bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elucidating the Cellular Mechanism for E2-induced Dermal Fibrosis
Authors: Frost DeAnna Baker , Savchenko Alisa , Ogunleye Adeyemi , Armstrong Milton , Feghali-Bostwick Carol 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Both TGFb and estradiol (E2), a form of estrogen, are pro-fibrotic in the skin. In the connective tissue disease, systemic sclerosis (SSc), both TGFb and E2 are likely pathogenic. Yet, the regulation of TGFb in E2-induced dermal fibrosis remains ill-defined. Elucidating those regulatory mechanisms will improve the understanding of fibrotic disease pathogenesis and set the stage for developing potential therapeutics. Using E2-stimulated primary human dermal fibroblasts in vitro and human skin tissue ex vivo, we identified the important regulatory proteins for TGFb and investigated the extracellular matrix (ECM) components that are directly stimulated by E2-induced TGFb signaling.Methods: We used primary human dermal fibroblasts in vitro and human skin tissue ex vivo stimulated with E2 or vehicle (ethanol) to measure TGFb1, TGFb2 levels using quantitative PCR (qPCR). To identify the necessary cell signaling proteins in E2-induced TGFb1 and TGFb2 transcription, human dermal fibroblasts were pre-treated with an inhibitor of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/ mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathway, U0126. Finally, human skin tissue ex vivo was pre-treated with SB-431542, a TGFb receptor inhibitor, and ICI 182,780, an estrogen receptor α (ER α) inhibitor, to establish the effects of TGFb and ER α signaling on E2-induced collagen 22A1 (Col22A1) transcription. Results: We found that expression of TGFb1, TGFb2, and Col22A1, a TGFb-responsive gene, are induced in response to E2 stimulation. Mechanistically, Col22A1 induction was blocked by SB-431542 and ICI 182,780 despite E2 stimulation. Additionally, inhibiting E2-induced ERK/MAPK activation and early growth response 1 (EGR1) transcription prevents the E2-induced increase in TGFb1 and TGFb2 transcription and translation. Conclusions: We conclude that E2-induced dermal fibrosis occurs in part through induction of TGFb1, 2 and Col22A1, which is regulated through EGR1 and the MAPK pathway. Thus, blocking estrogen signaling and/or production may be a novel therapeutic option in pro-fibrotic diseases.
Proteinuria After 12 Months of Treatment For Lupus Nephritis As Predictor of Long-Term Renal Outcome: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Braga Fernanda , Medeiros Marta Maria , Junior Antonio Viana , Barros Levi , Pontes Marcelo , Lima Matheus Eugênio , Lima Allysson Wosley , Fernandes Paula 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Lupus Nephritis (LN) progression to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End-Stage-Renal-Disease (ESRD) represents one of the most dreaded complications of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), directly impacting quality of life and overall survival in affected patients. Identifying LN patients at high risk for poor renal outcome could lead to individualized management and treatment strategies regarding this population. We hypothesized that 24-hour urine proteinuria (PTU) after 12 months of treatment could act as a predictor of poor renal outcome in LN patients Methods: two hundred and fourteen patients who were diagnosed with LN and were followed up for more than 10 years in our center were enrolled retrospectively. Receiver operating characteristics curves (ROC) were used to test the best cut-off value of PTU who predict bad long-term renal outcome. Results: the statistical difference was observed from 12 months when the outcome was ESRD, with a tendency from 6 months (p=0.06). Proteinuria > 0.9g/day at 12 months was the best predictor of ESRD, with the highest AUC (0.72). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 0.83, 0.65, 0.40, and 0.93, respectively. In the first year of LN treatment the serum creatinine was statistically different in any time for CKD (chronic kidney disease), but only at baseline for ESRD. Conclusions: In a population with more severe LN followed for a long time (>10 years), the cut-off point of PTU > 0.9/day is the best that predict progression to ESRD. The high negative predictive value emphasizes the need for a 1-year PTU-based LN treat to target treatment as a predictor of long-term renal outcome.
The Origin of Transparent and Non-Transparent White Pumice: A Case Study of the 52ka Maninjau Caldera Forming Eruption, Indonesia
Authors: Suhendro Indranova , Toramaru Atsushi , Harijoko Agung , Wibowo Haryo Edi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The 52ka eruption of Maninjau caldera produced two distinctive type of white pumices: transparent (TWP) and non-transparent (NTWP). Both pumice types are crystal-poor (avg. 3.3 %), having similar mineralogy (pl > qz > bt > px > opq), similar glass compositions (avg. 78.5 wt. % SiO2), and similar plagioclase core compositions (avg. An20-30). We found that the abundance of TWP decrease towards the upper stratigraphic positions, together with the increase in NTWP, grey pumice, banded pumice, and lithic contents. Vesicles in TWP are typically dominated by large vesicles, while NTWP is characterized by abundant-small vesicles. Large vesicle corresponds to the preexisting bubble which formed in magma chamber (pheno-bubble, > 0.1 mm). On the other hand, small vesicle in groundmass (matrix-bubble, < 0.1 mm) is attributed to second nucleation in the conduit during the eruption. We performed quantitative comparison using pheno- and matrix-bubble number densities (PBND and MBND) for these two white pumice types. The correlation between PBND and MBND result in two regimes: (1) decompression-controlled regime, showing nearly constant-PBND correlation for TWP, and (2) phenobubble-controlled regime, showing steeply-decreasing PBND correlation for NTWP. In the first regime, MBNDs value varies dramatically, suggesting the variation of decompression rate by two to three orders of magnitudes. While in the second regime, the slight increase of MBNDs is considered as the effect of the decrease in PBND within the nearly constant decompression rate.
The K Nearest Neighbor Algorithm for Imputation of Missing Longitudinal Prenatal Alcohol Data
Authors: Sania Ayesha , Pini Nicolo , Nelson Morgan , Myers Michael , Shuffrey Lauren , Lucchini Maristella , Elliott Amy J. , Odendaal Hein J. , Fifer William 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background — Missing data are a source of bias in epidemiologic studies. This is problematic in alcohol research where data missingness is linked to drinking behavior. Methods — The Safe Passage study was a prospective investigation of prenatal drinking and fetal/infant outcomes (n=11,083). Daily alcohol consumption for last reported drinking day and 30 days prior was recorded using Timeline Followback method. Of 3.2 million person-days, data were missing for 0.36 million. We imputed missing data using a machine learning algorithm; “K Nearest Neighbor” (K-NN). K-NN imputes missing values for a participant using data of participants closest to it. Imputed values were weighted for the distances from nearest neighbors and matched for day of week. Validation was done on randomly deleted data for 5-15 consecutive days. Results — Data from 5 nearest neighbors and segments of 55 days provided imputed values with least imputation error. After deleting data segments from with no missing days first trimester, there was no difference between actual and predicted values for 64% of deleted segments. For 31% of the segments, imputed data were within +/-1 drink/day of the actual. Conclusions — K-NN can be used to impute missing data in longitudinal studies of alcohol use during pregnancy with high accuracy.
METS-IR, a Novel Score to Evaluate Insulin Sensitivity, is Associated with the Urinary Albumin–Creatinine Ratio in Chinese Adults: A Cross-sectional REACTION Study
Authors: Su Wanlu , Wang Jie , Yu Songyan , Chen Kang , Yan Wenhua , Gao Zhengnan , Tang Xuelei , Wan Qin , Luo Zuojie , Ning Guang , Mu Yiming 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR) is a novel noninsulin-based metabolic index used as a substitution marker of insulin resistance and for cardiovascular disease evaluation. However, whether METS-IR is associated with the urinary albumin–creatinine ratio (UACR) is not well known. Therefore, we explored the age- and sex-related associations between METS-IR and UACR and compared the discriminative ability of the METS-IR index and its components for elevated UACR. Methods: This study included 37,290 subjects from the REACTION study (Risk Evaluation of cAncers in Chinese diabeTic Individuals: a IONgitudinal study). METS-IR was calculated as follows:(Ln[2×fasting blood glucose{mg/dL}+fasting triglyceride level{mg/dL}]×body mass index)/(Ln [high-density lipoprotein cholesterol{mg/dL}]). Participants were divided into four groups on the basis of METS-IR: <25%, 25%–49%, 50%–74%, and ≥75%. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the associations between METS-IR vs. its components{(fasting blood glucose(FBG), fasting triglyceride level, body mass index, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol} with UACR. Results: Participants with the highest quartile METS-IR, particularly men,presented a more significant trend towards elevated UACR than towards its components (odds ratio [OR]: 1.260, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.152–1.378, P<0.001 in all subjects; OR: 1.321, 95% CI: 1.104–1.579, P=0.002 in men; OR: 1.201, 95% CI: 1.083–1.330, P < 0.001 in women). There were significant associations between METS-IR and UACR in younger participants (<65 years for women and 55–64 years for men) and those with an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2. Increased METS-IR was significantly associated with UACR in men with FBG ≥ 5.6 mmol/L or postprandial blood glucose ≥ 7.8 mmol/L and systolic blood pressure ≥ 120mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 80 mmHg. The relationships were significant in women with diabetes and hypertension. Conclusions: Increased METS-IR was significantly associated with elevated UACR, and its discriminative power for elevated UACR was superior to that of its components. The findings support the clinical significance of METS-IR for evaluating the cardiometabolic risk and renal function damage among Chinese adults.
Timing of Admission to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit is Associated with in-Hospital Mortality
Authors: Kim Mi Kyoung , Jung Eun-Joo , Park Seulkee , Kim Im-kyung 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Knowledge about the relationship between timing of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and mortality among surgical patients admitted for acute care is limited.Objective: We aimed to investigate whether admission to the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) during after-hours (all the times when intensivists were not staffed in the ICU) was associated with in-hospital mortality.Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary academic hospital, in which we analyzed data of 571 patients admitted to the SICU whose complete medical records were available. The work-hours were defined as 07:00-19:00 from Monday to Friday during which intensivists were staffed in the ICU. The after-hours were defined as all other times during which intensivists were not staffed in the SICU. The primary outcome measurement was in-hospital mortality according to the time of SICU admission.Results: In all, 333 and 238 patients were admitted to the SICU during work-hours and after-hours, respectively. Unplanned admissions (33.3% vs. 47.1%, p<0.001), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score ≥25 (11.1% vs. 23.9%, p<0.001), ventilator support (17.4% vs. 34.0%, p<0.001), and use of inotropics (33.3% vs. 50.0%, p<0.001) were significantly higher in the after-hours group than in the work-hours group. In the multivariate analyses of the association between the time of SICU admission and in-hospital mortality, the timing of SICU admission was an independent factor for in-hospital mortality (OR=2.526; 95% CI=1.010-6.320, p=0.048). Conclusions: In this study, we found that admission to the SICU during after-hours was associated with increased in-hospital mortality.
Mitogenome and Phylogenetic Analysis of Typhlocybine Leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)
Authors: Jiang Jia , Chen Xiaoxiao , Li Can , Song Yuehua 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Mitogenomes play an active role in determining the relationship between insect phylogeny and evolution and solve some problems encountered in traditional morphological classification. In order to increase the mitogenome data of leafhoppers the mitogenomes of Cassianeura cassiae and C. bimaculata were sequenced in this study and found to be 15,423 bp and 14,597 bp in length respectively. The gene structure was found to be similar to other published leafhopper mitogenomes, but we found the length of the control region of C. bimaculata to be the shortest in existing studies. The phylogenetic analysis of 13 PCGs resulted in a well-supported tree topology but species in Typhlocybini and Zyginellini were mixed. Meanwhile, this study also provided the phylogenetic analysis based on the body external morphology, female genitalia morphology and male genitalia morphology of 9 species of Typhlocybinae. The results showed that the female sternite VII of different species is quite different, but the female valvulae of different species in the same genus shows a certain consistency. The morphological phylogenetic tree is basically the same structure as the molecular phylogenetic tree. In the two different kinds of phylogenetic trees, Typhlocybini and Zyginellini clustered into one clade, showing a more closed relationship.
Intracranial Germ Cells Tumour: a single institution experience in Argentina
Authors: Baroni Lorena Viviana , Oller Agustina , Freytes Candela Soledad , Sampor Claudia Vanesa , Fernandez Nicolas Ponce , Pinto Natalia , Rugilo Carlos , Lubieniecki Fabiana , Zubizarreta Pedro , Alderete Daniel Horacio 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Intracranial germ cell tumor (iGCT) represents a rare and heterogeneous group, with variable incidence and diverse treatment strategies. Although multiagent chemotherapy with reduced radiotherapy strategy has been applied by several cooperative groups in North America and Western Europe, there is a paucity of data to understand if this combined regimen issuitable in low-middle income countries (LMIC).Methods: We evaluate the outcome in a cohort of iGCT treated by SIOP-CNS-GCT-96 strategy at Hospital J.P Garrahan in Argentinaover the last 20 years. Radiation field and dose included focal radiotherapy (FRT) before 2009 or focal radiotherapy plus whole ventricular radiotherapy (WVRT) after 2009 for localized germinoma and FRT or FRT plus WVRT or CSI for non germinomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCT)Results: Sixty iGCT were identified; 39 germinoma and 21 NGGCT. Median follow-up was 6.57 years (range 0.13-20.5). Five-year PFS and OS were 83.5% (95% CI [165.53 - 223.2]) and 88.7% (95% CI [169.84 - 223.2]) for the germinoma group, while for the NGGCT group were 75% (95% CI [133.27 – 219.96]) and 64.2% (95% CI [107.38 – 201.81]) respectively. The localized germinoma group showed poor results between 2000-2009 with 5-year PFS and OS of 69% and 75% respectively, and an excellent outcome between 2010-2019 with a 5-years PFS and OS of 92.8% and 100%. A univariable analysis identified this difference in survival as related to the field of radiotherapy, specifically whole ventricular radiotherapy. FRT increased the risk of recurrence in localized germinoma, involving not only ventricular relapses; but spinal cord and disseminated disease as well. There were no relapses of localized NGGCT after FRT and FRT plus WVRT.Conclusion: Herein we demonstrate that intensive chemotherapy followed by FRT plus WVRT for germinoma is a feasible and effective strategy, warranting further study in the developing world.
Managing the Energy Trilemma in the Philippines
Authors: Yap Josef T. , Gabriola Aaron Joseph P. , Herrera Chrysogonus F. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background The transition to an energy mix with lower carbon emissions is hampered by the existence of the so-called energy trilemma. The primary consequence is a trade-off between various objectives of energy policy, e.g., equity and sustainability. This paper proposes a framework and methodology to manage the trilemma by applying methods related to multi-criteria decision making in order to assign weights to the various components of the trilemma.Results Following the International Energy Agency (IEA), an expanded concept of energy security is adopted and translates to a version of the trilemma different from that of the World Energy Council. This study takes into account autarky, price, supply, and carbon emissions. The values of these variables are generated by a software called PLEXOS and are incorporated in a welfare function. Trade-offs and complementarities among the four variables are taken into account by the equations in the PLEXOS model. Meanwhile, weights for each of the components of the trilemma are obtained using the Analytical Hierarchy Process. The experts interviewed for this exercise are considered hypothetical heads of the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE).Conclusion Two scenarios were compared: a market-based simulation and one where a carbon-tax was imposed. The ranking clearly depended on the preferences of the hypothetical heads of the DOE. Policy options can, therefore, be ranked using the values generated by the welfare function. In this manner, trade-offs are measured and the trilemma can be managed even if it is not resolved.
Stand Stability of Pure and Mixed Eucalyptus Forests&nbsp;of Different tree Species in a Typhoon-prone Area
Authors: Deng Haiyan , Shen Linlin , Yang Jiaqi , Mo Xiaoyong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background: Stable stand structure of mixed plantations is the basis of giving full play to forest ecological function and benefit, and the pure Eucalyptus plantations with large-area and successive planting have presented to be unstable and vulnerable in typhoon-prone area. In this study, we investigated eight 30 m × 30 m plots randomly in pure and mixed eucalyptus forests on growth status, characterized and compared the distribution of non-spatial structure of mixtures with that of mono-species plantation, and evaluated the stand quality and stability from eight indexes including preservation rate, stand density, height, diameter, stem form, degree of slant, tree species composition and age structure, so as to find out the best mixed composition and pattern of eucalyptus and other tree species in typhoon-prone area. Results: Eucalyptus surviving in the mixed forest of Eucalyptus and A. mangium (EA) and the mixed forest of Eucalyptus and P. elliottii × P. caribaea (EP) were 5.0% and 7.6% greater than those in pure Eucalyptus forest (E) respectively, while only the stand preservation rate of EA was greater (+2.9%) than that of pure Eucalyptus forest. The proportions of all mixtures on the height class that greater than 7 m were fewer than that of monoculture. The proportion of EA and EN (mixed forest of Eucalyptus and N.cadamba) on the diameter class that greater than 7 m were 10.6% and 7.8% respectively more than that of monoculture. EN got a highest ratio of branching visibly (41%), EA got a highest ratio of slant stems (8.1%) and EP got a most straight and complete stem form (68.7%). The stand stability of the mixed forest of Eucalyptus and A. mangium presents to be optimal for its subordinate function value (0.76) and status value (ω = 0.607) of real stand were the largest. Conclusion: A. mangium is a most superior tree specie to mix with Eucalyptus for a more stable stand structure in the early growth stage to approach an evident and immense stability and resistance, which is of great significance for the forest restoration of Eucalyptus in response to extreme climate and on the forest management.
Association of Golfing Career and Musculoskeletal Problems of the yips: A Large Scale Epidemiological Study in Japan
Authors: Gon Yasufumi , Kabata Daijiro , Kawamura Sadahito , Mihara Masahito , Shintani Ayumi , Nakata Ken , Mochizuki Hideki 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The yips are a set of conditions associated with intermittent motor disturbance that affects precision movement, especially in sports. Specifically, skilled golfers suffer from the yips, although its clinical characteristics and pathophysiology have not been well studied. Methods: The purpose of this study was aimed to conduct an epidemiological investigation and explore potential confounding factors associated with the yips among skilled golfers in Japan. We surveyed highly-skilled golfers for characterizing the yips-related symptoms. The survey comprised golfers’ demographic information, golfing-career-related history, musculoskeletal status, and manifestations of the yips. The answers obtained were statistically analyzed to examine the association between golf and the yips.Results: Among the 1,576 questionnaires distributed, 1,457 (92%) responded, of which 39% experienced the yips. The median age and golfing careers were 48 and 28 years, respectively. Golfers with the yips experience were older, had longer golfing careers, and more frequent musculoskeletal problems than those without the yips experience. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a longer golfing career [odds ratio (OR), 1.07; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04–1.11] and musculoskeletal problems (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03–1.13) were independent factors associated with the yips experience. More severe musculoskeletal problems were associated with higher odds of experiencing the yips. Changing the training method and/or hitting style were effective for improving the yips.Conclusions: Our results revealed that the yips has similar characteristics to task-specific movement disorders, with a detrimental effect caused by excessive repetition of a routine task and a positive association between the yips and musculoskeletal problems. These findings supported the notion that the yips is a type of task-specific dystonia.