bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dietary Phenotype and Advanced Glycation End-Products Predict WTC-Obstructive Airways Disease: a Longitudinal Observational Study
Authors: Lam Rachel , Kwon Sophia , Riggs Jessica , Sunseri Maria , Crowley George , Schwartz Theresa , Zeig-Owens Rachel , Colbeth Hilary , Halpren Allison , Liu Mengling , Prezant David J , Nolan Anna 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND. Diet is a modifier of metabolic syndrome which in turn is associated with World Trade Center Obstructive Airways Disease(WTC-OAD). We have designed this study to 1.assess the dietary phenotype(food types, physical activity, and dietary habits) of the Fire Department of New York(FDNY) WTC-Health Program(WTC-HP) cohort and 2.quantify the association of dietary quality and its advanced glycation end product(AGE) content with the development of WTC-OAD.METHODS. WTC-OAD, defined as developing WTC-Lung Injury(WTC-LI;FEV1<LLN) and/or airway hyperreactivity(AHR;positive methacholine and/or positive bronchodilator response). Rapid Eating and Activity Assessment for Participants-Short Version(REAP-S) deployed on 3/1/2018 in the WTC-HP annual monitoring assessment. Clinical and REAP-S data of consented subjects was extracted(7/17/2019). Diet quality[low-(15-19), moderate-(20-29), and high-(30-39)] and AGE content per REAP-S questionnaire were assessed for association with WTC-OAD. Regression models adjusted for smoking,hyperglycemia,hypertension,age on 9/11,WTC-exposure,BMI and job description. RESULTS. N=9,508 completed the annual questionnaire, while N=4,015 completed REAP-S and had spirometry. WTC-OAD developed in N=921, while N=3,094 never developed WTC-OAD. Low- and moderate-dietary quality, eating more (processed meats,fried foods,sugary drinks), fewer(vegetables,whole-grains),and having a diet abundant in AGEs were significantly associated with WTC-OAD. Smoking was not a significant risk factor of WTC-OAD. CONCLUSIONS. REAP-S was successfully implemented in the FDNY WTC-HP monitoring questionnaire and produced valuable dietary phenotyping. Our observational study has identified low dietary quality and AGE abundant dietary habits as risk factors for pulmonary disease in the context of WTC-exposure. Dietary phenotyping, not only focuses our metabolomic/biomarker profiling but also further informs future dietary interventions that may positively impact particulate matter associated lung disease.
Peer mentoring experience on becoming a good doctor: Student perspectives.
Authors: Shafiaai Mohd Syameer Firdaus Mohd , Kadirvelu Amudha , Pamidi Narendra 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: PASS is a peer-led structured academic mentoring program designed to provide academic assistance for new students in their transition from college to university studies and also for students struggling in certain units. This study aims to establish acquired skills by peer leaders associated with peer-led mentoring via the PASS program, and to explore the role played by these acquired skills in their journey to become a successful doctor.Methods: Study participants were forty selected second-year undergraduate medical students at Monash University Malaysia with commendable examination results. Validated pre-test and post-test questionnaires were administered to explore changes in the level of communication, leadership, professional, and pedagogical skills before and after participation in peer mentoring program. Qualitative analysis of focused group interviews was performed by an independent investigator to identify how the skills developed as a peer mentor may help with becoming a good doctor. Major themes were identified with the thematic-analysis approach.Results: Thirty-eight students completed the pre-test and post-test questionnaires. Peer leaders reported improvement in oral and written skills for teaching; increased confidence to give constructive feedback; better stress management; efficient time management; improved interpersonal skills; and enhanced problem-solving and critical thinking capabilities. Eight major themes were identified from the interview and peer leaders reported positive experience of working in diverse environments and shouldering of responsibilities.Conclusions: Peer-led mentoring provides a good opportunity for medical students to shoulder responsibilities as a leader and offers an experience of managing a team of their peers and juniors which in turn may enhance their communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
Time Changes in the Spectrum of Urinary Stone Composition: A Role for Climate Variations?
Authors: Trinchieri Alberto , Maletta Alessandro , Simonelli Giovanni , Boeri Luca , De Lorenzis Elisa , Montanari Emanuele 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Introduction: An increase of the frequency of uric acid urinary stones compared to calcium-containing ones has been recently described. This study was aimed at assessing the frequency of different types of urinary stones in the population of northern Italy in the period 2016-18 compared to 2001-2003. Materials and Methods: Analyses by infrared spectroscopy of 1007 stones endoscopically removed at two institutions in the area of Milan (Northern Italy) were retrospectively considered. Stones were classified as calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) and dihydrate (COD), mixed uric acid/calcium oxalate (UC); uric acid (UA), struvite (ST); apatite (CAP); mixed calcium oxalate / apatite (CAPOX); others. The patients were divided into two groups: 2001-2003 and 2016-2018. The average temperature values of the region over the two time periods were obtained by the national statistical institute. Results: The average age of the 2001-2003 group (45.8+/-15.4 years) was significantly lower than the average age of the 2016-18 group (57.9+/-14.8) (0.000). M / F ratio was similar in the two groups: 119 / 69 (1:0.58) in 2001-2003 MI and 527 / 292 (1:0.55) in 2016-18 (p = 0.862). COM stones tended to more frequent in 2016-18 group than in 2001-03. COD stones were significantly more frequent in 2001-03 than in 2016-18. ST stone frequency was increased from 2001-03 to 2016-18. No increase of uric acid containing stones was observed in 2016-18. Results were confirmed after adjustment by age. Averages annual regional temperatures increased from 14° C to 15.4° C during the two observation periods. Conclusions: No increase of UA stones was observed, probably due to the limited impact of the global warming in our temperate climate.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis Reveals Novel Insights into the Interaction between Rice and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhang Fan , Huang Liyu , Zeng Dan , Cruz Casiana Vera , Li Zhikang , Zhou Yongli 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Bacterial blight, which is caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), is a devastating rice disease worldwide. Rice introgression line H471, derived from the recurrent parent Huang-Hua-Zhan (HHZ) and the donor parent PSBRC28, exhibits broad-spectrum resistance to Xoo, including to the highly virulent Xoo strain PXO99A, whereas its parents are susceptible to PXO99A. To characterize the responses to Xoo, we compared the proteome profiles of the host and pathogen in the incompatible interaction (H471 inoculated with PXO99A) and the compatible interaction (HHZ inoculated with PXO99A).Results: In this study, a total of 374 rice differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) and 117 Xoo DAPs were detected in the comparison between H471 + PXO99A and HHZ + PXO99A. Most of the Xoo DAPs related to pathogen virulence, including the outer member proteins, type III secretion system proteins, TonB-dependent receptors, and transcription activator-like effectors, were less abundant in the incompatible interaction than in the compatible interaction. The rice DAPs were mainly involved in secondary metabolic processes, including phenylalanine metabolism and the biosynthesis of flavonoids and phenylpropanoids. Additionally, some DAPs involved in the phenolic phytoalexin and salicylic acid (SA) biosynthetic pathways accumulated much more in H471 than in HHZ after the inoculation with PXO99A, suggesting that phytoalexin and SA production was induced faster in H471 than in HHZ. Further analyses revealed that the SA content increased much more rapidly in H471 than in HHZ after the inoculation, suggesting that the SA signaling pathway was activated faster in the incompatible interaction than in the compatible interaction.Conclusions: Overall, our results indicate that during an incompatible interaction between H471 and PXO99A, rice plants prevent pathogen invasion and also initiate multi-component defense responses that inhibit disease development.
Impact of placental malaria on maternal, placental and foetal cord responses and its role in pregnancy outcomes in women from Blue Nile State, Sudan
Authors: Omer Samia Ali , Franco-Jarava Clara , Noureldien Ali , Omer Mona , Abdelrahim Mutasim , Molina Israel , Adam Ishag 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background The sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum infected cells in the placenta results in placental malaria (PM). It activates the mother's immune cells and induces secretion of inflammatory cytokines, which might influence pregnancy outcomes. This study aims to investigate the inflammatory environment in maternal peripheral, placental, and umbilical cord blood in response to PM and the extent to which this may influence maternal haemoglobin levels and birth weight.Methods A total of 185 consenting Sudanese women from Blue Nile state were enrolled in a cross sectional conducted between Jan 2012-Dec 2005. Malaria infection in the collected samples was determined microscopically, and ELISA was used to measure the plasma levels of the antibodies, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, and INF γ in the collected positive and negative malaria samples. Results Elevated levels of antibodies, IL-4 and IL-10 and reduced levels of IL-6 were detected in the malaria positive samples in comparison to the negative ones in the three types of samples investigated. Maternal antibodies, IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly higher in the samples collected from the PM infected group compared to the non-infected control (P < 0.001). While the absence of PM was significantly associated with the IL-6 and maternal IFN-γ levels, maternal IL-17A, placental and umbilical cord IFN-γ levels showed no significant difference (P=0.214, P=0.065, P=0.536, respectively) due to infection. Haemoglobin level and birth weight were increased in the group with high levels of IL-6 and IL-17A, but not in the group with IL-4 and IL-10 levels. While significantly negative correlation was found between IFN-γ levels and birth weight for all three types of samples, only maternal peripheral FN-γ level was significantly positively correlated with maternal haemoglobin (r= 0.171, P =0.020).Conclusion These results suggest that PM cross-reacts with the mother’s immune response and impairs her cytokine profile, which might alter maternal haemoglobin levels and the baby's birth weight.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices on influenza vaccine during pregnancy in Quito, Ecuador
Authors: Erazo Carlos E. , Erazo Carlos V. , Grijalva Mario J. , Moncayo Ana L. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection and severe outcomes caused by influenza viruses in pregnant women and their children. In Ecuador, the coverage of seasonal influenza vaccination in pregnant women is low. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of pregnant women toward influenza vaccination in Quito-Ecuador.Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled 842 women who delivered at three main public gynecological-obstetric units of the Metropolitan District of Quito. A questionnaire regarding demographics, antenatal care, risk conditions and knowledge, attitudes and practices related to influenza vaccination was administered. We examined factors associated with vaccination using log-binomial regression models.Results: A low vaccination rate (36.6%) against influenza was observed among pregnant women. The factors associated with vaccination included the recommendations from health providers (adjusted PR: 15.84; CI 95% 9.62-26.10), belief in the safety of the influenza vaccine (adjusted PR: 1.53; CI 95% 1.03-2.37) and antenatal care (adjusted PR: 1.21; CI 95% 1.01-1.47). The most common reasons for not vaccinating included the lack of recommendation from health care providers (73.9%) and lack of access to vaccine (9.0%).Conclusions: Health educational programs aimed to pregnant women and antenatal care providers have the most potential to increase influenza vaccination rates. Further studies are needed to understand the barriers of health care providers regarding influenza vaccination in Ecuador.
Scientometric analysis of chemotherapy of canine leishmaniasis (2000-2020)
Authors: Olías-Molero Ana Isabel , Fontán-Matilla Erica , Cuquerella Montserrat , Alunda José María 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis by Leishmania infantum is a first order pathology in veterinary clinics of dogs in endemic areas. Moreover, canine infections are considered the main reservoir for human disease; despite their importance in the control of the disease within a One Health approach no scientometric study has been published. Aims of the study included the impact of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) on scientific literature, drugs or combinations used, trends in the period from 2000-2020 and efficacy criteria employed. Methods: A Web of Science (WOS) based analysis of publications on CanL and chemotherapy of the disease in the period 2000-2020 was carried out using a stepwise methodology. Data were analyzed by year, geographical origin, chemical groups, drugs and combinations, and efficacy criteria. Results: Reports on CanL (n=3,324) represented less than 16% of all publications on leishmaniasis (n=20,968) and from these around 18% (n=596) were related to chemotherapy. Publication records on CanL followed the distribution of the infection by L.infantum in endemic areas although Mediterranean countries were overrepresented in the reports on chemotherapy of CanL. Publications on the main antileishmanial drugs used in clinical practice showed a sustained tendency in the period analyzed. Pentavalent antimonials (Sb V ), alone or in combination with allopurinol, represented over 50% of all publications on chemotherapy of CanL despite the availability of more recently marketed drugs. Conclusions: Chemotherapy of CanL still relies on Sb V and combinations and to a lesser extent on miltefosine (MIL). Reports on chemotherapy are scarce, mostly publicly funded and the variability of experimental conditions hampers the direct comparison of the efficacy of drugs, combinations and schedules. The vast majority of reports on efficacy do not include any information on supportive therapy; this reduces the actual value of the studies if intended for the practical management of the disease. Complete reports of the chemotherapy (etiological + symptomatic) would add value to the trials performed.
WITHDRAWN: Knowledge, Preventative Practices and Depression of Chinese university students in Korea and China During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Online Cross-sectional Study
Authors: ‍ZHAO BO , Kong Fanlei , Nam Eun Woo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate the knowledge, preventative practices, and depression of Chinese university students living in South Korea (‘International Group’) and Mainland China (‘Mainland Group’) during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, and furtherly explore the determinants of depression among these students; Methods: The study was conducted using an online questionnaire tool designed by the Yonsei Global Health Center, with preventative knowledge and practice questions on COVID-19, as well as PHQ-9 (used to diagnose depression for patients). 420 Chinese college students were finally included in the analysis (171 students in South Korea and 249 students in mainland China). This data was collected from March 23 to April 12, 2020; Results: Majority of these students had a good level of knowledge of COVID-19. The ‘International Group’ did better than the ‘Mainland Group’ students regarding preventative practices, but the percentage with moderate-to-severe depression was higher among the ‘International Group’. Highly concerned about family members, highly concerned about getting COVID-19, and having a suspicion of contact with patients increased the depression state among the respondents. Meanwhile, taking preventative behaviors more comprehensively decreased the depression state of both groups; Conclusions: During the pandemic of COVID-19, the depression status of ‘International Group’ students was significantly severer than that in ‘Mainland Group’ (χ2 = 5.50, p < 0.05). While the high-level of depression status of these two groups’ students was affected by highly concerning family members and getting COVID-19 and having a suspicion of contact with patients. Therefore, psychological counseling and education programs are needed in order to support and improve the mental health of ‘International Group’ students.
Analysis Using Random Forest and Data Integration Methods of Non-promoter Methylation and Expression Data Identifies Dysregulated Genes in Central Carbon Metabolism Pathway in Oral Cancer
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Srija , Ghosh Sahana , Das Debodipta , Arun P , Roy Bidyut , Biswas Nidhan K , Maitra Arindam , Majumder Partha 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Studies of epigenomic alterations associated with diseases primarily focus on methylation profiles of promoter regions of genes, but not of other genomic regions. In our past work (Das et al. 2019) on patients suffering from gingivo-buccal oral cancer – the most prevalent form of cancer among males in India – we have also focused on promoter methylation changes and resultant impact on transcription profiles. Here, we have investigated alterations in non-promoter (gene-body) methylation profiles and have carried out an integrative analysis of gene-body methylation and transcriptomic data of oral cancer patients. Methods: Tumor and adjacent normal tissue samples were collected from 40 patients. Data on methylation in the non-promoter (gene-body) regions of genes and transcriptome profiles were generated and analyzed. Because of high dimensionality and highly correlated nature of these data, we have used Random Forest (RF) and other data-analytical methods.Results: Integrative analysis of non-promoter methylation and transcriptome data revealed significant methylation-driven alterations in some genes that also significantly impact on their transcription levels. These changes result in enrichment of the Central Carbon Metabolism (CCM) pathway, primarily by dysregulation (overexpression) of (a) NTRK3, which plays a dual role as an oncogene and a tumor suppressor; (b) SLC7A5 (LAT1) which is a transporter dedicated to essential amino acids, and is overexpressed in cancer cells to meet the increased demand for nutrients that include glucose and essential amino acids; and, (c) EGFR which has been earlier implicated in progression, recurrence, and stemness of oral cancer, but we provide evidence of epigenetic impact on overexpression of this gene for the first time.Conclusions: In rapidly dividing cancer cells, metabolic reprogramming from normal cells takes place to enable enhanced proliferation. Here, we have identified that among oral cancer patients, genes in the CCM pathway – that plays a fundamental role in metabolic reprogramming – are significantly dysregulated because of perturbation of methylation in non-promoter regions of the genome. This result compliments our previous result that perturbation of promoter methylation results in significant changes in key genes that regulate the feedback process of DNA methylation for the maintenance of normal cell division.
A novel small molecule CXCR4 antagonist potently mobilizes hematopoietic stem cells in mice and monkeys
Authors: Fang Xiao , Fang Xiong , Mao Yujia , Ciechanover Aaron , Xu Yan , An Jing , Huang Ziwei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation is an effective treatment strategy for many types of diseases. Peripheral blood (PB) is the most commonly used source of bone marrow (BM)-derived stem cells for current HSC transplantation. However, PB usually contains very few HSCs under normal conditions, as these cells are normally retained within the BM. This retention depends on the interaction between the CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) expressed on the HSCs and its natural chemokine ligand, stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1α (also named CXCL12) present in the BM stromal microenvironment. In clinical practice, blocking this interaction with a CXCR4 antagonist can induce the rapid mobilization of HSCs from the BM into the PB.Methods C3H/HEJ, DBA/2, CD45.1+, CD45.2+ mice and monkeys were employed in colony-forming unit (CFU) assays, flow cytometry assays, and competitive/non-competitive transplantation assays, to assess the short-term mobilization efficacy of HF51116 and the long-term repopulating (LTR) ability of HSCs. Kinetics of different blood cells and the concentration of HF51116 in PB were also explored by blood routine examinations and pharmacokinetic assays. Results In this paper, we report that a novel small molecule CXCR4 antagonist, HF51116, which was designed and synthesized by our laboratory, can rapidly and potently mobilize HSCs from BM to PB in mice and monkeys. HF51116 not only mobilized HSCs when used alone but also synergized with the mobilizing effects of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) after co-administration. Following mobilization by HF51116 and G-CSF, the long-term repopulating (LTR) and self-renewing HSCs were sufficiently engrafted in primary and secondary lethally irradiated mice and were able to rescue and support long-term mouse survival. In monkeys, HF51116 exhibited strong HSC mobilization activity and quickly reached the highest in vivo blood drug concentration. Conclusions These results demonstrate that HF51116 is a new promising stem cell mobilizer which specifically targets CXCR4 and merits further preclinical and clinical studies.