bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association Between AST To ALT Ratio And Peripheral Artery Disease In Chinese Adults With Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Liu Hui , Zha Xiaoyuan , Ding Congcong , Hu Lihua , Li Minghui , Zhou Wei , Wang Tao , Zhu Lingjuan , Bao Huihui , Cheng Xiaoshu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Previous studies had shown that aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT ratio) plays a role in cardiovascular disease. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, there are a little research on the association between the AST/ALT ratio and Peripheral artery disease (PAD). Methods: A total of 10, 900 hypertensive patients from the Chinese Hypertension Registry Study were included in the final analysis. The association between AST / ALT and peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which was defined as ABI ≤ 0.9 in either leg, was estimated by a multivariate logistic regression model.Results: Overall, the prevalence of PAD was 3.21%. After adjusting for potential confounders, AST / ALT ratio was independently and positively associated with the risk of PAD (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.59), and a statistically significant increased risk of PAD for the third tertile (T3) of AST / ALT ratio compared to the first tertile (T1) (OR:1.49, 95% CI: 1.09 to 2.04, P-trend= 0.005) was found. Moreover, when the T1-T2 group was combined into one group and used it as a reference group, the risk of PAD increased with the increase of AST/ALT and the risk ratio was 1.52 (95% CI :1.20 to 1.95). Conclusion: A higher AST/ALT ratio (≥1.65) was associated with PAD risk in Chinese adults with hypertension. The presented results suggested that AST / ALT may help us highlight patients who are at high risk of vascular endpoints.Trial registration: CHICTR, CHiCTR1800017274. Registered 20 July 2018.
Muscular Function: An alternative way to identify cognitive impairment, Secondary Analysis From SABE-Colombia
Authors: Garcia-Cifuentes Elkin , Botero-Rodríguez Felipe , Velandia Felipe Ramirez , Iragorri Angela , Marquez Isabel , Gelvis Geronimo , Acosta Maria-Fernanda , Jaramillo-Jimenez Alberto , Lopera Francisco , Cano-Gutierrez Carlos 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Traditionally, the identification of cognitive impairment is based on neuropsychological tests and supported with not widely available biomarkers. This study aimed to establish the association between motor function (Gait Speed and Handgrip Strength) and the performance in a global cognitive performance and various cognitive domains. Our secondary objective was to determine a cut-off point for Gait Speed and Handgrip Strength to classify older adults as cognitively impaired.
Methods
This is a secondary analysis from the SABE Colombia study (Health, Well-Being, and Aging) conducted in 2015. We performed linear regression models, to establish association with motor function, clinical, and sociodemographic variables, and predict the scores of the Mini-mental State Examination and its domains (i.e. orientation, recall, counting, and language). The evaluation of the motor function variables as an instrument to separate cognitively impaired older adults was evaluated by developing a receiving operating characteristic curve (ROC).
Results
Gait speed was associated with orientation (r2 = 0.16), language (r2 = 0.15), recall memory (r2 = 0.14) and counting (r2 = 0.08). Similarly, handgrip strength was associated with orientation (r2 = 0.175), language (r2 = 0.164), recall memory (r2 = 0.137), and counting (r2 = 0.08). Slow gait had a cut-off point of 0,59 m/s, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.629 (0.613–0.646), whereas a weak handgrip strength had an AUC of 0.653 (0.645–0.661), with a cut-off point of 17.50 Kg for separating those older adults with cognitive impairment.
Conclusions
Gait Speed or Handgrip Strength are similarly associated with cognitive performance, exhibiting the larger associations with orientation and language domains. Gait Speed and Handgrip Strength can be easily performed by any clinician and seems to be useful screening tools to detect cognitive impairment.
A Study on the Association Between Accessory Maxillary Ostium and Maxillary Sinus Mucosal Thickening Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Shetty Shishir , Bayatti Saad Wahby Al , Al-Rawi Natheer Hashim , Samsudin Rani , Marei Hesham , Shetty Raghavendra , Abdelmagyd Hossam Abdelatty , Reddy Sesha 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background- Accessory maxillary ostium (AMO) has a major role to play in the aetiology of maxillary sinusitis. Mucosal thickening is one of the key radiographic features of chronic maxillary sinusitis. The aim of this study was to establish the relation between maxillary sinus mucosal thickening (MT) and occurrence of AMO using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods- CBCT scans of 400 maxillary sinuses from the records of 200 patients who seeked various dental treatments at the University Dental Hospital, Ajman, United Arab Emirates were evaluated. The incidence, anatomical position and maximal length of accessory maxillary ostia (AMO) in the maxillary antrum were reviewed using CBCT by two examiners. The association between MTs and AMOs were also analysed. Results- AMOs were found in 142 maxillary antra (35.5%). The inter-observer reliability for using CBCT to detect AMO was (k=0.83). There was no significant difference in the frequency of AMOs when the age (P=0.19) and gender (P=0.54) distribution were considered. Sinuses with AMOs, showed significantly greater frequency of MTs (p=0.001). AMOs with maximal length of less than 1mm were most commonly observed (51.40 %). AMOs with larger greater maximal length were associated with higher degrees of MT. The location of the AMOs, were not affected by the degree of MT. Conclusion- The study demonstrates a clear association between degree of MT and occurrence of AMO in the maxillary sinus. There is a greater probability of finding an AMO in the maxillary sinus if the MT in the sinus is more than 3 mm.
Characterization of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Among Flo App Users Around the World
Authors: Jain Tarun , Negris Olivia , Brown Dannielle , Galic Isabel , Salimgariev Rodion , Zhaunova Liudmila 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex and multi-faceted endocrine disorder that affects 5-20% of women. Literature is limited regarding potentially differing PCOS phenotypes among women around the world. Therefore, we used Flo app technology to understand the multifaceted characteristics of PCOS across several countries and identify contributing risk factors to the development of this condition.Methods: Flo is a widely used female health and wellbeing app with period tracking functionality that provides a globally representative and medically unbiased perspective on PCOS symptomatology. A chatbot dialog on PCOS was subsequently administered on the Flo application (app) to users from 142 countries (with at least 100 respondents) who have the app running in English during September-October 2019.Results: For analyses, we selected the five countries with the greatest number of respondents: US (n=243,238), UK (n=68,325), India (n=40,092), Philippines (n=35,131), and Australia (n=29,926). Bloating was the most frequently reported symptom among PCOS-positive women and appeared to be the main predictor of PCOS in our model (odds ratio 3·76 [95% CI 3·60-3·94]; p<0·0001). Additional top predictors of PCOS are high blood cholesterol and glucose levels. As BMI increased, the percentage of women who reported a physician-confirmed PCOS diagnosis also increased. However, women in India did not follow this trend.Conclusions: Our findings are based on the largest known PCOS dataset and indicate that symptoms are more complex than previously understood. The most frequently reported symptoms (bloating, facial hirsutism, irregular cycles, hyperpigmentation, and baldness) are broader than those included in the Rotterdam criteria. Future work should reevaluate and refine the criteria utilized in PCOS diagnosis.
A novel long non-coding RNA GK-IT1 promotes the carcinogenesis and progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via mediating the phosphorylation of MAPK1
Authors: Yang Xin , Zeng Tian Yang , Liu Zi Yang , He Wan Lun , Hu Meng Ting , Tang Ti , Xing Lei , Chen Li 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Recent studies have shown that Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial in the invasion, angiogenesis, progression, and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the biological functions and potential molecular mechanism of LncRNA GK-IT1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma has not been reported.Methods: We analysed the expression of GK-IT1 in ESCC and their adjacent normal tissues in the TCGA database. The quantitative real-time-PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of GK-IT1 in Clinical specimens. The Kaplan-Meier method was employed to draw the survival curve and then the statistical significance was calculated using the logarithmic rank test. a range of functional experiments in vivo and in vitro were used to explore the role of GK-IT1 in the carcinogenesis and development of ESCC. RNA pull down assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), agarose gel electrophoresis and immunofluorescence were all employed to explore the interaction mechanism between GK-IT1 and MAPK1 (mitogen activated protein kinase 1).Results: The expression of GK-IT1 was higher in ESCC than adjacent normal tissues, which was positively correlated with the clinical stage and shorter survival time. The knockout of the GK-IT1 gene significantly attenuated the abilities of ESCC cell proliferation, invasion and migration, induced apoptosis and autophagy in ESCC cells and inhibited tumour growth and tumour metastasis in vivo. on the contrary, the upregulation of GK-IT1 had the opposite effect. Further studies have shown that GK-IT1 can regulate the biological process of ESCC by regulating the phosphorylation of MAPK1.Conclusion: Our study reveals that GK-IT1 mediated the phosphorylation of MAPK1 improve the carcinogenesis and development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through ERK/MAPK pathway which indicates that GK-IT1 possesses substantial potential as a novel biomarker for ESCC prognosis and therapy.
Protective Effects of Total Flavonoids from Lysimachia Christinae on Calcium Oxalate-Induced Oxidative Stress in a Renal Cell Line and Renal Tissue
Authors: Wang Jian , Chen Jiajian , Huang Jiahao , Lv Bodong , Huang Xiaojun , Hu Qing , Fu Jun , Huang Wenjie , Tao Tingting 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Flavonoids are compounds with 2-phenylchromone as the basic mother nucleus and are natural antioxidant components of Lysimachia christinae. We previously demonstrated that total flavonoids from L. christinae (TFL) reduce calcium and oxalic acid concentrations in urine and can reduce oxidative stress (OS) in renal tissue, thus, inhibiting calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone formation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether TFL reduced OS in renal tissue, thereby inhibiting CaOx stone formation through the nuclear factor-E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway.Methods: The rat model of CaOx stone was established by providing rats with drinking water containing 0.5% glycol and 2% ammonium chloride. After 4 weeks of treatment with different doses of TFL (62.5, 125, and 250 mg/kg/d), body and kidney weights of the rats were measured. CaOx crystal formation was observed under the microscope and the renal tissue contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were analyzed. HK-2 cells were divided into two groups: treatment with CaOx crystals or CaOx crystals + TFL. Other HK-2 cells were treated with small interfering RNA targeting nuclear factor-E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) and divided into the same two groups. The activities of SOD and content of MDA were measured. The expression of Nrf2, heme oxygenase (HO-1), and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1) were detected using western blot.Results: In the in vitro study, TFL significantly increased nuclear Nrf2 and expression of the downstream antioxidant genes, HO-1 and NQO-1. Furthermore, TFL increased superoxide dismutase activity and decreased the malondialdehyde content, thereby alleviating OS in renal tubular epithelial cells. Moreover, silencing the expression of Nrf2 blocked the protective effect of TFL on CaOx-induced OS. In the in vivo study TFL protected the renal cell line and renal tissue against injury, reduced CaOx-induced OS in renal tissue, and reduced CaOx crystal formation.Conclusions: TFL reduces CaOx-induced OS in renal tissue by activating the nuclear Nrf2/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway.
Prevalence and Influencing Factors of Eczema Among Preschool Children in Urumqi City: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Shi Haonan , Wan Guangsheng , Wang Tingting , Zhu Jia , Jiang Lan , Ma Shaowei , Yao Jian , Yin Zhe , Maimaiti Murizhati , Dong Huijuan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: We explored the prevalence of eczema and indoor environmental factors in preschool children in Urumqi, Xinjiang, to provide a strong basis for the prevention and control of preschool eczema. Methods: Using stratified random cluster sampling, we conducted a self-administered questionnaire survey among 8153 parents of children aged 2–8 years in 60 kindergartens in six districts of Urumqi City during August 2019. Results: For the 8153 preschool children with valid data, the parent-reported prevalence of eczema was 12.0%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that cesarean section (odds ratio [OR] = 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–1.36), being an only child (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.18–1.57), mold or moisture in the mother’s residence before pregnancy (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.17–2.00), flies or mosquitoes in the dwelling currently (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.10–1.55), pets kept in the child’s current residence (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.01–1.51), presence of pets when the child is 0–1 year old (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.14–1.85), and family history of eczema (OR = 3.53, 95% CI: 2.98–4.19) are risk factors, whereas ethnicity other than Han Chinese (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.61–0.96) is a protective factor, for eczema. Conclusion: Preschool children in Urumqi are at a high risk of eczema, especially those of Han Chinese ethnicity. Parents should pay close attention to the indoor living environment of children and must reduce indoor humidity, pay attention to pest control and elimination, and avoid raising pets to reduce the risk of children developing eczema.
Long Non-coding RNAs act as Prognostic Biomarkers in Breast and Gynecologic Cancers
Authors: Zhao Fan , Chen Huiqi , Chen Kelie , Wang Shengchao , Yang Dexin , Zhang Honghe , Lu Weiguo , Xia Dajing , Wu Yihua 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundIt is well-known that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play essential roles in cancer development and progression. This study aimed to assess the potential prognostic value of specific lncRNAs in breast and gynecologic cancers. MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library and TCGA databases were systematically searched from inception to January, 2019, and identified according to eligibility criteria. A random-effects model was adopted to calculate combined hazard ratios to explore the association between specific lncRNA expression level and survival in breast and gynecologic cancers. Subgroup and publication bias analyses were also conducted.Results111 studies encompassing nearly 20000 participants and 25 lncRNAs were included in the current study. Of the listed lncRNAs, we identified 3 lncRNAs significantly associated with both overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in breast and gynecologic cancers, indicating that they might act as promising prognostic biomarkers in clinical applications. Specifically, HOTAIR and PVT1 had a negative impact on survival outcome, while GAS5 was associated with better prognosis. Further subgroup analyses identified HOTAIR as a biomarker for the poor survival whether in an Asian population or in European and American populations and GAS5 as a biomarker for the relatively good prognosis of both breast and gynecologic cancers.ConclusionsWe here highlight that abnormal expression of 3 lncRNAs, including HOTAIR, GAS5, PVT1 might significantly affect the survival of breast and gynecologic cancer patients and serve as novel prognostic biomarkers for breast and gynecologic cancers.
Whole Exome Sequencing of Six Chinese Families With Hereditary Non-Syndromic Hearing Loss: A Genetic Etiology Study
Authors: Liang Pengfei , Chen Fengping , Wang Shujuan , Li Qiong , Li Wei , Wang Jian , Chen Jun , Zha Dingjun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Hereditary non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) has a high genetic heterogeneity with >152 genes identified as associated molecular causes. The present study aimed to detect the possible damaging variants of the deaf probands from six unrelated Chinese families.Methods: After excluding the mutations in the most common genes, GJB2 and SLC26A4, 12 probands with prelingual deafness and autosomal recessive inheritance were evaluated by whole-exome sequencing (WES). All the candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing in all patients and their parents.Results: Biallelic mutations were identified in all deaf patients. Among these six families, 10 potentially causative mutations, including 3 reported and 7 novel mutations, in 3 different deafness-associated autosomal recessive (DFNB) genes (MYO15A, COL11A2, and CDH23) were identified. The mutations in MYO15A were frequent with 7/10 candidate variants. Sanger sequencing confirmed that these mutations segregated with the hearing loss of each family.Conclusions: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach becomes more cost-effective and efficient when analyzing large-scale genes compared to the conventional polymerase chain reaction-based Sanger sequencing, which is often used to screen common deafness-related genes. The current findings further extend the mutation spectrum of hearing loss in the Chinese population, which has a positive significance for genetic counseling.
Colombia-United States Free Trade Agreement. An observation to the Colombian agricultural microeconomy projected towards development
Authors: Franky Melissa Stephanni Vargas , Núñez José Rodrigo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Through this article, the results of the Free Trade Agreement between Colombia and the United States were addressed, based on its effects on the exports of the Colombian agricultural sector and its repercussions on the rural microeconomy, using the following methods: a) Descriptive b) Comparative Method c) Revealed Comparative Advantages (RCA) and d) Prospective Approach, being the main variables, competition, rural poverty in Colombia, concentration of rural property and the investment budget destined for the vulnerable agricultural sector, observing that Colombia's agricultural products do not have significant comparative advantages to compete with the North American market, which is evidenced in the deficit trade balance. Colombia is the most unequal country in the distribution of land in Latin America where the largest extensions are destined to the production of agrofuels and it is the small farmers who generate the largest number of crops for internal consumption, persisting despite the hostile conditions in the Colombian countryside, and the high rates of monetary and multidimensional poverty. These circumstances pose a risk to the country's food sovereignty by becoming dependent on imports, which is why a legal-economic proposal was made for Colombia based on the United Nations Declaration of the Right to Development.
Tunnel Engineering for Modulating The Substrate Preference in Decarbonylase P450BsβHI
Authors: Meng Shuaiqi , An Ruipeng , Li Zhongyu , Schwaneberg Ulrich , Ji Yu , Davari Mehdi D. , Fang Wang , Wang Meng , Qin Meng , Nie Kaili , Liu Luo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
An active site normally locates inside of enzymes, substrates should go through the tunnel to access the active site. Tunnel engineering is a powerful strategy for refining the catalytic properties of enzymes. Here, P450BsβHI (Q85H/ V170I) derived from hydroxylase P450Bsβ from Bacillus subtilis was chosen as study model, which is reported as a potential decarbonylase. However, this enzyme showed low decarboxylase activity towards long-chain fatty acids. Here, a tunnel engineering campaign was performed for modulating the substrate preference and improving the decarbonylase activity of P450BsβHI. The finally obtained BsβHI-F79A variant had a 15.2-fold improved conversion for palmitic acid; BsβHI-F173V variant had a 3.9-fold improved conversion for pentadecanoic acid. The study demonstrates how the substrate preference can be modulated by tunnel engineering strategy.
The Use of Nocturnal Flights for Barrier Crossing in a Diurnally Migrating Songbird: Implications for Our Understanding of Fly-and-Forage Migration Strategies
Authors: Lavallée Christie D. , Assadi Saeedeh Bani , Korpach Alicia M. , Ray James D. , Fischer Jason D , Siegrist Joseph , Fraser Kevin Charles 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The migration patterns of land birds can generally be divided into those species that migrate principally during the day and those that migrate during the night. Some species may show individual plasticity in the use of day or night flight, particularly when crossing large, open-water or desert barriers. However, individual plasticity in circadian patterns of migratory flights in diurnal songbirds that use a fly-and-forage migration strategy has never been investigated. Methods: We used high precision GPS tracking of a diurnal, migratory swallow Purple martin, (Progne subis), to determine whether individuals were flexible in their spring migration strategies to include some night flight, particularly at barrier crossing.Results: We found that individuals made large (sometimes >1000 km), open-water crossings of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico that included the use of night flight. Some birds-initiated barrier crossing flights at night, demonstrating that night flight is not only used to complete barrier crossings but may confer other advantages for diurnal birds. All birds also used some, shorter night flights when making overland flights not associated with barrier crossing. Birds were more likely to initiate water crossings with supportive northward winds, and preliminary data suggest that moonlight may influence nighttime migratory movements.Conclusions: Overall, our results demonstrate an unexpected high degree of individual plasticity in migration strategies on a circadian scale in a ‘diurnal’ songbird and suggest that barrier crossing at night may complement fly-and-forage migration strategies.