bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ectopic bone formation and systemic bone loss in a transmembrane TNF-driven model of human spondyloarthritis
Authors: -Vafeiadou Eleni Christodoulou , Geka Christina , Ntari Lydia , Kranidioti Ksanthi , Argyropoulou Eleni , Meier Florian , Armaka Marietta , Mourouzis Iordanis , Pantos Constantinos , Rouchota Maritina , Loudos George , Denis Maria C , Karagianni Niki , Kollias George 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background The transmembrane-TNF transgenic mouse, TgA86, has been shown to develop spontaneously peripheral arthritis with signs of axial involvement. To assess similarity to human spondyloarthritis we performed detailed characterization of the axial, peripheral and comorbid pathologies of this model.Methods TgA86 bone pathologies were assessed at different ages using CT imaging of the spine, tail vertebrae and hind limbs and characterized in detail by histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. Cardiac function was examined by echocardiography and electrocardiography and bone structural parameters by µCT analysis. The response of TgA86 mice to either early or late anti-TNF treatment was evaluated clinically, histopathologically and by µCT analysis. Results TgA86 mice developed with 100% penetrance spontaneous axial and peripheral pathology which progressed with time and manifested as reduced body weight and body length, kyphosis, tail bendings as well as swollen and distorted hind joints. Whole body CT analysis at advanced ages revealed bone erosions of sacral and caudal vertebrae as well as of sacroiliac joints and hind limps, and also, new ectopic bone formation and eventually vertebral fusion. The pathology of these mice highly resembled that of SpA patients, as it evolved through an early inflammatory phase, evident as enthesitis and synovitis in the affected joints, characterized by mesenchymal cell accumulation and neutrophilic infiltration. Subsequently, regression of inflammation was accompanied by ectopic bone formation, leading to ankylosis. In addition, both systemic bone loss and comorbid heart valve pathology were evident. Importantly, early anti-TNF treatment, similar to clinical treatment protocols, significantly reduced the inflammatory phase of both the axial and peripheral pathology of TgA86 mice. Conclusions The TgA86 mice develop a spontaneous peripheral and axial biphasic pathology accompanied by comorbid heart valvular dysfunction and osteoporosis, overall faithfully reproducing the progression of pathognomonic features of human spondyloarthritis. Therefore, the TgA86 mouse represents a valuable model for deciphering the role of transmembrane TNF in the pathogenic mechanisms of spondyloarthritis and for assessing the efficacy of human therapeutics targeting different phases of the disease.
The IFN-γ-IDO1-Kynureine Pathway-Induced Autophagy in Cervical Cancer Cell Promotes Phagocytosis of Macrophage
Authors: Yang Shao-Liang , Tan Hai-Xia , Niu Tian-Tian , Liu Yu-Kai , Gu Chun-Jie , Li Da-Jin , Li Ming-Qing , Wang haiyan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Pyrolysis kinetic modelling of abundant plastic waste (PET) and in-situ emissions monitoring
Authors: Osman Ahmed I. , Farrell Charlie , Al-Muhtaseb Ala'a H. , Al-Fatesh Ahmed S. , Harrison John , Rooney David W. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Recycling the ever-increasing plastic waste has become an urgent global concern. One of the most convenient methods for plastic recycling is pyrolysis, owing to its environmentally friendly nature and its intrinsic properties. Understanding the pyrolysis process and the degradation mechanism is crucial for scale-up and reactor design. Therefore, we studied kinetic modelling of the pyrolysis process for one of the most common plastics, polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The focus was to better understand and predict PET pyrolysis when transitioning to a low carbon economy and adhering to environmental and governmental legislation. This work aims at presenting for the first time, the kinetic triplet (activation energy, pre-exponential constant and reaction rate) for the PET pyrolysis using the differential iso-conversional method. This is coupled with the in-situ online tracking of the gaseous emissions using mass spectrometry.Results: The differential iso-conversional method showed activation energy (Ea) values of 165-195 kJ.mol-1, R2 = 0.99659. While the ASTM-E698 showed 165.6 kJ.mol-1 and integral methods such as Flynn-Wall and Ozawa (FWO) (166-180 kJ.mol-1). The in-situ Mass Spectrometry results showed the pyrolysis gaseous emissions which are C1-hydrocarbon and H-O-C=O along with C2 hydrocarbons, C5- C6 hydrocarbons, acetaldehyde, the fragment of O-CH=CH2, hydrogen and water. Conclusions: From the obtained results herein, thermal predictions (isothermal, non-isothermal and step-based heating) were determined based on the kinetic parameters and can be used at numerous scales with a high level of accuracy compared with the literature.
Knowledge, attitude and practice of the Sudanese people towards COVID-19: An online survey
Authors: Mohamed Amal , Elhassan Eilaf , Mohamed Abdelrahim O. , Mohammed Awab Aldow , edris Hassan Alshaikh , Mahgoop Mohamed Alhadi , Sharif Mohamed Emadaldin , Bashir Maab Imadeldin , Abdelrahim Rania Bashir , Idriss Wegdan Ibraheim , Malik Elfatih Mohamed 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The Novel Corona Virus (SARS-CoV-2) had emerged to affect the human population in 2019 causing COVID-19 pandemic. The only preventive measures available are social distancing, hand washing and face masks. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of the Sudanese people towards COVID-19.Methods: An online cross-sectional study targeting adult Sudanese people was conducted in April 2020. The study used a self-administered questionnaire containing 18 knowledge questions, 5 questions for attitude and six questions for practices. Social media such as Facebook and WhatsApp were utilized to disseminate the questionnaire. The total number of eligible questionnaires available for analysis by the end of the period was 987.Results: The mean (±SD) age of respondents was 30.13 (±9.84) years with males representing 55.4%. The majority were university and higher education levels (95.2%), residing in Khartoum (71.7%). The mean (±SD) knowledge score of the participants was 15.33 (± 2.24) and was found to be associated with education level and age groups (p-value = 0.022, P value =0.010) respectively. The mean (±SD) attitude score was 04.15 (± 0.97) and was significantly associated with older groups and better-educated participants (p-value =0.001, p-value= 0.048) respectively. The practices related to COVID-19 preventive measures mean (±SD) was 02.58 (± 1.73) with a significant difference between age groups and area of residence. Conclusions: This study showed that the participants had good knowledge and satisfactory attitude that was not similarly expressed into practice. Efforts are needed in health education and law enforcement to improve the practices among all groups with special emphasis on younger and less educated males.
Phenylpropanoid metabolism and pigmentation show divergent patterns between brown color and green color cottons as revealed by metabolic and gene expression analyses
Authors: Li Zhonghua , Su Qian , Xu Mingqi , You Jiaqi , Khan Anam Qadir , Li Junyi , Zhang Xianlong , Tu Lili , You Chunyuan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundNaturally colored cotton has become increasingly popular because of their natural properties of color, UV protection, flame retardant, antibacterial activity and anti-mildew. But poor fiber quality and restricted color choices are two key issues that have limited the cultivation of naturally colored cotton. To identify the possible pathways participating in fiber pigmentation in naturally colored cottons, three differently colored cottons (with green, brown and white colored fiber) were chosen for a comprehensive analysis of phenylpropanoid metabolism during fiber development.ResultsThe expression levels of flavonoid biosynthesis pathway genes in brown cotton fibers were significantly higher than in white and green cotton fibers. Total flavonoids and proanthocyanidin (PA) were high in brown cotton fibers but low in white and green cotton fibers, which suggested that flavonoid biosynthesis pathway might not participate in the pigmentation of green cotton fibers. Further expression analysis indicated that genes encoding enzymes for the synthesis of caffeic acid derivatives, lignin and lignan were activated in 10 DPA (days post-anthesis) and 15 DPA fibers of green cottons. ConclusionsOur results strengthen the understanding of phenylpropanoid metabolism and pigmentation in different colored cottons, and may provide strategies for improving the breeding of green and brown cottons.
Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification identifies copy number changes in normal and undetectable karyotype MDS patients
Authors: Ma Jing , Ai xiaofei , Wang Jinhuan , Xing Limin , Tian Chen , Yang Hongliang , Yu Yong , Zhao Haifeng , Wang Xiaofang , Zhao Zhigang , Wang Yafei , Cao Zeng 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background In myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), cytogenetic aberrations play an important role for classification and prognostication. However, more than 50% low risk MDS patients harbor a normal karyotype. Recently, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) has emerged as an effective and robust method for the detection of cytogenetic aberrations in MDS patients.Methods To characterize the subset of MDS with normal karyotype or failed chromosome banding analysis, we analyzed 144 patient samples with normal karyotype or undetectable through regular chromosome banding, which were subjected to parallel comparison via fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and MLPA.Results MLPA identifies copy number changes in 16.7% of 144 MDS patients and we observed a significant difference in overall survival (OS) (median OS: undefined vs 27 months, p=0.0071) in patients with normal karyotype proved by MLPA, versus aberrant karyotype cohort as determined by MLPA. Interestingly, patients with undetectable karyotype via regular chromosome banding indicated inferior outcome. Conclusion Collectively, MDS patients with normal or undetectable karyotype via chromosome banding analysis can be further clarified by MLPA, providing more prognostic information that benefit for individualized therapy.
Impact of retrieved lymph nodes count on short-term complications in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Sun Feng , Liu Song , Song Peng , Zhang Chen , Liu Zhijian , Guan Wenxian , Wang Meng 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: It is well established that retrieved lymph nodes (RLNs) count were positively correlated with better overall survival in gastric cancer (GC). But little is known about the relationship between RLNs count and short-term complications after radical surgery. Methods: A total of 1487 consecutive GC patients between January 2016 and December 2018 at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate analyses were performed to elucidate the association between RLNs count and postoperative complications. We further identified clinical factors that might affect the RLNs count. Results: Among all of the patients, postoperative complications occurred in 435 (29.3%) patients. The mean RLNs count was 25.1 and 864 (58.1%) patients were diagnosed with lymph node metastasis. Univariate analyses showed no significant difference between RLNs count and postoperative complications (both overall and stratified by CDC grade). Univariate and multivariate analyses further revealed that type of resection, tumor invasion, and lymph node metastasis were associated with RLNs count. Conclusions: The current study demonstrated that RLNs count was not associated with postoperative short-term complications following gastrectomy of GC, which provided a rationale for the determination of a proper RLNs count of curative gastrectomy.
Identification of a metabolism-related gene expression prognostic model in endometrial carcinoma patients
Authors: Jiang Pinping , Sun Wei , Shen Ningmei , Huang Xiaohao , Fu Shilong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Metabolic abnormalities have recently been widely studied in various cancer types. This study aims to explore the expression profiles of metabolism-related genes (MRGs) in endometrial cancer (EC). Methods: We analyzed the expression of MRGs using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data to screen differentially expressed MRGs (DE-MRGs) significantly correlated with EC patient prognosis. Functional pathway enrichment analysis of the DE-MRGs was performed. LASSO and Cox regression analyses were performed to select MRGs closely related to EC patient outcomes. A prognostic signature was developed, and the efficacy was validated in part of and the entire TCGA EC cohort. Moreover, we developed a comprehensive nomogram including the risk model and clinical features to predict EC patients' survival probability.Results: Forty-seven DE-MRGs were significantly correlated with EC patient prognosis. Functional enrichment analysis showed that these MRGs were highly enriched in amino acid, glycolysis, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Nine MRGs were found to be closely related to EC patient outcomes: CYP4F3, CEL, GPAT3, LYPLA2, HNMT, PHGDH, CKM, UCK2 and ACACB. Based on these nine DE-MRGs, we developed a prognostic signature, and its efficacy in part of and the entire TCGA EC cohort was validated. The nine-MRG signature was independent of other clinical features, and could effectively distinguish high- and low-risk EC patients and predict patient OS. The nomogram showed excellent consistency between the predictions and actual survival observations. Conclusions: The MRG prognostic model and the comprehensive nomogram could guide precise outcome prediction and rational therapy selection in clinical practice.
Geography Matters for Sanitation! Spatial Heterogeneity of the District-level Correlates of Open Defecation in India
Authors: Chakraborty Saurav , Novotný Josef , Das Jadab , Bardahn Aditi , Roy Srijanee , Mondal Swikriti , Patel Priyank Pravin , Santra Sneha , Maity Indranil , Biswas Rimi , Maji Aparajita , Pramanik Suvamoy 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Impact of investigational microbiota therapeutic RBX2660 on the gut microbiome and resistome revealed by a placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Kwak Suryang , Choi JooHee , Hink Tiffany , Reske Kimberly A. , Blount Kenneth , Jones Courtney , Bost Margaret H. , Sun Xiaoqing , Burnham Carey-Ann D. , Dubberke Erik R. , Dantas Gautam 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background. Intestinal microbiota restoration can be achieved by complementing a subject’s perturbed microbiota with that of a healthy donor. Recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI) is one key application of such treatment. Another emerging application of interest is reducing antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) and organisms (AROs). In this study, we investigated fecal specimens from a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b study of microbiota-based investigational drug RBX2660. Patients were administered either placebo, 1 dose of RBX2660 and 1 placebo, or 2 doses of RBX2660 via enema and longitudinally tracked for changes in their microbiome and antibiotic resistome.Results. All patients exhibited significant recovery of gut microbiome diversity and a decrease of ARG relative abundance during the first 7 days post-treatment. However, the microbiome and resistome shifts towards average configurations from unperturbed individuals were more significant and longer-lasting in RBX2660 recipients compared to placebo. We quantified microbiome and resistome modification by RBX2660 using a novel ‘transplantation index’ metric. We identified taxonomic and metabolic features distinguishing the baseline microbiome of non-transplanted patients and taxa specifically enriched during the process of transplantation. We elucidated the correlation between resistome and taxonomic transplantations and post-treatment dynamics of patient-specific and RBX2660-specific ARGs. Whole genome sequencing of AROs cultured from RBX2660 product and patient samples indicate ARO eradication in patients via RBX2660 administration, but also, to a lesser extent, introduction of RBX2660-derived AROs.Conclusions. Through shotgun metagenomic sequencing, we elucidated the effects of RBX2660 in the microbiome and resistome. Antibiotic discontinuation alone resulted in significant recovery of gut microbial diversity and reduced ARG relative abundance, but RBX2660 administration more rapidly and completely changed the composition of patients’ microbiome, resistome, and ARO colonization by transplanting RBX2660 microbiota into the recipients. Although ARGs and AROs were transmitted through RBX2660, the resistome post-RBX2660 more closely resembled that of the administered product—a proxy for the donor—than an antibiotic perturbed state.Trial registration: NCT02299570. Registered 19 November 2014, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02299570
A Predictive Noise Correction Methodology for Manufacturing Systems Datasets
Authors: Oleghe Omogbai 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
In manufacturing systems, datasets intended for data driven decisions are majorly generated from time-sequenced sensor readings. Industrial sensors are prone to transmit inaccurate readings due to various reasons, which results in noisy datasets. Noisy datasets inhibit machine learning and knowledge discovery. This article reports a methodology that was developed to rectify a very noisy dataset of a multi-stage continuous manufacturing process, with multi-feature output. In the methodology, erroneous values are first swapped with missing values. Then, feature reduction modelling is used as a precursor of prediction learning to improve machine learning performance. Afterwards, a classifier model is built to predict replacement values for the missing values. Finally, predicted values are inputted to replace missing values in the dataset. With many attributes having erroneous values, the values replacement is done one attribute at a time. The flow direction and stages in the manufacturing process are used in partitioning the dataset to improve learning performance. With the methodology, important system relationships are identified and the dataset is learnt for predictive process monitoring. There is a paucity of this type of methodology for dealing with noisy datasets in manufacturing systems. In the future, the plan is to inject the prediction model into streaming data to enable real-time erroneous value correction and real-time predictive process monitoring at the same time.
Perception and Belief in Oral Health Among Karen Ethnic Group Living Along Thai-myanmar Border, Thailand
Authors: Thu Sai Wai Yan Myint , Ngeonwiwatkul Yaowaluk , Maneekan Pannamas , Phuanukoonnon Suparat 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Utilization of oral health services has been low among rural populations in Thailand, especially for minority ethnicity populations living along the borders. The aim of this study was to increase understanding of the determinants of the underutilization of oral health services among these populations.Methods: A qualitative study using in-depth interview and semi-structured interview was conducted among participants of Karen ethnicity living in Mae Tan Sub-district, Thasongyang District, Tak Province, Thailand. The interviews focused on exploring the participants’ perceptions of oral health problems, oral health and hygiene, and oral health-seeking behaviors. The verbatim-transcribed interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: A total of 101 participants (50 adults and 51 children) with a Karen ethnic background took part in the interviews. Most participants could not identify oral health problems and did not perceive dental disease as a problem unless there was severe pain that could not be relieved by painkillers. The Karen ethnic community worked as subsistence farmers, and their busy daily activities consisted of farming, going to the forest to hunt and gather, performing housework, and taking care of their children. Dental health was given a lower priority compared with general health. The perceived value of primary teeth was low, which was identified as an underlying factor resulting in delayed oral health care seeking among this population. The participants had relied on self-care throughout their lifetimes, using either traditional medicines or modern painkillers to relieve toothaches. Fear of dental procedures among children was also described as a barrier to seeking dental health care.Conclusions: This study found that the lifestyle and traditions of Karen people living in this area influence their oral health care and hygiene activities as well as their health-seeking behaviors. Further research should emphasize how to improve oral health promotion by providing necessary services and health education appropriately to Karen ethnic populations living along the Thai-Myanmar border.
Single Arm Prospective Multicenter Case Series on the Use of Burst Stimulation to Improve Pain and Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Chakravarthy Krishnan V. , Chaturvedi Rahul , Agari Takashi , Iwamuro Hirokazu , Reddy Rajiv , Matsui Ayano 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: In this study we analyze new clinical data in the use of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for the treatment of pain and motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), as both a singular bioelectric therapy and as a salvage therapy after deep brain stimulation (DBS). Methods: 15 patients were recruited and had percutaneous electrodes implanted at the level of the thoracic or cervical spine. Participants were set to one of three stimulation modes: continuous tonic stimulation, continuous Burst DR stimulation (40Hz, 500Hz, 1000μs), or cycle mode (on time of 10-15 sec, off time of 15-30 sec) with Burst DR (40Hz, 500Hz, 1000μs). Patients completed the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Profile of Mood State, 10-meter walking test, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG). Results: All patients experienced significant improvement in VAS scores. 73% of patients experienced improvement in the 10-meter walk, with a mean improvement of 12%. 82% of patients experienced improvements in the TUG, with a mean improvement of 15%. Conclusions: This study points to the utility of SCS to address both pain and motor symptoms in PD patients who have and have not received DBS therapy.