianzhi , Guo Congcong , Dong Jianjun , Liao Lin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder, which lacks effective treatment currently. Spica Prunellae (SP) is popularly used for its anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating properties, indicating SP may have potential therapeutic value in TAO. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the efficiency and potential mechanism of SP in treating TAO.MethodsA network pharmacology integrated molecular docking strategy was used to predict the underlying molecular mechanism of treating TAO. Firstly, the active compounds of SP were obtained from TCMSP database and literature research. Then we collected the putative targets of SP and TAO based on multi-sources databases to generate networks. Network topology analysis, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed to screen the key targets and mechanism. Furthermore, molecular docking simulation provided an assessment tool for verifying drug and target binding.ResultsOur results showed that 8 targets (PTGS2, MAPK3, AKT1, TNF, MAPK1, CASP3, IL6, MMP9) were recognized as key therapeutic targets with excellent binding affinity after network analysis and molecular docking-based virtual screening. The results of enrichment analysis suggested that the underlying mechanism was mainly focused on the biological processes and pathways associated with immune inflammation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Notably, the key pathway was considered as the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.ConclusionIn summary, the present study elucidates that SP may suppress inflammation and proliferation and promote apoptosis through the PI3K-AKT pathway, which makes SP a potential treatment against TAO. And this study offers new reference points for future experimental research and provides a scientific basis for more widespread clinical application.
Complementary and alternative medicine use in coronary heart disease patients: a cross-sectional study from Palestine
Authors: Salah Abdelraouf O. , Salameh Ahmad D. , Bitar Mohanad A. , Zyoud Sa’ed H. , Alkaiyat Abdulsalam S. , Al-Jabi Samah W. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
There is a lack of data on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). This study examined the use of CAM among patients with CHD, the reasons and factors influencing their use, the types of CAM used, and the relationship between patient’s demographics and the use of CAM.

Methods
In order to determine the prevalence and usage of CAM among Palestinian patients with CHD, a cross-sectional descriptive study was performed from three different hospitals. Using a convenient sampling method, a questionnaire was completed in a face-to-face interview with the patients. Descriptive statistics were used for socio-demographic, and clinical variables. Siahpush scale was used to examine the attitude of CHD patients toward CAM use.

Results
Of the 150 patients that were interviewed, 128 (85.3%) of the patients completed the questionnaire. The majority of CAM users reported CAM use for health problems other than CHD, while a total of 59 (45.9%) patients have used CAM for their heart problems. On the other hand, it was found that the place of residency and pattern of CHD were significantly associated with CAM use (p = 0.039 and 0.044, respectively). In addition, religious practices were found to be the most common form of CAM used by patients, while body and traditional alternative methods were the least being used. A significant association between the attitudes of patients with CHD and their use of CAM was found (patients’ attitudes towards alternative medicine and natural remedies were p = 0.011 and 0.044, respectively).

Conclusions
CAM use among our respondents is common. Despite a lack of evidence-based research supporting its potential benefits and side effects. Understanding the factors that affect CAM use by CHD patients offers healthcare workers and policymakers an opportunity to better understand CAM use and ultimately improve patient-physician interactions.
Clinical and molecular spectrum of 46,XY disorders of sex development that harbour MAMLD1 variations: case series and review of literature
Authors: Li Lele , Su Chang , Fan Lijun , Gao Fenqi , Liang Xuejun , Gong Chunxiu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Mastermind-like domain-containing 1 (MAMLD1) has previously been identified as a causative gene for “46,XY Disorders of Sex Development (DSD)”. Recently, there has been some controversy regarding the causative role of MAMLD1 variations in DSDs. Here we describe a clinical series and review the reported cases to evaluate the role of MAMLD1 variants in children with 46,XY DSD. Cases of 46,XY DSD harbouring MAMLD1 variants from unrelated families were recruited from the Beijing Children’s Hospital in China (N = 10) or identified through a literature search (N = 26). The clinical manifestations and genetic variants of all the patients were evaluated.

Results
Hypospadias was the most prevalent phenotype among our 10 cases (8 out of 10 cases) and in all the previously reported ones. Central precocious puberty and isolated micropenis were observed for the first time. Among the 10 cases, nine variants were identified, including three nonsense (p.R356X, p.Q152X, and p.Q124X) and six missense (p.P334S, p.S662R, p.A421P,p.T992I, p.P542S, and p.R927L) variants. In silico analysis showed that the variants p.P334S, p.P542S, p.S662R, and p.R927Lmight lead to drastic changes in the interaction force of the amino acid chain and the flexibility of the spatial structure, and such changes may affect protein function.

Conclusion
Patients with 46,XY DSD harbouring MAMLD1variants manifest a broad spectrum of phenotypes and mostly present with hypospadias. The six novel variants reported here enrich the mutation database and contribute to our understanding of the pathogenesis of 46,XY DSD.
The genetic variation of different developmental stages of Schistosoma japonicum: do the distribution in snails and pairing preference benefit the transmission?
Authors: Gu Meng-Jie , Li Yan-Wei , Emery Aidan M. , Li Shi-Zhu , Jiang Yong-Zhong , Dong Hui-Fen , Zhao Qin-Ping 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Schistosoma japonicum is a waterborne parasite that causes schistosomiasis in humans and in more than 40 animal species. Schistosoma japonicum shows distinct genetic differentiation among geographical populations and multiple hosts, but the genetic diversity of different developmental stages of S. japonicum from is less studied. Such studies could elucidate ecological mechanisms in disease transmission by analysing feedbacks in individual physiology and population state.

Methods
After infection using cercariae from a pool of snails shedding together (Method I) and infection using mixed equal numbers of cercariae from individually shed snails (Method II), different developmental stages of S. japonicum were genotyped with microsatellite loci, including 346 cercariae, 701 adult worms and 393 miracidia. Genetic diversity and molecular variation were calculated at different population levels. Kinships (I′) among cercariae at intra-snail and inter-snail levels were evaluated. Genetic distance (Dsw) was compared between paired and unpaired worms, and partner changing was investigated through paternity identification for miracidia.

Results
The cercaria clones in individual snails varied from 1 to 8 and the kinship of cercariae within individual snails was significant higher (P < 0.001) than that among different snails after deleting near-identical multi-locus genotypes (niMLGs). The allelic diversity of worms in Method I was lower (P < 0.001) than that in Method II, and allele frequency among mice in Method I was also less consistent. The parents of some miracidia were worms that were not paired when collected. The Dsw between each female of paired and unpaired males was much larger (P < 0.001) than that between the female and male in each pair.

Conclusions
Most of the infected snails contained multiple miracidia clones. The aggregation of genetically similar S. japonicum miracidia in individual snails and the unbalanced distribution of miracidia among snails suggests a non-uniform genetic distribution of cercariae among snails in the field. This further influenced the genetic structure of adult worms from infections with different cercariae sampling methods. Schistosoma japonicum in mice can change paired partner, preferring to mate with genetically similar worms. These characteristics provide implications for understanding the balance in genetic diversity of S. japonicum related to the transmission of schistosomiasis.
The Swiss Perimenopause Study – study protocol of a longitudinal prospective study in perimenopausal women
Authors: Willi Jasmine , Süss Hannah , Ehlert Ulrike 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The perimenopause is associated with considerable biopsychosocial changes. The majority of women manage to adjust to these changes and cope well with the shift from reproductive to non-reproductive life. However, some women develop burdensome physical and psychological symptoms during the perimenopause. A strong link between menopausal complaints and depressed mood has been shown in this regard. To date, the decisive factors determining whether a woman will successfully achieve a healthy transition remain unclear. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate a range of theory-based markers related to health in perimenopausal women.

Methods
The Swiss Perimenopause Study comprises a sample of 135 healthy perimenopausal women aged 40–56. A variety of health-related genetic, epigenetic, endocrinological, physiological, and psychosocial markers associated with the menopausal transition are investigated over a period of 13 months.

Discussion
The Swiss Perimenopause Study will contribute to a better understanding of the biopsychosocial processes associated with the perimenopause, which should help to improve the clinical care of women undergoing the menopausal transition.
Congestive ischemic colitis occurring after resection of left colon cancer: 4 case series
Authors: Fujii Takatsugu , Toda Shigeo , Nishihara Yuki , Maeda Yusuke , Hiramatsu Kosuke , Hanaoka Yutaka , Sato Rikiya , Matoba Shuichiro , Ueno Masashi , Kuroyanagi Hiroya 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Ischemic colitis can occur after colectomy and is sometimes difficult to treat. We report 4 cases of refractory, delayed onset, regional congestive colitis occurring on the anal side of the anastomosis after laparoscopic left hemicolectomy.

Case presentation
A total of 191 patients underwent surgery for left colon cancer (transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon cancer) at our hospital from January 2012 to December 2017. During the procedures, the left colic artery (LCA) or sigmoid colic artery (SA) was dissected, the superior rectal artery (SRA) was preserved, and the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) was dissected at the inferior margin of the pancreas. Congestive ischemic colitis due to venous return dysfunction occurred in 4 cases (2.1%), 5 to 34 months postoperatively. The patients had diarrhea and blood in the stool. On computed tomography (CT), the patients exhibited continuous intestinal edema and high-density adipose tissue from the anastomosis site to the rectum. Contrast enhancement showed dilation of the vasa recti and arteries from the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) to the SRA. Three patients improved with long-term intestinal rest; in 1 case, the stenosis did not improve and required colorectal resection.

Conclusion
Diagnoses were easy in these cases, but treatment was prolonged and surgery was necessary in 1 case. While this condition is rare, caution is warranted as it is difficult to treat.
End-user perceptions of a patient- and family-centred intervention to improve nutrition intake among oncology patients: a descriptive qualitative analysis
Authors: Marshall Andrea P. , Tobiano Georgia , Roberts Shelley , Isenring Elisabeth , Sanmugarajah Jasotha , Kiefer Deborah , Fulton Rachael , Cheng Hui Lin , To Ki Fung , Ko Po Shan , Lam Yuk Fong , Lam Wang , Molassiotis Alex 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
People with cancer are at high risk of malnutrition. Nutrition education is an effective strategy to improve patient outcomes, however, little is known regarding the impact of family and/or carer involvement in nutrition education and requires investigation. The purpose of the study was to evaluate PIcNIC (Partnering with families to promote nutrition in cancer care) intervention acceptability from the perspective of patients, families and health care providers.

Methods
A descriptive qualitative study was undertaken at an inpatient and an outpatient hospital setting in Australia and an outpatient/home setting in Hong Kong. A patient-and-family centred intervention including nutrition education, goals setting/nutrition plans, and food diaries, was delivered to patients and/or families in the inpatient, outpatient or home setting. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore perceptions of the intervention. 64 participants were interviewed; 20 patients, 15 family members, and 29 health care professionals. Data were analysed using deductive and inductive content analysis.

Results
Two categories were identified; 1) ‘context and intervention acceptability’; and 2) ‘benefits of patient- and family-centred nutrition care’. Within each category redundant concepts were identified. For category 1 the redundant concepts were: the intervention works in outpatient settings, the food diary is easy but needs to be tailored, the information booklet is a good resource, and the intervention should be delivered by a dietitian, but could be delivered by a nurse. The redundant concepts for category 2 were: a personalised nutrition plan is required, patient and family involvement in the intervention is valued and the intervention has benefits for patients and families. Converging and diverging perceptions across participant groups and settings were identified.

Conclusions
In this paper we have described an acceptable patient- and family-centred nutrition intervention, which may be effective in increasing patient and family engagement in nutrition care and may result in improved nutrition intakes. Our study highlights important contextual considerations for nutrition education; the outpatient and home setting are optimal for engaging patients and families in learning opportunities.
Effect of acute kidney injury on weaning from mechanical ventilation in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases patients with respiratory failure
Authors: El-Gazzar Ahmed Gouda , El-Salahy Mahmoud Mohamad , Essway Tarek Samy , Mohammed Samar Nasef , Elnaggar Marwa Elsayed 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Acute kidney injury (AKI) worsens the outcome in mechanically ventilated patients. The occurrence of AKI may have an effect on weaning from mechanical ventilation (MV). The purpose of this work is to study the effect of AKI on weaning from MV for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with respiratory failure (RF). The study included 100 mechanically ventilated COPD patients with RF. Patients were classified into group 1, mechanically ventilated COPD patients with type 2 RF who developed AKI, and group 2, mechanically ventilated COPD patients with type 2 RF, who did not develop AKI.

Results
The age of the studied group ranged between 46 and 80 years, and serum creatinine on admission was within normal. There is a significant difference in a serum creatinine level after 2 days and after 1 week of MV in an intensive care unit (ICU) among AKI cases. There is a significant difference in weaning success between AKI and non-AKI patients with much higher weaning success in non-AKI group. Also, there is a significant reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in AKI patients after 48 h of admission.

Conclusions
AKI is frequent in COPD patients within 48 h of ICU admission and MV increases the risk of AKI in COPD patients.
Ethical Considerations for safeguarding human participants in pandemic research: a rapid review protocol
Authors: O'Sullivan Lydia , Killeen Ronan P. , Doran Peter , Crowley Rachel K. 
Published: July 2020

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by a coronavirus, designated SARS-CoV-2, which is responsible for a global pandemic in 2020. Public interest in this disease has led to the publication of thousands of articles in the medical literature in a very short timeframe. It is imperative that medical research into COVID-19 is conducted quickly and safely, and that due reference is given to the ethical considerations enshrined in the ICH GCP guidelines, according to the Declaration of Helsinki. In order to review the reporting of ethical considerations in these papers, we hereby propose a protocol for a systematic review of COVID-19 papers up to April 14 th 2020. The search criteria proposed for the review are based upon what would be a reasonable search conducted by a lay member of the public with access to PubMed.gov. Institutional Research Ethics Committees (RECs) face significant challenges in providing thorough and timely ethical review during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is proposed to publish the findings of this rapid review along with a summary of an institutional REC response to the challenges of reviewing and approving clinical research proposals in the time of a pandemic.
Transparency and open science principles in reporting guidelines in sleep research and chronobiology journals
Authors: Spitschan Manuel , Schmidt Marlene H. , Blume Christine 
Published: July 2020

Background: "Open science" is an umbrella term describing various aspects of transparent and open science practices. The adoption of practices at different levels of the scientific process (e.g., individual researchers, laboratories, institutions) has been rapidly changing the scientific research landscape in the past years, but their uptake differs from discipline to discipline. Here, we asked to what extent journals in the field of sleep research and chronobiology encourage or even require following transparent and open science principles in their author guidelines. Methods: We scored the author guidelines of a comprehensive set of 28 sleep and chronobiology journals, including the major outlets in the field, using the standardised Transparency and Openness (TOP) Factor. This instrument rates the extent to which journals encourage or require following various aspects of open science, including data citation, data transparency, analysis code transparency, materials transparency, design and analysis guidelines, study pre-registration, analysis plan pre-registration, replication, registered reports, and the use of open science badges. Results: Across the 28 journals, we find low values on the TOP Factor (median [25th, 75th percentile] 2.5 [1, 3], min. 0, max. 9, out of a total possible score of 28) in sleep research and chronobiology journals. Conclusions: Our findings suggest an opportunity for sleep research and chronobiology journals to further support the recent developments in transparent and open science by implementing transparency and openness principles in their guidelines and making adherence to them mandatory.
Aspectos bioéticos dos cuidados em saúde às pessoas idosas ao fim da vida [Bioethical aspects of the health care provided to older adults at the end of their lives] [Aspectos bioéticos de los cuidados de salud a adultos mayores en el final de la vida]
Authors: Oliveira Samara Gonçalves de , Pacheco Sandra Teixeira de Araújo , Nunes Michelle Darezzo Rodrigues , Caldas Célia Pereira , Cunha Adriana Loureiro da , Peres Patrícia Lima Pereira 
Published: July 2020

Objetivo: analisar a produção científica nacional e internacional, buscando as interfaces existentes entre os princípios bioéticos e os cuidados em saúde prestados ao fim da vida às pessoas idosas. Método: revisão integrativa, cuja busca ocorreu entre outubro e novembro de 2019 nas bases de dados Medline via Pubmed, Lilacs e Scopus com os descritores: “Palliative Care", Aged e Bioethics de 2014-2019. Resultados: a partir dos artigos selecionados, emergiram as seguintes categorias: condutas terapêuticas frente aos cuidados ao fim da vida; tomada de decisão nos cuidados ao fim da vida; e desafios nos cuidados ao fim da vida. Conclusão: destaca-se a relevância dos profissionais manterem o compromisso com a pessoa idosa e sua família de forma a considerar suas subjetividades e preferências e os instrumentalizar para que os cuidados sejam pautados em princípios bioéticos, para assim proporcionar um processo de morte e de morrer com dignidade
Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Irrigation Scheduling
Authors: Yang Yanxiang , Hu Jiang , Porter Dana , Marek Thomas , Heflin Kevin , Kong Hongxin 
Published: July 2020

Highlights
Deep reinforcement learning-based irrigation scheduling is proposed to determine the amount of irrigation required at each time step considering soil moisture level, evapotranspiration, forecast precipitation, and crop growth stage.
The proposed methodology was compared with traditional irrigation scheduling approaches and some machine learning based scheduling approaches based on simulation.
Abstract. Machine learning has been widely applied in many areas, with promising results and large potential. In this article, deep reinforcement learning-based irrigation scheduling is proposed. This approach can automate the irrigation process and can achieve highly precise water application that results in higher simulated net return. Using this approach, the irrigation controller can automatically determine the optimal or near-optimal water application amount. Traditional reinforcement learning can be superior to traditional periodic and threshold-based irrigation scheduling. However, traditional reinforcement learning fails to accurately represent a real-world irrigation environment due to its limited state space. Compared with traditional reinforcement learning, the deep reinforcement learning method can better model a real-world environment based on multi-dimensional observations. Simulations for various weather conditions and crop types show that the proposed deep reinforcement learning irrigation scheduling can increase net return. Keywords: Automated irrigation scheduling, Deep reinforcement learning, Machine learning.
Machine-learning-based computationally efficient particle size distribution retrieval from bulk optical properties
Authors: Jia Ruhui , Zhang Xiaohao , Cui Fenping , Chen Gongye , Li Haomiao , Peng Haochen , Cao Zhaolou , Pei Shixin 
Published: July 2020

Retrieval of particle size distribution from bulk optical properties based on evolutionary algorithms is usually computationally expensive. In this paper, we report an efficient numerical approach to solving the inverse scattering problem by accelerating the calculation of bulk optical properties based on machine learning. With the assumption of spherical particles, the forward scattering by particles is first solved by Mie scattering theory and then approximated by machine learning. The particle swarm optimization algorithm is finally employed to optimize the particle size distribution parameters by minimizing the deviation between the target and simulated bulk optical properties. The accuracies of machine learning and particle swarm optimization are separately investigated. Meanwhile, both monomodal and bimodal size distributions are tested, considering the influences of random noise. Results show that machine learning is capable of accurately predicting the scattering efficiency for a specific size distribution in approximately 0.5 µs on a standalone computer. Therefore, the proposed method has the potential to serve as a powerful tool in real-time particle size measurement due to its advantages of simplicity and high efficiency.