bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
E-cigarette use and respiratory disorders: an integrative review of converging evidence from epidemiological and laboratory studies
Authors: Wills Thomas A. , Soneji Samir S. , Choi Kelvin , Jaspers Ilona , Tam Elizabeth K. 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundUse of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is prevalent among adolescents and young adults, but there has been limited knowledge about health consequences in human populations. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of results on respiratory disorders from studies of general-population samples and consider the mapping of these results to findings about biological processes linked to e-cigarettes in controlled laboratory studies.MethodWe conducted a literature search and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies on the association of e-cigarette use with asthma and with COPD. We discuss findings from laboratory studies about effects of e-cigarettes on four biological processes: cytotoxicity, oxidative stress/inflammation, susceptibility to infection and genetic expression.ResultsEpidemiological studies, both cross-sectional and longitudinal, show a significant association of e-cigarette use with asthma and COPD, controlling for cigarette smoking and other covariates. For asthma (n=15 studies), the pooled adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was 1.39 (95% CI 1.28–1.51); for COPD (n=9 studies) the aOR was 1.49 (95% CI 1.36–1.65). Laboratory studies consistently show an effect of e-cigarettes on biological processes related to respiratory harm and susceptibility to illness, with e-cigarette conditions differing significantly from clean-air controls, although sometimes less than for cigarettes.ConclusionsThe evidence from epidemiological studies meets established criteria for consistency, strength of effect, temporality, and in some cases a dose–response gradient. Biological plausibility is indicated by evidence from multiple laboratory studies. We conclude that e-cigarette use has consequences for asthma and COPD, which is of concern for respirology and public health.
The impact of COVID-19 on patients with asthma
Authors: Izquierdo José Luis , Almonacid Carlos , González Yolanda , Del Rio-Bermudez Carlos , Ancochea Julio , Cárdenas Remedios , Lumbreras Sara , Soriano Joan B. 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundAn association between the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the presence of certain chronic conditions has been suggested. However, unlike influenza and other viruses, the disease burden of COVID-19 in patients with asthma has been less evident.ObjectiveTo understand the impact of COVID-19 in patients with asthma.MethodsUsing big-data analytics and artificial intelligence through the SAVANA Manager clinical platform, we analysed clinical data from patients with asthma from January 1 to May 10, 2020.ResultsOut of 71 182 patients with asthma, 1006 (1.41%) suffered from COVID-19. Compared to asthmatic individuals without COVID-19, patients with asthma and COVID-19 were significantly older (55versus42 years), predominantly female (66%versus59%), smoked more frequently and had higher prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidaemias, diabetes and obesity. Allergy-related factors such as rhinitis and eczema were less common in asthmatic patients with COVID-19 (p<0.001). In addition, higher prevalence of these comorbidities was observed in patients with COVID-19 who required hospital admission. The use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) was lower in patients who required hospitalisation due to COVID-19, as compared to non-hospitalised patients (48.3%versus61.5%; OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.44–0.77). Although patients treated with biologics (n=865; 1.21%) showed increased severity and more comorbidities at the ear, nose and throat level, COVID-19-related hospitalisations in these patients were relatively low (0.23%).ConclusionPatients with asthma and COVID-19 were older and at increased risk due to comorbidity-related factors. ICS and biologics are generally safe and may be associated with a protective effect against severe COVID-19 infection.
The Transcriptome of Cunninghamia lanceolata male/female cone reveal the association between MIKC MADS-box genes and reproductive organs development
Authors: Wang Dandan , Hao Zhaodong , Long Xiaofei , Wang Zhanjun , Zheng Xueyan , Ye Daiquan , Peng Ye , Wu Weihuang , Hu Xiangyang , Wang Guibin , Zheng Renhua , Shi Jisen , Chen Jinhui 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundCunninghamia lanceolata(Chinese fir), a member of the conifer family Cupressaceae, is one of the most popular cultivated trees for wood production in China. Continuous research is being performed to improveC. lanceolatabreeding values. Given the high rate of seed abortion (one of the reasons being the failure of ovule and pollen development) inC. lanceolata, the proper formation of female/male cones could theoretically increase the number of offspring in future generations. MIKC MADS-box genes are well-known for their roles in the flower/cone development and comprise the typical/atypical floral development model for both angiosperms and gymnosperms.ResultsWe performed a transcriptomic analysis to find genes differentially expressed between female and male cones at a single, carefully determined developmental stage, focusing on the MIKC MADS-box genes. We finally obtained 47 unique MIKC MADS-box genes fromC. lanceolataand divided these genes into separate branches. 27 out of the 47 MIKC MADS-box genes showed differential expression between female and male cones, and most of them were not expressed in leaves. Out of these 27 genes, most B-class genes (AP3/PI) were up-regulated in the male cone, whileTM8genes were up-regulated in the female cone. Then, with no obvious overall preference forAG(class C + D) genes in female/male cones, it seems likely that these genes are involved in the development of both cones. Finally, a small number of genes such asGGM7,SVP,AGL15, that were specifically expressed in female/male cones, making them candidate genes for sex-specific cone development.ConclusionsOur study identified a number of MIKC MADS-box genes showing differential expression between female and male cones inC. lanceolata, illustrating a potential link of these genes withC. lanceolatacone development. On the basis of this, we postulated a possible cone development model forC. lanceolata. The gene expression library showing differential expression between female and male cones shown here, can be used to discover unknown regulatory networks related to sex-specific cone development in the future.
Characterization of poplar growth-regulating factors and analysis of their function in leaf size control
Authors: Wang Jinnan , Zhou Houjun , Zhao Yanqiu , Sun Pengbo , Tang Fang , Song Xueqin , Lu Meng-Zhu 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Growth-regulating factors (GRFs) are plant-specific transcription factors that control organ size. Nineteen GRF genes were identified in the Populus trichocarpa genome and one was reported to control leaf size mainly by regulating cell expansion. In this study, we further characterize the roles of the other poplar GRFs in leaf size control in a similar manner.

Results
The 19 poplar GRF genes were clustered into six groups according to their phylogenetic relationship with Arabidopsis GRFs. Bioinformatic analysis, degradome, and transient transcription assays showed that 18 poplar GRFs were regulated by miR396, with GRF12b the only exception. The functions of PagGRF6b (Pag, Populus alba × P. glandulosa), PagGRF7a, PagGRF12a, and PagGRF12b, representing three different groups, were investigated. The results show that PagGRF6b may have no function on leaf size control, while PagGRF7a functions as a negative regulator of leaf size by regulating cell expansion. By contrast, PagGRF12a and PagGRF12b may function as positive regulators of leaf size control by regulating both cell proliferation and expansion, primarily cell proliferation.

Conclusions
The diversity of poplar GRFs in leaf size control may facilitate the specific, coordinated regulation of poplar leaf development through fine adjustment of cell proliferation and expansion.
Effectiveness of HPV vaccination against the development of high-grade cervical lesions in young Japanese women
Authors: Shiko Yuki , Konno Ryo , Konishi Hiroshi , Sauvaget Catherine , Ohashi Yasuo , Kakizoe Tadao 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Although more than 10 years have passed since HPV vaccination was implemented, first as an interim programme (Emergent vaccine promotion programme) in November 2010, followed by incorporating into the National Immunization Programme in April, 2013 and suspended in June 2013, limited studies have investigated the HPV vaccine effectiveness against high-grade cervical lesions in Japan.

Methods
We collected the matched data of the results of cervical biopsy and history of vaccination from the Japan Cancer Society database. The subjects were women aged 20 to 29 years screened for cervical cancer between April, 2015 and March, 2017, and with information on HPV vaccination status. We estimated the relative risk of developing high-grade cervical lesions in vaccinated subjects using Poisson regression as compared to unvaccinated subjects.

Results
Among the 34,281 women screened, 3770 (11.0%) were vaccinated. The prevalence of CIN2+ was statistically significantly lower in the vaccinated women as compared to the unvaccinated women (Vaccine Effectiveness (VE) =76%; RR = 0.24, 95% CI:0.10–0.60). High VE against CIN3+ was also observed (91%; RR = 0.09, 95% CI:0.00–0.42).

Conclusion
Women aged 20–29 years who received at least one dose of HPV vaccine had a significantly lower risk of high-grade cervical lesions than those not vaccinated. In Japan, HPV vaccination should be resumed in order to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer.
Proportion of unplanned pregnancies, their determinants and health outcomes of women delivering at a teaching hospital in Sri Lanka
Authors: Ranatunga Iddamalgoda Dissanayakage Jayani Ch , Jayaratne Kapila 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Unplanned pregnancy is a significant public health issue in both low- and high-income countries. The burden of unplanned pregnancy is reflected in women opting for pregnancy terminations and it can be detrimental to the women and her family as well as the health system and society. Solid data on the proportion of unplanned pregnancies are using more specific tools such as the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy (LMUP) needed to address the issue in Sri Lankan contexts. The objective was to describe the proportion of unplanned pregnancies, their determinants and the health outcomes of women delivering at Colombo North Teaching Hospital-Ragama (CNTH).

Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out among 494 consecutive pregnant women selected by non-probability consecutive sampling who were admitted for the confinement at CNTH. A pre-tested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on antenatal women and intentionality measured by self-administered six-item LMUP. Maternal and newborn health outcomes were ascertained in each post-partum women before discharge. Data were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests and spearman rank correlation. We also evaluated the psychometric properties of the Sinhalese version of LMUP.

Results
The response rate was 97.8 and 17.2% of pregnancies ending at birth were unplanned, 12.7% were ambivalent and 70.1% were planned.
Associated factor profile of women with unplanned pregnancies includes; not married women (p = 0.001), educated up to the passing of GCE ordinary level by women (p <  0.001) and spouse (p <  0.001), primiparity (p = 0.002) and inadequate knowledge on emergency contraceptives (p = 0.037). Less planned pregnancies were also significantly associated with anemia (p = 0.004), low mood for last 2 weeks (p <  0.001), having a partner with problematic alcohol consumption (p <  0.001), presence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) (p < 0.001), poor relationship satisfaction with partner (p < 0.001) and family (p < 0.001). Inadequate pre-pregnancy preparation and antenatal care were associated with an unplanned pregnancy. No differences were found in neonatal outcomes. Sinhalese version of the LMUP scale was found to be accepted, valid and reliable with the Cronbach’s alpha of 0.936.

Conclusions
A sizeable proportion of pregnancies were unplanned. Teenage pregnancies, non-marital relationships and inadequate knowledge on emergency contraceptives, maternal anemia, low mood, and GBV were modifiable associated factors which could be prevented by evidence-based locally applicable approaches.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of combining traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of hypertension: compound Apocynum tablets combined with Nifedipine sustained-release tablets vs Nifedipine sustained-release tablets alone
Authors: Xu Qian , Yang Nan , Feng Shuang , Guo Jianfei , Liu Qi-bing , Hu Ming 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
We evaluated the long-term cost-effectiveness of antihypertensive traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and to compare the cost-effectiveness of a combined treatment consisting of compound Apocynum tablets and Nifedipine sustained-release tablets with the cost-effectiveness of treatment with Nifedipine sustained-release tablets alone.

Methods
A Markov model was used to simulate the potential incremental cost-effectiveness per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) to be gained from compound Apocynum tablets and Nifedipine sustained-release tablets compared with Nifedipine sustained-release tablets alone. Model parameter estimates were informed by previously published studies. The direct medical costs of outpatients with hypertension were estimated from the health care provider’s perspective. A 5% annual discount rate was applied to both costs and QALYs.

Results
TCMs combined with Nifedipine sustained-release tablets group generated a total 20-year cost of 11,517.94 RMB (US $1739.87), whereas Nifedipine sustained-release tablets alone group resulted in a 20-year cost of 7253.71 RMB (US $1095.73). TCMs combined with Nifedipine sustained-release tablets group resulted in a generation of 12.69 QALYs, whereas Nifedipine sustained-release tablets alone group resulted in 12.50. The incremental cost-utility ratio was 22,443.32 RMB (US $3390.23) per QALY. Considering the threshold of 1 GDP per capita in China in 2018 (US $9764.95), the combination of compound Apocynum tablets and Nifedipine sustained-release tablets was a cost-effective strategy. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed unchanged results over an acceptable range.

Conclusions
Combining Traditional Chinese Medicines with chemical medicines is more cost-effective strategy in the treatment of hypertension.
Effects of graded levels of microbial fermented or enzymatically treated dried brewer’s grains on growth, digestive and nutrient transporter genes expression and cost effectiveness in broiler chickens
Authors: Al-Khalaifah Hanan S. , Shahin Sara. E , Omar Anaam E. , Mohammed Haiam A. , Mahmoud Hala. I , Ibrahim Doaa 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundPoultry feed consists mainly of conventional grains and protein supplements, however, using treated unconventional agro-industrial by-products as replacements of corn soybean-based diet can minimize production costs and improve productivity. Therefore, in this study, the effects of fermented or enzymatically treated dried brewer grains (DBG) on growth, expression of digestive enzymes and nutrient transporters genes and the profitability of the rations were evaluated. A total of 1600 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly distributed in 2 × 4 factorial arrangement (eight treatments with ten replicates, 20 birds/replicate). Experimental diets included two controls; negative control (basal corn-soybean diet;NC) and positive control (basal corn-soybean diet with exogenous enzymes;PC), and six diets in which basal diet was replaced by three levels of fermented DBG (FDBG; 5, 10 or 15%), or enzyme-treated DBG (DBG5, 10 or 15%+Enz), for 38 days.ResultsThe results described that feeding FDBG (three levels) or DBG5%+Enz improved (P < 0.05) BW gain and feed efficiency of broilers. Also, feeding FDBG10% yielded the best improvement in weight gain (10%), compared to NC group. Increasing the inclusion levels of DBG either fermented or enzymatically treated up-regulated (p < 0.01) expression of digestive-genes in proventriculus (PGCandPGA5, range 1.4–1.8 fold), pancreas (AMY2A,PNLIP,CELA1, andCCK; range 1.2–2.3 fold) and duodenum (CAT1,CAT2,GLUT1,GLUT2,LAT1,Pep1; range 1.3-3 fold) when compared to NC group. Feeding treated DBG significantly increased (p < 0.05, range 4.5–13.6%) gizzard relative weight compared to NC and PC groups. An additional benefit was lower (p < 0.01) cholesterol content from 66.9 mg/100 mg (NC) to 62.8 mg/100 mg (FDBG5 or 10%) in thigh meat. Furthermore, the least cost feed/kg body gain was achieved in FDBG10% and DBG5%+Enz groups, with approx. 16% reduction compared to NC cost, leading to increasing the income gross margin by 47% and 40% in FDBG10% and DBG5%+Enz groups, respectively.ConclusionsSubstitution of corn-soybean based diet with 10% FDBG or 5% DBG+Enz resulted in better growth and higher economic efficiency of broilers chickens.
The intrinsically disordered region of GCE protein adopts a more fixed structure by interacting with the LBD of the nuclear receptor FTZ-F1
Authors: Kolonko Marta , Bystranowska Dominika , Taube Michał , Kozak Maciej , Bostock Mark , Popowicz Grzegorz , Ożyhar Andrzej , Greb-Markiewicz Beata 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTheDrosophila melanogasterGerm cell-expressed protein (GCE) is a paralog of the juvenile hormone (JH) receptor - Methoprene tolerant protein (MET). Both proteins mediate JH function, preventing precocious differentiation duringD. melanogasterdevelopment. Despite that GCE and MET are often referred to as equivalent JH receptors, their functions are not fully redundant and show tissue specificity. Both proteins belong to the family of bHLH-PAS transcription factors. The similarity of their primary structure is limited to defined bHLH and PAS domains, while their long C-terminal fragments (GCEC, METC) show significant differences and are expected to determine differences in GCE and MET protein activities. In this paper we present the structural characterization of GCEC as a coil-like intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) with highly elongated and asymmetric conformation. In comparison to previously characterized METC, GCEC is less compacted, contains more molecular recognition elements (MoREs) and exhibits a higher propensity for induced folding. The NMR shifts perturbation experiment and pull-down assay clearly demonstrated that the GCEC fragment is sufficient to form an interaction interface with the ligand binding domain (LBD) of the nuclear receptor Fushi Tarazu factor-1 (FTZ-F1). Significantly, these interactions can force GCEC to adopt more fixed structure that can modulate the activity, structure and functions of the full-length receptor. The discussed relation of protein functionality with the structural data of inherently disordered GCEC fragment is a novel look at this protein and contributes to a better understanding of the molecular basis of the functions of the C-terminal fragments of the bHLH-PAS family.
Pain sensitivity in young adults with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a quantitative sensory testing study
Authors: Arnstad Ellen Dalen , Iversen Johanne Marie , Uglem Martin , Glerup Mia , Romundstad Pål Richard , Sand Trond , Rygg Marite 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
To study for the first-time, pain perception, pain sensitivity, and self-reported pain in young adults with long disease duration of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) compared with controls.

Methods
Children from Central Norway diagnosed with JIA between 1997 and 2004 were included consecutively in a population-based prospective study. Children with onset 1997–2000 were part of the Nordic JIA cohort. Controls were age- and sex-matched. In 2015–2017, study visits with investigator-blinded quantitative sensory testing (QST) comprising cold and warm detection thresholds (CDT/WDT), cold and heat pain thresholds (CPT/HPT), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and a suprathreshold heat pain test were performed. We constructed separate multilevel models for each variable of detection and pain thresholds with interaction between groups and site adjusted for the effect of age and sex.

Results
Among 96 young adults with JIA, 71% were female, median age was 22.7 years, disease duration was 16.1 years, and 47% had oligoarticular disease. Among 109 controls, 71% were female, and median age was 23.5 years. Participants with JIA had lower pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) (95% CI) compared to controls, upper limb 888 (846,930) versus 1029 (999,1059) kPa and lower limb 702 (670,734) versus 760 (726,794) kPa. Participants with inactive disease had the lowest PPTs and cold pain thresholds (CPTs), compared to those in remission off medication and those with active disease. Minor differences were found regarding CDT/WDT and CPT/HPT in JIA compared to controls. The median (IQR) temperature needed to evoke pain = 6 on a 0–10 numeric rating scale (NRS) in the suprathreshold heat pain tests were lower in JIA than in controls (46 °C (45–47 °C) versus 47 °C (46–48 °C)). We found no associations between self-reported pain and pain thresholds.

Conclusions
Our results indicate for the first time that young adults with long disease duration of JIA may have altered pain perception and sensitivity compared to controls. A clinical implication may be the importance of early treatment to quickly achieve pain-free remission and avoid long-term pain sensitization.
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy aggravates perivascular clearance impairment in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model
Authors: Kim Shin Heun , Ahn Ji Hoon , Yang Hyunwoo , Lee Peter , Koh Gou Young , Jeong Yong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), defined as the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) on the vascular wall, is a major pathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and has been thought to be caused by the failure of Aβ clearance. Although two types of perivascular clearance mechanisms, intramural periarterial drainage (IPAD) and the perivascular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) influx, have been identified, the exact contribution of CAA on perivascular clearance is still not well understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of CAA on the structure and function of perivascular clearance systems in the APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model. To investigate the pathological changes accompanied by CAA progression, the key elements of perivascular clearance such as the perivascular basement membrane, vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs), and vascular pulsation were evaluated in middle-aged (7–9 months) and old-aged (19–21 months) mice using in vivo imaging and immunofluorescence staining. Changes in IPAD and perivascular CSF influx were identified by ex vivo fluorescence imaging after dextran injection into the parenchyma or cisterna magna. Amyloid deposition on the vascular wall disrupted the integrity and morphology of the arterial basement membrane. With CAA progression, vascular pulsation was augmented, and conversely, vSMC coverage was decreased. These pathological changes were more pronounced in the surface arteries with earlier amyloid accumulation than in penetrating arteries. IPAD and perivascular CSF influx were impaired in the middle-aged APP/PS1 mice and further aggravated in old age, showing severely impaired tracer influx and efflux patterns. Reduced clearance was also observed in old wild-type mice without changing the tracer distribution pattern in the influx and efflux pathway. These findings suggest that CAA is not merely a consequence of perivascular clearance impairment, but rather a contributor to this process, causing changes in arterial function and structure and increasing AD severity.