bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Chitosan Oligosaccharides in Regulating the Function of Ovarian Reproductive Stem Cells and Protecting Against Premature Ovarian Failure
Authors: Huang Yaoqi , Ye Haifeng , Zhu Feiyin , Hu Chuan , Zheng Yuehui 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
In recent years, the discovery of ovarian germ stem cells (OGSCs) has provided a new research direction for the treatment of ovarian failure. The ovarian microenvironment affects the proliferation and differentiation of OGSCs, and immune cells and related cytokines are important components of the microenvironment. However, whether improving the ovarian microenvironment can regulate the proliferation of OGSCs and remodel ovarian function has not been reported. In this study, we linked chitosan oligosaccharide(COS) with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) to select the best route of administration. COS was given to mice through the best route of administration, and the changes in ovarian and immune function were observed using assays of organ index, follicular growth, serum estrogen (E 2 ) and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels, and the expression of IL-2 and TNF-α in the ovaries. COS significantly increased the weight of the ovary and immune organs, reduced the rate of follicular atresia, increased the levels of E 2 and AMH hormones, and increased the protein expression of IL-2 and TNF-α in the ovary. Then, COS and OGSCs were cocultured to observe the entry of COS into OGSCs and to measure the survival rate of OGSCs. With increasing time, COS gradually entered the cell, and the cytokines IL-2 and TNF-α significantly promoted OGSCs promotion. In conclusion, COS significantly improved the ovarian and immune function of mice with pathological ovarian aging, and improved the survival rate of OGSCs, which provided a preliminary blueprint for further exploring the mechanism of COS in anti ovarian aging.
Evaluation of a Standardized Instrument for Post Hoc Analysis of Trauma-Team-Activation-Criteria in 75,613 Injured Patients An Analysis of the TraumaRegister DGU®
Authors: Bieler Dan , Trentzsch Heiko , Franke Axel , Baacke Markus , Lefering Rolf , Paffrath Thomas , Becker Lars , Düsing Helena , Heindl Björn , Jensen Kai Oliver , Özkurtul Orkun , Schweigkofler Uwe , Sprengel Kai , Wohlrath Bernd , Waydhas Christian 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
IntroductionIn order to improve the quality of criteria for trauma-team-activation it is necessary to identify patients who benefited from the treatment by a trauma team. Therefore, we evaluated a post hoc criteria catalogue for trauma-team-activation which was developed in a consensus process by an expert group and published recently. The objective was to examine whether the catalogue can identify patients that died after admission to hospital and therefore can benefit of a specialized trauma team mostly.Materials and MethodThe catalogue was applied to the data of 75,613 patients from the TraumaRegister DGU® between the 01/2007 and 12/2016 with a maximum Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS) severity ≥ 2. The endpoint was hospital mortality, which was defined as death before discharge from acute care.ResultsThe TraumaRegister DGU® dataset contains 18 of the 20 proposed criteria within the catalogue which identified 99.6% of the patients who were admitted to the trauma room following an accident and who died during their hospital stay. Moreover, our analysis showed that at least one criterion was fulfilled in 59,785 cases (79.1%). The average ISS in this group was 21.2 points (SD 9.9). None of the examined criteria applied to 15,828 cases (average ISS 8.6; SD 5). The number of consensus-based criteria correlated with the severity of injury and mortality. Of all deceased patients (8,451), only 31 (0.37%) could not be identified on the basis of the 18 examined criteria. Where only one criterion was fulfilled, mortality was 1.7%; with 2 or more criteria, mortality was at least 4.6%.DiscussionThe consensus-based criteria identified nearly all patients who died as a result of their injuries. If only one criterion was fulfilled, mortality was relatively low. However, it increased to almost 5% if two criteria were fulfilled. Further studies are necessary to analyse and examine the relative weighting of the various criteria.
The State of Harm Reduction in Prisons in 30 European Countries with a Focus on People Who Inject Drugs and Infectious Diseases
Authors: Stöver Heino , Tarján Anna , Horvath Gergely , Montanari Linda , Hedrich Dagmar 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: People who inject drugs are often imprisoned which is associated with increased levels of health risks including overdose and infectious diseases affecting the prison population and the community where they return to. Information about responses to this in prisons is limited and heterogeneous in Europe. The paper aims to give a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of the availability, coverage and policy framework of prison-based harm reduction interventions. Methods: Systematic review of international agencies’ data sources and data collection were conducted in 2018 followed by a questionnaire survey in 30 European countries through the Reitox National Focal Points of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction.Results: Opioid substitution treatment (OST) is available in 29 countries, but coverage remains below 30% of people in need (low) in half of the countries. Needle and syringe programmes, bleach and lubricant distribution, counselling on safer injecting and tattooing/piercing are scarcely available (in 3/8/9/9/10 countries respectively), and often with low coverage. Testing of drug related infectious diseases (DRID) are provided however typically only upon entry, with a last year population coverage remaining low in about half of the countries. While DRID treatment is available, its coverage is mostly reported high for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis, but lower for Hepatitis B and C (HCV). Health education on DRID, HIV health promotion programmes, and condom distribution are usually provided but at low levels in nearly half of the countries. Post-release linkages to addiction, HIV and HCV care is available in 22/25/17 countries, but implementation is often partial. Other upon-release interventions as OST initiation, take-home naloxone, health education, DRID testing are rarely provided. Harm reduction in prison is addressed in national strategic documents in 21 countries while interventions upon release in only 12. Conclusions: Availability and coverage of harm reduction interventions in prisons is limited and delayed compared to community implementation in European countries. There is a critical gap between international recommendations, on-paper availability and the actual implementation of these interventions. Most people will return to the community, therefore interventions in prison and throughcare should be scaled up for individual and public health benefits.
Distinct Genomic Features Across Cytolytic Subgroups in Skin Melanoma
Authors: Roufas Constantinos , Georgakopoulos-Soares Ilias , Zaravinos Apostolos 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Skin melanoma is a highly immunogenic cancer with extensive genetic and transcriptional diversity. Despite the enthusiastic clinical results seen in advanced-stage metastatic melanoma patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibition, a subgroup of them later relapse and develop acquired resistance. The intratumoral immune cytolytic activity (CYT) reflects the ability of cytotoxic T cells and NK cells to eliminate cancer cells, and is associated with improved patient survival. Here, we questioned whether CYT associates with different genomic profiles in skin melanoma. Methods: We explored the TCGA-SKCM dataset and stratified patients to distinct subgroups of cytolytic activity. The tumor immune contexture, somatic mutations and recurrent copy number aberrations were calculated using quanTIseq, MutSigCV and GISTIC2. Chromothriptic events were explored using CTLPScanner and cancer neoepitopes were predicted with antigen.garnish. Each tumor's immunophenoscore was calculated using Immunophenogram. Results: Metastatic skin melanomas had significantly higher CYT compared to primary tumors. We also assessed enrichment for immune-related gene sets within CYT-high tumors; whereas, CYT-low tumors were enriched for non-immune related genes sets. In addition, distinct mutational and neoantigenic loads, primarily composed of C>T transitions, along with specific types of copy number aberrations, characterized each cytolytic subgroup. We found a broader pattern of chromothripsis across CYT-low tumors, where non-telomeric chromosomal regions harboring chromothripsis, contained a higher number of cancer genes. CYT-high patients had markedly higher immunophenoscore and should consequently, display an expected clinical benefit compared to CYT-low patients who either received or not, checkpoint inhibition. Conclusions: Overall, our data highlight the existence of distinct genomic features across cytolytic subgroups in skin melanoma.
SMPLIP-Score: Predicting the Ligand Binding Affinity from Simple and Interpretable On-The-Fly Interaction Fingerprint Pattern Descriptors
Authors: Kumar Surendra , Kim Mi-hyun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
In drug discovery, rapid and accurate prediction of protein-ligand binding affinities is a pivotal task for lead optimization with acceptable on-target potency as well as pharmacological efficacy. Furthermore, researchers hope high correlation between a docking score and a pose with key interactive residues, though scoring functions as a free energy surrogate of a protein-ligand complex have failed to provide the collinearity. Recently, various machine learning or deep learning methods have been proposed to overcome the drawback of scoring functions. Despite their high accuracy, their featurization process is complex and requires high cost for its interpretation (less compatible for human recognition). Here, we propose SMPLIP-Score (Substructural Molecular and Protein-Ligand Interaction Pattern Score), a simple interpretable predictor of the absolute binding affinity. Our simple featurization embedded the interaction fingerprint pattern on the ligand-binding site environment and molecular fragments of ligands into an input vectorized matrix for learning layers (random forest or deep neural network). Despite lower complexity than state-of-the-art models, SMPLIP-Score achieved comparable performance, a Pearson’s correlation coefficient up to 0.80 and a RMSE up to 1.18 in pK units on several benchmark datasets (PDBbind v.2015, Astex Diverse Set, CSAR NRC HiQ, FEP, PDBbind NMR, and CASF-2016). For this model, generality, predictive power, ranking power, and robustness also were examined with direct interpretation of feature matrices for specific targets.
Development and Validation of a predictive model based on Radiomics to predict the short-term outcomes of patients with COVID-19
Authors: Xu Juanjuan , Zhou Mei , Lv Zhilei , Wang Zhihui , Liao Tingting , Ma Yanliing , Hu Guorong , Wang Sufei , Gu Jin , Yin Zhengrong , Jin Yang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is sweeping the globe and the situation is precarious. Aim of our study is to develop and validate a radiomics-based model to predict the short-term prognosis of COVID-19 patients and to improve hospital survival. Methods: In our multi-center study, a first batch of 148 patients in the training set was used to build prognosis prediction model, and a second batch of 264 patients was assigned as validation set to verify the predictive performance. Patients were divided into two groups (good/poor prognosis) according to the outcome evaluation both on the 14th day after admission. Data were collected at admission involving demographic and epidemiological features, symptoms, laboratory results and CT images. The latter contained direct CT findings and radiomic features. Radiomic scores (Rad-scores) were calculated for each patient by a linear combination of the extracted features with their respective coefficients. Univariable and multivariable Logistic regression analysis were conducted in sequence to select variables for building a nomogram prediction model, which was applied for prognostic evaluation. Results: We reported that the nomogram scoring system, including age, central/peripheral lesion location in CT findings, C-reactive protein (CRP) and Rad-score, could effectively predict the short-term outcomes of COVID-19 patients with a sensitivity of 81.25% and specificity of 87.27%. The predictive performance of this model was also validated in the independent validation dataset yielding a sensitivity of 88.76%, specificity of 72.97% (AUC: 0.882). Conclusions: This radiomics-based model could predict the short-term prognosis of COVID-19 patients and to improve hospital survival.
Serum vitamin D concentrations are associated with obese but not lean NAFLD: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Qinqiu , Shi Xiao-ying , Wang Jinghua , Zhang Juanwen , Xu Cheng-Fu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Low serum vitamin D concentrations have been reported to be associated with an increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, whether slim or obese people show a similar association between vitamin D and NAFLD remains speculative. This study aimed to explore the relationship between serum vitamin D concentrations and NAFLD in lean and obese Chinese adults.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 2538 participants (1360 men and 1178 women) who underwent their health checkups at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine in 2019. NAFLD was diagnosed by liver ultrasound excluding other causes. The association of serum vitamin D concentrations with NAFLD was analyzed in lean and obese participants.Results: The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 33.61% (13.10% in lean and 53.32% in obese) in this study population. The serum vitamin D levels of obese NAFLD patients were lower than that of the obese NAFLD-free controls. However, the serum vitamin D levels of lean NAFLD patients were comparable to that of the lean NAFLD-free controls. Serum vitamin D levels were negatively correlated with the prevalence of NAFLD in obese but not lean participants. Serum vitamin D levels were independently associated with the risk of NAFLD in obese participants, with an adjusted odd ratio (95% CI) of 0.986 (0.979–0.992). However, the serum vitamin D levels were not related to the risk of NAFLD in lean participants.Conclusions: Low serum vitamin D levels are associated with NAFLD in obese but not lean participants.
Survival after Combined Hepatic Metastasectomy and Chemotherapy in Patients with Concurrent Hepatic and Extrahepatic Colorectal Metastases: a SEER Database Analysis
Authors: Uthman Inas , Fouad Ahmed M , Khaled Islam , Faisal Mohammed 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
PurposeColorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death among all cancers worldwide. Hepatic metastases exist in approximately 50% of colorectal cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of combined hepatic metastasectomy and chemotherapy on overall survival in patients with concurrent hepatic and extrahepatic disease.MethodsA total of 2533 patients from the US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database with concurrent colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) and extrahepatic disease (EHD) between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2014, were retrieved. Survival analysis with Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses was performed to assess the effect of combined hepatic metastasectomy and chemotherapy on 5-year survival.ResultsTwo hundred and fourteen (8.4%) patients underwent combined hepatic metastasectomy and chemotherapy. The median survival time among patients who underwent combined hepatic metastasectomy and chemotherapy was significantly higher than that of patients who underwent chemotherapy alone (24 vs. 21 months; p < 0.0001). Furthermore, older age at diagnosis (≥ 60 years), American Indian/Alaska Native race, primary sites at the rectosigoid colon, sigmoid colon, and descending colon, grade III, and the presence of bone metastases were all significantly associated with higher 5-year mortality. Patients who underwent combined hepatic metastasectomy and chemotherapy were significantly associated with 22.2% less 5-year mortality than patients who received chemotherapy alone.ConclusionCombined hepatic metastasectomy with chemotherapy in CRLM patients with EHD yields better survival than chemotherapy alone.
Performance Evaluation of the Novel Portable PIMA Point-Of-Care CD4 Analyzer in Comparison with Conventional Flow Cytometer Instruments in Cameroon
Authors: Sagnia Bertrand , Kamgaing Rachel , Kouanfack Charles , Kamdem Georgette , Sosso Samuel , Temgoua Edith , Tsomo Zéphyrin , Zoa Lucille Mabouli , Tangimpundu Charlotte , Nchinda Godwin , Ndjolo Alexis 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Absolute CD4 + T-lymphocyte counts are used in the initiation and monitoring of antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients: with the increase number of HIV infected patient and the reduce number of heath care system in rural zones, HIV monitoring in resource-constrained settings demands affordable and reliable CD4 + T lymphocytes enumeration methods. We evaluated a simple PIMA POC which is a dedicated system for enumeration that uses immunomagnetic and immunofluorescent technologies. The instrument was designed to be a low-cost, yet reliable and robust one. In this study, we assessed the correlation between most representative flow cytometry instruments present in Cameroon instead of CyFlow from PARTEC, FACSCount, and FACSCalibur both from Becton DickinsonMethods: CD4 surface markers on lymphocytes was measured on samples collected in EDTA tubes from 268 patients aged from 1 to 65 years old in three different health care structures. HIV infected patients are coming from CIRCB, Day Hospital of Hopital Central de Yaounde (HCY) and Hopital General de Yaounde (HGY). After inform consent, samples were collected and 101 samples were tested with the FACSCalibur, 60 samples were tested with the CyFlow and 107 samples were tested with the FACSCount flow cytometers. All these samples were tested by different technician with PIMA POC present in all these health care structures and the correlation and agreement were analyzed using linear regression and Bland–Altman analysis.Results: The PIMA POC system has excellent precision, accuracy and linearity for CD4 + T lymphocytes enumeration. Good correlations were obtained between the PIMA POC system and other single platform methods. Bland–Altman plots showed interchangeability between the three machines. Absolute CD4 + T-lymphocyte values obtained from the PIMA system correlated well with Cyflow, FACSCount, and FACSCalibur method (r2 varies from 0.88 to 0.968, P < 0.0001). The comparison between values obtained from PIMA with CYFLOW, FACSCount, and FACSCalibur give P = 0.17, P = 0.5 and P = 0.6 respectively meaning that there is not significant differences between values obtained with PIMA and other flow machines.Conclusion: This POC PIMA system is a simple and reliable system for enumeration of absolute CD4 + T-lymphocytes. Having one PIMA system easy to use, should reduce the cost and thus increase access to CD4 testing for HIV infected patients in resource-constrained countries. POC CD4 may also alleviate testing burdens at traditional central CD4 laboratories, hence improving test access in both rural and urban environments. This will reduce also the loss of follow up
Complementary analyses of transcriptome and proteome revealed the formation mechanism of ethyl acetate, ethanol and organic acids in Kluyveromyces marxianus L1-1 in Chinese fermented acid rice soup
Authors: Liu Na , Miao Song , Qin Likang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Recently, more chemical and biotechnological applications have been found in Kluyveromyces marxianus than Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the food field because they show advantageous metabolism features in the production of flavor components of interest. However, most of study demonstrated Kluyveromyces marxianus involved in ethanol synthesis in the dairy products in food fields. Our study aims to clarify the formation mechanism of ethyl acetate and organic acids in acid rice soup inoculated with Kluyveromyces marxianus.Results: The higher concentration of ethyl acetate than ethanol and organic acids in fermented acid rice soup inoculated with Kluyveromyces marxianus. Up-regulated genes/proteins, including ADH1, ADH2, ADH6, ATF1, ACCT, and TES1, and down-regulated ALD family involved in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and pyruvate metabolism played the crucial roles in the formation of ethyl acetate and other esters. In addition, up-regulated genes/proteins involved in starch and sucrose metabolism, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, TCA cycle, and pyruvate metabolism played the important roles in the formation of organic acids, ethanol and esters.Conclusion: Our results reveals the formation mechanism of ethyl acetate and organic acids in acid rice soup inoculated with K. marxianus L1-1. This study provides the basis for improving aroma and taste of fermented foods and reveals the formation mechanisms of flavors in no-dairy products.