bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL scores and inflammatory biomarkers in predicting survival in terminally ill patients with cancer
Authors: Koyama Nanako , Matsumura Chikako , Shitashimizu Yoshihiro , Sako Morito , Kurosawa Hideo , Nomura Takehisa , Eguchi Yuki , Ohba Kazuki , Yano Yoshitaka 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
The clinical use of patient-reported outcomes as compared to inflammatory biomarkers for predicting cancer survival remains a challenge in palliative care settings. We evaluated the role of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative scores (EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL) and the inflammatory biomarkers C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin (Alb), and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for survival prediction in patients with advanced cancer.

Methods
This was an observational study in terminally ill patients with cancer hospitalized in a palliative care unit between June 2018 and December 2019. Patients’ data collected at the time of hospitalization were analyzed. Cox regression was performed to examine significant factors influencing survival. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to estimate cut-off values for predicting survival within 3 weeks, and a log-rank test was performed to compare survival curves between groups divided by the cut-off values.

Results
Totally, 130 patients participated in the study. Cox regression suggested that the QLQ-C15-PAL dyspnea and fatigue scores and levels of CRP, Alb, and NLR were significantly associated with survival time, and cut-off values were 66.67, 66.67, 3.0 mg/dL, 2.5 g/dL, and 8.2, respectively. The areas under ROC curves of these variables were 0.6–0.7. There were statistically significant differences in the survival curves between groups categorized using each of these cut-off values (p < .05 for all cases).

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that the assessment of not only objective indicators for the systemic inflammatory response but also patient-reported outcomes using EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL is beneficial for the prediction of short-term survival in terminally ill patients with cancer.
Role of SES on the association between childhood parental death and adulthood suicidal ideation: a mediation analysis using longitudinal dataset in South Korea
Authors: Yoon Jaehong , Kim Ja Young , Kim Ji-Hwan , Kim Seung-Sup 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
We sought to examine the association between childhood experience of parental death (CEPD) and adulthood suicidal ideation, and the mediating role of adulthood SES in the association.

Methods
We analyzed a nationally representative dataset of 8609 adults from the Korea Welfare Panel Study, which is a longitudinal cohort dataset in South Korea. CEPD was measured using a question: “During your childhood (0-17 years old), have you experienced the death of parents?” We classified responses of CEPD during 2006–2011 into ‘yes,’ and the others into ‘no.’ Suicidal ideation over the past year was assessed annually during 2012–2019. As a potential mediator, adulthood educational attainment and household income in 2011 were included in the analysis. Logistic regression was applied to examine the association of CEPD with adulthood suicidal ideation across age groups (early adulthood, 19–39 years old; middle adulthood, 40–59 years old; late adulthood, ≥60 years old), after excluding people who reported lifetime suicidal ideation in 2011. Causal mediation analysis using a parametric regression model was applied to examine the mediating role of adulthood SES in the association between CEPD and adulthood suicidal ideation.

Results
After adjusting for potential confounders including childhood SES, CEPD was significantly associated with adulthood suicidal ideation among the late adulthood group (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.13–1.81), while the association was not statistically significant among the early; and middle adulthood groups. In mediation analysis of adulthood household income, both indirect association (ORNIE: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02–1.09) and direct association (ORNDE: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.09–1.73) were statistically significant among the late adulthood group. In the mediation analysis of adulthood education attainment among the late adulthood, only a direct association was statistically significant (ORNDE: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.14–1.80).

Conclusions
These results suggest that CEPD could be a risk factor for adulthood suicidal ideation. Furthermore, the findings imply that income security policy might be necessary to reduce suicide among the late adulthood group.
Accuracy of a portable accelerometer-based navigation system for cup placement and intraoperative leg length measurement in total hip arthroplasty: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tanino Hiromasa , Nishida Yasuhiro , Mitsutake Ryo , Ito Hiroshi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundComplications after total hip arthroplasty (THA) are frequently the consequence of malpositioned components or leg length discrepancy after surgery. Recently, a new version of a portable, accelerometer-based hip navigation system (New HipAlign) was made available with a change in the method of measuring cup abduction and the addition of a leg length measurement function. The purposes of this study were to investigate cup positioning and to examine the accuracy of leg length measurement with New HipAlign.MethodsCups were implanted and intraoperative leg length change was measured using New HipAlign in 60 THAs through a posterior approach in the lateral decubitus position. The cup position and radiographic leg length change were determined postoperatively on pelvic radiograph and computed tomography scans. We previously compared cup positioning with a previous version of a portable, accelerometer-based hip navigation system (Previous HipAlign) and conventional surgical techniques. Cup positioning in this study was compared with the results of out previous study using Previous HipAlign.ResultsThe mean cup abduction of 40.3° ± 4.9° (range, 26° to 53°) and the mean cup anteversion of 15.8° ± 5.6° (range, 6.7° to 29.5°) were found. The deviation of the postoperative measured angles from the target cup position was 3.7° ± 3.3° for cup abduction and 5.9° ± 3.6° for cup anteversion. 56/60 of the cups were inside the Lewinnek safe zone. Compared with our previous study using Previous HipAlign, there were no significant differences with regard to cup abduction, cup anteversion, the deviation from the target cup position for cup abduction, the value of deviation for cup anteversion, and the number of cups inside the Lewinnek safe zone (P = 0.218, 0.334, 0.651, 0.797, 0.592). The mean difference between the intraoperative and radiographic leg length changes was + 0.8 ± 3.4 mm. There was significant correlation between the intraoperative and radiographic leg length changes (r = 0.804,P = 0.000).ConclusionsUse of New HipAlign allowed for accurate cup placement and reliable leg length measurement during THA.Trial registrationClinical trial is defined as‘any research study that prospectively assigns human participants or groups of humans to one or more health-related interventions to evaluate the effects on health outcome’ bythe World Health Organization (WHO).Because this study is not a clinical trial, trial registration is not needed.
In vitro assessment of two novel Cellulases from Trabulsiella odontotermitis for agricultural waste utilization
Authors: Arevalos-Sánchez Martha María , Maynez-Perez Adrián Omar , Rodríguez-Almeida Felipe A. , Martínez-Quintana José Alfredo , Sanchez-Flores Fidel Alejandro , Felix-Portillo Monserrath , Chavéz-Martínez América , Olvera-García Myrna Elena , Ruiz-Barrera Oscar , Corral-Luna Agustín 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
The production of agricultural wastes still growing as a consequence of the population growing. However, the majority of these residues are under-utilized due their chemical composition, which is mainly composed by cellulose. Actually, the search of cellulases with high efficiency to degrade this carbohydrate remains as the challenge. In the present experiment, two genes encoding an endoglucanase (EC 3.2.1.4) and β-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21) were overexpressed in Escherichia coli and their recombinant enzymes (egl-FZYE and cel-FZYE, respectively) characterized. Those genes were found in Trabulsiella odontermitis which was isolated from the gut of termite Heterotermes sp. Additionally, the capability to release sugars from agricultural wastes was evaluated in both enzymes, alone and in combination.

Results
The results have shown that optimal pH was 6.0 and 6.5, reaching an activity of 1051.65 ± 47.78 and 607.80 ± 10.19 U/mg at 39 °C, for egl-FZYE and cel-FZYE, respectively. The Km and Vmax for egl-FZYE using CMC as substrate were 11.25 mg/mL and 3921.57 U/mg, respectively, whereas using Avicel were 15.39 mg/mL and 2314.81 U/mg, respectively. The Km and Vmax for cel-FZYE using Avicel as substrate were 11.49 mg/mL and 2105.26 U/mg, respectively, whereas using CMC the enzyme did not had activity. Both enzymes had effect on agricultural wastes, and their effect was improved when they were combined reaching an activity of 955.1 ± 116.1, 4016.8 ± 332 and 1124.2 ± 241 U/mg on corn stover, sorghum stover and pine sawdust, respectively.

Conclusions
Both enzymes were capable of degrading agricultural wastes, and their effectiveness was improved up to 60% of glucose released when combined. In summary, the results of the study demonstrate that the recombinant enzymes exhibit characteristics that indicate their value as potential feed additives and that the enzymes could be used to enhance the degradation of cellulose in the poor-quality forage generally used in ruminant feedstuffs.
Efficacy and safety of single-inhaler extrafine triple therapy versus inhaled corticosteroid plus long-acting beta2 agonist in eastern Asian patients with COPD: the TRIVERSYTI randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zheng Jinping , Baldi Simonetta , Zhao Li , Li Huiping , Lee Kwan-Ho , Singh Dave , Papi Alberto , Grapin Frédérique , Guasconi Alessandro , Georges George 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
A single-inhaler extrafine triple combination of beclometasone dipropionate (BDP), formoterol fumarate (FF) and glycopyrronium (G) has been developed for maintenance therapy of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of BDP/FF/G in patients in three eastern Asian areas: China, Republic of Korea and Taiwan.

Methods
TRIVERSYTI was a double-blind, randomised, active-controlled, parallel-group study in patients with COPD, post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) < 50% predicted, ≥ 1 exacerbation in the previous 12 months, and receiving inhaled maintenance medication. Patients received either extrafine BDP/FF/G 100/6/10 µg via pressurised metered-dose inhaler, or non-extrafine budesonide/formoterol (BUD/FF) 160/4.5 µg via dry-powder inhaler, both administered as two puffs twice-daily for 24 weeks. The co-primary objectives (analysed in the overall population) were to demonstrate superiority of BDP/FF/G over BUD/FF for change from baseline in pre-dose morning and 2-h post-dose FEV1 at Week 24 (these were analysed as key secondary objectives in the China subgroup). The rate of moderate/severe COPD exacerbations was a secondary endpoint.

Results
Of 708 patients randomised, 88.8% completed. BDP/FF/G was superior to BUD/FF for pre-dose and 2-h post-dose FEV1 at Week 24 [adjusted mean differences 62 (95% CI 38, 85) mL and 113 (87, 140) mL; both p < 0.001]. The annualised moderate/severe exacerbation rate was 43% lower with BDP/FF/G [rate ratio 0.57 (95% CI 0.42, 0.77); p < 0.001]. Adverse events were reported by 61.1% and 67.0% patients with BDP/FF/G and BUD/FF. Results were similar in the China subgroup.

Conclusions
In patients with COPD, FEV1 < 50% and an exacerbation history despite maintenance therapy, treatment with extrafine BDP/FF/G improved bronchodilation, and was more effective at preventing moderate/severe COPD exacerbations than BUD/FF.
Trial registration CFDA CTR20160507 (registered 7 Nov 2016, http://www.chinadrugtrials.org.cn/index.html).
A retail audit of mosquito control products in Busia County, western Kenya
Authors: Oria Prisca A. , Moshi Vincent , Odero Julius I. , Ekodir Sheila , Monroe April , Harvey Steven A. , Ochomo Eric , Piccinini Black Danielle 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundApproximately 70% of Kenya’s population is at risk for malaria. The core vector control methods in Kenya are insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying, with supplementary larval source management. In 2015, 21% of ITNs were accessed through the private retail sector. Despite the private sector role in supplying mosquito control products (MCPs), there is little evidence on the availability, sales trends, and consumer preferences for MCPs other than ITNs. This study, a component of a larger research programme focused on evaluating a spatial repellent intervention class for mosquito-borne disease control, addressed this evidence gap on the role of the private sector in supplying MCPs.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was deployed in a range of retail outlets in Busia County to characterize MCP availability, sales trends, and distribution channels. The questionnaire included 32 closed-ended and four open-ended questions with short answer responses. Descriptive analysis of frequency counts and percentages was carried out to glean insights about commercially available MCPs and the weighted average rank was used to determine consumer preferences for MCPs. Open-ended data was analysed thematically.ResultsRetail outlets that stocked MCPs commonly stocked mosquito coils (73.0%), topical repellents (38.1%), aerosol insecticide sprays (23.8%) and ITNs (14.3%). Overall, retailers reported the profits from selling MCPs were adequate and they overwhelmingly planned to continue stocking the products. Of respondents who stocked MCPs, 96.8% responded that sales increased during long rains and 36.5% that sales also surged during short rains. ITNs and baby-size nets were often delivered by the wholesaler. Retailers of aerosol sprays, mosquito coils, and topical repellents either collected stock from the wholesaler or products were delivered to them. Other commercially available MCPs included insecticide incense sticks, electric mosquito strikers, insecticide soaps, electrically heated insecticide mats, and electric insecticide emanators, indicating a well-established market.ConclusionsThe wide range of MCPs in local retail outlets within the study area suggests the need and demand for mosquito control tools, in addition to ITNs, that are affordable, easy to use and effective. The presence of a wide range of MCPs, is a promising sign for the introduction of a spatial repellent intervention class of products that meets consumer needs and preferences.
Daily emotional inertia and long-term subjective well-being among people living with HIV
Authors: Rzeszutek Marcin , Gruszczyńska Ewa , Firląg-Burkacka Ewa 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to verify if subjective well-being (SWB) modifies the autoregressive effect of daily emotions and if this emotional inertia predicts long-term changes in SWB among people living with HIV (PLWH).

Methods
The 131 participants had medically confirmed diagnoses of HIV and were undergoing antiretroviral therapy. They assessed their SWB (satisfaction with life, negative affect, positive affect) twice with an interval of one year. They also took part in a five-day online diary study six months from their baseline SWB assessment and reported their daily negative and positive emotions.

Results
Results showed that baseline SWB did not modify the emotional carryover effect from one to another. Additionally, after control for baseline SWB, emotional inertia did not predict SWB one year later. However, such an effect was noted for the mean values of daily reported emotions, indicating their unique predictive power over SWB itself.

Conclusions
This may suggest that emotional inertia does not necessarily provide better information than more straightforward measures of affective functioning.
Association of exacerbation phenotype with the sputum microbiome in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients during the clinically stable state
Authors: Yang Chia-Yu , Li Shiao-Wen , Chin Chia-Yin , Hsu Chia-Wei , Lee Chi-Ching , Yeh Yuan-Ming , Wu Kuo-An 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, life-threatening lung disease with increasing prevalence and incidence worldwide. Increasing evidence suggests that lung microbiomes might play a physiological role in acute exacerbations of COPD. The objective of this study was to characterize the association of the microbiota and exacerbation risk or airflow limitation in stable COPD patients.

Methods
The sputum microbiota from 78 COPD outpatients during periods of clinical stability was investigated using 16S rRNA V3-V4 amplicon sequencing. The microbiome profiles were compared between patients with different risks of exacerbation, i.e., the low risk exacerbator (LRE) or high risk exacerbator (HRE) groups, and with different airflow limitation severity, i.e., mild to moderate (FEV1 ≥ 50; PFT I) or severe to very severe (FEV1 < 50; PFT II).

Results
The bacterial diversity (Chao1 and observed OTUs) was significantly decreased in the HRE group compared to that in the LRE group. The top 3 dominant phyla in sputum were Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria, which were similar in the HRE and LRE groups. At the genus level, compared to that in the LRE group (41.24%), the proportion of Streptococcus was slightly decreased in the HRE group (28.68%) (p = 0.007). However, the bacterial diversity and the proportion of dominant bacteria at the phylum and genus levels were similar between the PFT I and PFT II groups. Furthermore, the relative abundances of Gemella morbillorum, Prevotella histicola, and Streptococcus gordonii were decreased in the HRE group compared to those in the LRE group according to linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe). Microbiome network analysis suggested altered bacterial cooperative regulation in different exacerbation phenotypes. The proportions of Proteobacteria and Neisseria were negatively correlated with the FEV1/FVC value. According to functional prediction of sputum bacterial communities through Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) analysis, genes involved in lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and energy metabolism were enriched in the HRE group.

Conclusion
The present study revealed that the sputum microbiome changed in COPD patients with different risks of exacerbation. Additionally, the bacterial cooperative networks were altered in the HRE patients and may contribute to disease exacerbation. Our results provide evidence that sputum microbiome community dysbiosis is associated with different COPD phenotypes, and we hope that by understanding the lung microbiome, a potentially modifiable clinical factor, further targets for improved COPD therapies during the clinically stable state may be elucidated.
HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) versus adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL)
Authors: Zarei-Ghobadi Mohadeseh , Sheikhi Mohsen , Teymoori-Rad Majid , Yaslianifard Sahar , Norouzi Mehdi , Yaslianifard Somayeh , Faraji Reza , Farahmand Mohammad , Bayat Shiva , Jafari Mohieddin , Mozhgani Sayed-Hamidreza 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectivesHuman T cell leukemia virus-1 (HTLV-1) infection may lead to one or both diseases including HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) or adult T cell leukemia lymphoma (ATLL). The complete interactions of the virus with host cells in both diseases is yet to be determined. This study aims to construct an interaction network for distinct signaling pathways in these diseases based on finding differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between HAM/TSP and ATLL.ResultsWe identified 57 hub genes with higher criteria scores in the primary protein–protein interaction network (PPIN). The ontology-based enrichment analysis revealed following important terms: positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter, positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter involved in meiotic cell cycle and positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter by histone modification. The upregulated genes TNF, PIK3R1, HGF, NFKBIA, CTNNB1, ESR1, SMAD2, PPARG and downregulated genes VEGFA, TLR2, STAT3, TLR4, TP53, CHUK, SERPINE1, CREB1 and BRCA1 were commonly observed in all the three enriched terms in HAM/TSP vs. ATLL. The constructed interaction network was then visualized inside a mirrored map of signaling pathways for ATLL and HAM/TSP, so that the functions of hub genes were specified in both diseases.
Authentication of Aspergillus parasiticus strains in the genome database of the National Center for Biotechnology Information
Authors: Chang Perng-Kuang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective
The use of genome sequences from strains authenticated to correct species level is a prerequisite for confidently exploring the evolutionary relationship among related species. Aspergillus strains erroneously curated as Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus fumigatus have been noticed in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) genome database. Aspergillus parasiticus is one of several aspergilli that produce aflatoxin, the most potent carcinogenic mycotoxin known up to now. To ensure that valid conclusions are drawn by researchers from their genomics-related studies, molecular analyses were carried out to authenticate identities of A. parasiticus strains in the NCBI genome database.

Results
Two of the nine supposedly A. parasiticus strains, E1365 and NRRL2999, were found to be misidentified. They turned out to be Aspergillus flavus based on genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genetic features associated with production of aflatoxin and cyclopiazonic acid. NRRL2999 lacked the additional partial aflatoxin gene cluster known to be present in its equivalent strain, designated as SU-1, and shared a very low total SNPs count specifically with A. flavus NRRL3357 but not with other A. flavus isolates. Therefore, the mislabeled NRRL2999 strain actually is a clonal strain of A. flavus NRRL3357, whose genome was first sequenced in 2005.