bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of pediatric uveitis and associated systemic diseases
Authors: Shin Yoonkyeom , Kang Ji-Man , Lee Junwon , Lee Christopher Seungkyu , Lee Sung Chul , Ahn Jong Gyun 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The early detection of uveitis associated with systemic inflammatory disease in children is important for proper treatment and prognosis. However, the diagnosis may be delayed because of difficulties in childhood examinations and early minor systemic symptoms. The objective of our study was to identify the pattern of childhood uveitis and investigate the frequency and clinical features of rheumatic diseases in pediatric patients with uveitis.Methods: This retrospective observational study reviewed the medical records of children (age ≤18 years) with uveitis at a Korean tertiary hospital between January 2005 and December 2018. Data collected included the age at onset of uveitis, sex, anatomic location of ocular inflammation, comorbid disease (including systemic inflammatory disease), ocular complications, relevant laboratory data, and treatment. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare categorical variables and the Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare continuous variables. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 155 pediatric patients with uveitis were included in this study. The median age at diagnosis was 13.0 years (interquartile range, 9.5–16.0 years). The male-to-female ratio was 1.09. The process was unilateral in 51.6% of children. Anterior uveitis, panuveitis, intermediate uveitis, and posterior uveitis represented 51.6%, 26.5%, 6.5%, and 1.9% of the cases, respectively. Idiopathic uveitis (65.2%) was the most frequent type of uveitis. Systemic rheumatic disease associations were responsible for 28.4% of the cases, among which juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was the most frequent cause (14.8%). Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 and antinuclear antibody (ANA) positive rates were significantly higher in patients with JIA than in those with idiopathic uveitis (p=0.006 and p=0.007, respectively).Conclusions: Approximately one-third of children with uveitis in Korea have a systemic rheumatic disease, of which JIA accounts for the majority of cases. HLA-B27 and ANA can serve as risk factors for JIA-associated uveitis.
Retrospective Study on Effectiveness of Activ L Total Disc Replacement
Authors: Sun Wenzhi , Wang Peng , Hu Hailiang , Kong Chao , Hai Yong , Lu Shibao 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The effectiveness of lumbar total disc replacement (TDR) with different prostheses for sagittal alignment has been reported previously. However, there are only few reports on Activ L TDR and no specific evidence regarding whether sagittal alignment affects the clinical outcomes.Methods: 87 patients who underwent mono- or bi-segmental lumbar TDR with ActivL were studied. The films of upright anteroposterior and lateral spine in neutral, flexion, and extension positions were obtained before surgery and at 1 month, 1 and 3 years after surgery. The radiographic parameters such as lumbar lordosis (LL), index level lordosis (IL), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), segmental lordosis (SL) and sacral slope (SS) were measured based on the lateral upright radiographs. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) pre- and post-operatively.Results: 87 patients with complete radiographic data were available for a 3-year follow-up period. Of these, 66 received a single-level TDR, and 21 received 2-level TDR. At 1 month, the mean LL was similar to the pre-operative data, and then was significantly increased to 45.1° at 3 years. On an average, the IL tended to significantly increase, while the mean SL at L4-5 was increased from 16.5° pre-operatively to 21.0° at 3 years. The mean SL at L1-2, L2-3, L3-4, and L5-S1, PI, PT and the SS showed no obvious difference after 3 years. In contrast, VAS and ODI scores showed significant improvement after surgery.Conclusions: Activ L TDR showed favorable affect on sagittal alignment, enhancing the IL while preserving the LL and SS. However, satisfactory clinical results for over a 3-year follow-up were not affected by sagittal alignment.
Elevated expression of lncRNA MEG3 induces endothelial dysfunction on HUVECs of IVF born offspring via epigenetic regulation
Authors: Jiang Ying , Zhu Hong , Chen Hong , Yang Meng-Meng , Yu Yi-Chen , He Sai-Nan , Xu Ye-Tao , Liu Fang , Sagnelli Matthew , Zhu Yi-Min , Luo Qiong 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The cardiovascular dysfunction in children born after in vitro fertilization (IVF) has been of great concern, in our study, we aim to explore potential molecular mechanisms for such long-term outcomes.Methods：Real-time qPCR was used to test long non-coding RNA MEG3 and endothelium-derived factors such as endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), endothelin-1(ET1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). ELISA was used to determinate levels of the first and second oxidation products of NO (nitrite, nitrate), ET1 and VEGF. Primary HUVECs collected after caesarean section were treated with different estradiol concentrations in vitro. Additionally, knockdown of MEG3 on HUVEC provided further evidence between MEG3 expression and alteration of NO, ET1, VEGF. Then, by using pyrosequencing, we uncovered the methylation status of the MEG3 region.Results: We found that the expression level of MEG3 was higher in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) of IVF offspring than that in spontaneously born offspring. Furthermore, we found decreased expression of eNOS and VEGF along with elevated expression of ET1 in HUVECs from IVF offspring compared to spontaneously born offspring, accompanied by lower secretion of nitrite, VEGF, and higher secretion of ET1 in the umbilical cord serum of IVF offspring. We confirmed the results from in vivo experiments by demonstrating that high estradiol intrauterine environments lead to abnormal expression of MEG3 and endothelium derived factors. Meanwhile, silencing MEG3 expression decreased ET1 expression, and increased nitrite, nitrate, and VEGF secretion, which could account for the effects we observed in vivo. With pyrosequencing technology, we found that elevated expression of MEG3 in IVF offspring derived HUVECs was the result of hypomethylation of the MEG3 promoter.Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that increased expression of MEG3 in IVF-born HUVECs, accompanied by lower secretion of eNOS and VEGF along with higher secretion of ET1, which is closely related with endothelial dysfunction, together provide a potential mechanism addressing high risk of hypertension in IVF offspring.
Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR): a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zou Wen , Wang Zehao , Xia Jing , Yang Jing 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Antioxidant/oxidant imbalance has been reported to be related to diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Vitamin A (retinol), a kind of antioxidant, plays a role in restoring ovarian oxidative damage, while C-reactive protein (CRP) is the classical marker of oxidative stress and has recently been identified as an independent variable that is associated with low anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels in young women with DOR. Additionally, retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) can be considered a substitute for retinol in healthy, nonobese women. The study aim was to determine the relationship between serum RBP4, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations and ovarian reserve in nonobese DOR patients.Methods: This study included 24 DOR women and 48 normal ovarian reserve (NOR) women from the reproductive medical center of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. The serum RBP4 and high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) levels were measured with ELISA kits.Results: RBP4 levels (20,648.36 ± 5475.16 ng/ml vs 23,986.48 ± 5995.64 ng/ml, p = 0.025) were decreased, and hs-CRP levels (695.08 ± 1090.19 ng/ml vs 364.32 ± 786.29 ng/ml, p = 0.012) were increased in the DOR group. Serum RBP4 was positively related to AMH (Pearson r = 0.518, p = 0.000), while hs-CRP was negatively correlated with AMH (Spearman r = -0.345, p = 0.005). after adjustments were made for the covariables, multiple line regression analysis showed that positive association between RBP4 and AMH still existed (β = 0.450, p ˂ 0.001).Conclusion: Decreased serum RBP4 levels and increased serum hs-CRP were observed in DOR patients in our study, and the strong correlation between RBP4 and AMH supports the notion that oxidative stress plays a role in DOR, and that appropriate levels of antioxidant vitamin A may be protective against ovarian reserve dysfunction.
The structural basis of fatty acid elongation by the ELOVL elongases
Authors: Carpenter Elisabeth , Nie Laiyin , Pike Ashley , Pascoa Tomas , Ruda Gian Filippo , Chu Amy , Cole Victoria , Bushell Simon , Quigley Andrew , Speedman David , Moreira Tiago , Mukhopadhyay Shubhashish , Burgess-Brown Nicola , Love James , Brennan Paul 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) are essential building blocks for synthesis of the ceramides and sphingolipids required for nerve, skin and retina function and 3-keto acyl-CoA synthases (ELOVL elongases) perform the first step in the FA elongation cycle. Although ELOVLs are implicated in common diseases including insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis and Parkinson’s, their underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. Here we report the structure of the human ELOVL7 elongase, which includes an inverted transmembrane barrel structure surrounding a 35 Å long tunnel containing a covalently-attached product analogue. The structure reveals the substrate binding sites in the tunnel and an active site deep in the membrane including the canonical ELOVL HxxHH sequence. This indicates a ping-pong mechanism for catalysis, involving unexpected covalent histidine adducts. The unusual substrate-binding arrangement and chemistry suggest mechanisms for selective ELOVL inhibition, relevant for diseases where VLCFAs accumulate such as X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy.
Power Control Strategy and Performance Evaluation of a Novel Two-pump Hydraulic Control Unit for BEVs
Authors: Liu Yanfang , Kang Yanlong , Sun Wenbo , Xu Xiangyang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
A hydraulic control unit system with a mechanical oil pump (MOP) and an electric oil pump (EOP) was newly designed for the lubrication and clutch-to-clutch control of a two-speed dedicated electric transmission for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), in order to solve the high-cost, poor-noise and high-energy-consumption problem exposed in previous single-EOP design with big displacement. The driving motor for BEVs can’t idle like the combustion engine when the vehicle stops still, so an EOP with small displacement is required to supply enough fluid to start the vehicle except to a low-cost MOP. Four control algorithms for the two-pump system were developed as well as the main line pressure control strategy, which were confirmed by a Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test bench. The simulated and tested total pump energy consumption in a driving circle WLTC shows that the equal-power control algorithm and the transient on-demand control algorithm can obtain better performance for saving energy consumption. Several oil displacement parameter groups for the MOP and the EOP are discussed, and the results show that proper displacement group for the EOP and the MOP can obtain good balance for the total cost and the performance with the combination of proper two-pump control strategies.
An Investigation on the Public's Acceptance of Prevention and Control Measures for COVID-19 in China
Authors: Zhang Ao , Wu Xiang , Gao Jingqi , Zhang Yongbao 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: China has basically succeeded in controlling the COVID-19 epidemic, which is due to the cooperation and acceptance of epidemic prevention measures by the public. However, few studies have examined the measures China has taken to combat COVID-19 in order to reflect on its success in curbing the the spread of epidemic.Methods: In this study, the public acceptance questionnaire was designed based on the epidemic prevention measures adopted in China, to investigate the difference of public acceptance of epidemic prevention measures. The survey data was collected from 2,062 samples with different demographic characteristics from March 8, 2020 to April 9, 2020. And SPSS was used to analyze the data collected in the questionnaire, such as one-way variance, so as to draw conclusions.Results: The results show that age and educational level have a significant influence on public acceptance. In contrast gender and occupation field has no significant impact on it. The acceptance of the emergency prevention and control measures taken by the government during the epidemic period is generally high. With the development of the epidemic, the acceptability is increasing. And the public acceptance of traffic measures was highest. Conclusions: Rapid deployment of epidemic prevention measures and appropriate methods in transportation, economy and education are the key to China's effective containment of the epidemic. Measures such as shutting down cities and encouraging the wearing of masks deserve to be copied by other countries. This study summed up China's scientific experience in the fight against COVID-19 and differences in public acceptance. It can provide a positive reference for the development of epidemic prevention measures in other countries.
Knowledge and Competence Retention Among Mid-Level Health Providers After Intensive One-On-One Clinical Mentorship in TB and HIV Management
Authors: Senjovu Dan Kaggwa , Naikoba Sarah , Mugabe Pallen , Kadengye Damazo T. , McCarthy Carey , Riley Patricia L. , Dalal Shona 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Introduction : Clinical mentorship is effective in improving knowledge and competence of health providers and may be a useful task sharing approach for improving antiretroviral therapy. However, the endurance of the effect of clinical mentorship is uncertain. Methods : The midlevel health providers who participated in a cluster-randomized trial of one-on-one, on-site, clinical mentorship in tuberculosis and HIV for 8 hours a week, every 6 weeks over 9 months were followed to determine if the gains in knowledge and competence that occurred after the intervention were sustained 6- and 12-months post-intervention. In December 2014 and June 2015, their knowledge and clinical competence were respectively assessed using vignettes and a clinical observation tool of patient care. Multilevel mixed effects regression analysis was used to compare the differences in mean scores for knowledge and clinical competence between times 0, 1, 2, and 3 by arm.Results: At the end of the intervention phase of the trial, the mean gain in knowledge scores and clinical competence scores in the intervention arm was 13.4% (95% confidence interval ([CI]: 7.2, 19.6), and 27.8% (95% CI: 21.1, 34.5) respectively, with no changes seen in the control arm. Following the end of the intervention; knowledge mean scores in the intervention arm did not significantly decrease at 6 months (0.6% [95% CI -1.4, 2.6]) or 12 months (-2.8% [95% CI: -5.9, 0.3]) while scores in the control arm significantly increased at 6 months (6.6% [95% CI: 4.4, 8.9]) and 12 months (7.9% [95% CI: 5.4, 10.5]). Also, no significant decrease in clinical competence mean scores for intervention arm was seen at 6 month (2.8% [95% CI: -1.8, 7.5] and 12 months (3.7% [95% CI: -2.4, 9.8]) while in the control arm, a significant increase was seen at 6 months (5.8% [95% CI: 1.2, 10.3] and 12 months (11.5% [95% CI: 7.6, 15.5]).Conclusions : Mentees sustained the competence and knowledge gained after the intervention for a period of one year. Although, there was an increase in knowledge in the control group over the follow-up period, MLP in the intervention arm experienced earlier and sustained gains. One-on-one clinical mentorship should be scaled-up as a task-sharing approach to improve clinical care.Trial Registration : The study received ethics approvals from 3 institutions – the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Institutional Review Board (USA), the Institutional Review Board “JCRC’s HIV/AIDS Research Committee” IRB#1-IRB00001515 with Federal Wide Assurance number (FWA00009772) based in Kampala and the Uganda National Council of Science and Technology (Uganda) which approves all scientific protocols to be implemented in Uganda.
Yesus Sang Mediator yang Merengkuh Umat Termarginalisasi: Sebuah Analisis Sosio-Historis Terhadap Yohanes 9
Authors: Kantohe Finki Rianto , Hakh Samuel Benjamin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This article focuses on the portrait of Jesus as depicted by the Johannine community according to John 9. Exploring the perspectives of Johannine scholars, the historical context of the Gospel of John, and the image of Johannine faith community, this study suggests that a born-blind man is a symbolic figure of the marginalized Johannine community. The marginalization is caused by the conflict between the blind man and the Pharisees, starting with Jesus’ violation of the Sabbath’s rule, and followed by identity conflict concerning Jesus and Moses. The epilogue of John 9 implies a portrait of Jesus as the Mediator through his actions to embrace the blind man following his expulsion. This article concludes with a theological implication concerning the presence of Jesus in the struggle of contemporary marginalized people such as GKI Yasmin and HKBP Filadelfia.
Abstrak
Artikel ini menyoroti gambaran Yesus yang dikonsepkan oleh komunitas iman Yohanian menurut Yohanes 9. Melalui penelusuran terhadap pandangan para ahli Yohanian, konteks historis Injil Yohanes, dan gambaran komunitas iman Yohanian, kajian ini menemukan bahwa orang buta sejak lahir dalam Yohanes 9 ini adalah tokoh simbolis dari komunitas iman Yohanian yang termarginalisasi. Marginalisasi tersebut disebabkan oleh konflik antara orang buta dan orang-orang Farisi yang dipicu oleh pelanggaran Yesus atas hari Sabat, lalu berkembang menjadi konflik identitas mengenai Yesus dan Musa; karenanya, mengakibatkan orang buta yang Yesus sembuhkan tersebut termarginalisasi dari sinagoge. Epilog Yohanes 9 menyiratkan potret Yesus sebagai mediator melalui tindakannya merengkuh orang buta tersebut setelah pengusirannya. Sebagai simpulan, artikel ini menyodorkan implikasi teologis tentang kehadiran Yesus dalam pergumulan umat masa kini yang termarginalisasi, seperti GKI Yasmin dan HKBP Filadelfia.
The connectivity dilemma in freshwater management: exploring the role of street level bureaucrats in water governance
Authors: Lundmark Carina 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Connectivity is key in freshwater management, e.g. to ensure viable populations of fish, but restoring it may cause the spread of invasive species. Goal conflicts of this kind are common in freshwater management, and the burden of addressing them rests on the shoulders of street-level bureaucrats, i.e. public officials at the end of the policy chain. This study uses a theoretical framework to explore their management choices employing previous research on natural resource management. The findings, based on qualitative semi-structured interviews with street-level bureaucrats from all water districts in Sweden, show that the three factors explored – their understanding of formal policy, their implementation resources, and their policy beliefs – matter when anthropogenic connectivity barriers are considered in ongoing management. Additionally, the factors are interrelated in a way that can obstruct the implementation of policy goals. While connectivity issues rank high and are considered a great problem all over the country, invasive species are regarded as a relatively small problem. If this should change in the future, the level of preparedness is low, primarily due to restricted implementation resources, but also due to the absence of guidance and formal responsibilities.
A Review on Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Linked to the Development of Diabetes Complications
Authors: Babel Rishabh A. , Dandekar Manoj P. 
Published: November 2020

:
Modern lifestyle, changing eating habits and reduced physical work have been known to
culminate into making diabetes a global pandemic. Hyperglycemia during the course of diabetes is
an important causative factor for the development of both microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy
and neuropathy) and macrovascular (coronary artery disease, stroke and peripheral artery disease)
complications. In this article, we summarize several mechanisms accountable for the development
of both microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes. Several metabolic and cellular
events are linked to the augmentation of oxidative stress like the activation of advanced glycation
end products (AGE) pathway, polyol pathway, Protein Kinase C (PKC) pathway, Poly-ADP Ribose
Polymerase (PARP) and hexosamine pathway. Oxidative stress also leads to the production of
reactive oxygen species (ROS) like hydroxyl radical, superoxide anion and peroxides. Enhanced
levels of ROS rescind the anti-oxidant defence mechanisms associated with superoxide dismutase,
glutathione and ascorbic acid. Moreover, ROS triggers oxidative damages at the level of DNA, protein
and lipids, which eventually cause cell necrosis or apoptosis. These physiological insults may
be related to the microvascular complications of diabetes by negatively impacting the eyes, kidneys
and the brain. While underlying pathomechanism of the macrovascular complications is quite complex,
hyperglycemia associated atherosclerotic abnormalities like changes in the coagulation system,
thrombin formation, fibrinolysis, platelet and endothelial function and vascular smooth muscle
are well proven. Since hyperglycemia also modulates the vascular inflammation, cytokines,
macrophage activation and gene expression of growth factors, elevated blood glucose level may
play a central role in the development of macrovascular complications of diabetes. Taken collectively,
chronic hyperglycemia and increased production of ROS are the miscreants for the development
of microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes.