bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trait correlated expression combined with eQTL and ASE analyses identified novel candidate genes affecting intramuscular fat
Authors: Liu Yan , Long Huan , Feng Simin , Ma Tingting , Wang Mufeng , Niu Lizhu , Zhang Xinyi , Wang Lianni , Lei Yu , Chen Yilong , Wang Qiankun , Xu Xuewen 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Intramuscular fat (IMF) content is a determining factor for meat taste. The Luchuan pig is a fat-type local breed in southern China that is famous for its desirable meat quality due to high IMF, however, the crossbred offspring of Luchuan sows and Duroc boars displayed within-population variation on meat quality, and the reason remains unknown.

Results
In the present study, we identified 212 IMF-correlated genes (FDR ≤ 0.01) using correlation analysis between gene expression level and the value of IMF content. The IMF-correlated genes were significantly enriched in the processes of lipid metabolism and mitochondrial energy metabolism, as well as the AMPK/PPAR signaling pathway. From the IMF-correlated genes, we identified 99 genes associated with expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) or allele-specific expression (ASE) signals, including 21 genes identified by both cis-eQTL and ASE analyses and 12 genes identified by trans-eQTL analysis. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) of IMF identified a significant QTL on SSC14 (p-value = 2.51E−7), and the nearest IMF-correlated gene SFXN4 (r = 0.28, FDR = 4.00E−4) was proposed as the candidate gene. Furthermore, we highlighted another three novel IMF candidate genes, namely AGT, EMG1, and PCTP, by integrated analysis of GWAS, eQTL, and IMF-gene correlation analysis.

Conclusions
The AMPK/PPAR signaling pathway together with the processes of lipid and mitochondrial energy metabolism plays a vital role in regulating porcine IMF content. Trait correlated expression combined with eQTL and ASE analysis highlighted a priority list of genes, which compensated for the shortcoming of GWAS, thereby accelerating the mining of causal genes of IMF.
A NIM PET/CT phantom for evaluating the PET image quality of micro-lesions and the performance parameters of CT
Authors: Lu Shujie , Zhang Peng , Li Chengwei , Sun Jie , Liu Wenli , Zhang Pu 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe commonly used NEMA IEC Body phantom has a number of defects, hindering its application for detecting micro-lesions and measuring the performance parameters of computed tomography (CT). This study aimed to propose a PET/CT phantom designed by National Institute of Metrology (NIM), China, which is capable of simultaneously testing the performance of PET and CT systems, and to evaluate the quality of imaging.MethodsThe phantom developed in the present study, the NIM PET/CT phantom, is composed of a PET imaging module and a CT imaging module, and these modules are connected together through bolts, which can simultaneously measure the imaging performance of PET and CT systems. Hot spheres were filled with 4:1 sphere-to-background activity concentration using18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG), and cold spheres were filled with non-radioactive water. We compared the results of imaging obtained from the NIM PET/CT phantom and the NEMA IEC Body phantom to assess their diagnostic efficacy. In order to evaluate the generalization ability of the NIM PET/CT phantom, three different PET/CT systems were used to scan on the same scanning protocol. To evaluate the effects of image reconstruction algorithms on image quality assessment, ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM), OSEM-point-spread function (PSF), OSEM-TOF, and OSEM-PSF-TOF algorithms were employed.ResultsThe imaging quality of the NIM PET/CT phantom and the NEMA IEC Body phantom was relatively consistent. The NIM PET/CT phantom could detect 7 mm spheres without influencing the imaging quality. It was found that PSF reconstruction exhibited to reduce the speed of convergence, the contrast and background variability of spheres (13–28 mm) were significantly improved after two iterations. In addition to improve the image contrast and background variability, TOF could markedly improve the overall image quality and instrument detection limit. TOF-PSF could noticeably reduce noise level, enhance imaging details, and improve quality of imaging.ConclusionsThe results showed that in comparison with the NEMA IEC Body phantom, the NIM PET/CT phantom outperformed in evaluating the PET image quality of micro-lesions and the performance parameters of CT.
The importance of adverse childhood experiences for labour market trajectories over the life course: a longitudinal study
Authors: Hansen Claus D. , Kirkeby Mette J. , Kjelmann Kristian G. , Andersen Johan H. , Møberg Rasmus J. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Transitioning from school to work is important in influencing people’s trajectories throughout their life course. This study investigated the extent to which adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were associated with differences in labour market trajectories for young adults in the context of a Nordic child care regime with low levels of child poverty.

Methods
Information on labour market participation, educational events, and public transfer records was recoded into seven state spaces for each month between ages 16 and 32 for a cohort of Danish adolescents born in a rural county in 1983 (N = 3373). Cluster analysis of the sequences using the optimal matching algorithm was used to identify groups with similar trajectories. Multinomial regression was used to assess the association between self-reported ACEs and cluster membership, taking gender and family of origin into account.

Results
‘In employment’ was the state space in which the young adults spent the most time over their early life courses (mean: 85 out of 204 months; 42%). Cluster analysis identified three clusters. Cluster 3 was most distinct, where the mean time ‘outside the labour market’ was 149 months (73%), and only 17 months (8%) were spent ‘in employment’. Cumulative ACEs increased the probability of being included in Cluster 3 (OR: 1.51). Experiencing parental divorce (OR: 3.05), witnessing a violent event (OR: 3.70), and being abused (OR: 5.64) were most strongly associated with Cluster 3 membership.

Conclusions
Labour market trajectories among adolescents with a higher number of ACEs consisted of more time outside the labour market, compared to adolescents who had experienced fewer adversities. The lasting consequences of childhood adversity should be taken more into account in welfare policies, even in countries such as Denmark, with high social security levels and high-quality universal childcare.
Quantifying contact patterns in response to COVID-19 public health measures in Canada
Authors: Brankston Gabrielle , Merkley Eric , Fisman David N. , Tuite Ashleigh R. , Poljak Zvonimir , Loewen Peter J. , Greer Amy L. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
A variety of public health measures have been implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada to reduce contact between individuals. The objective of this study was to provide empirical contact pattern data to evaluate the impact of public health measures, the degree to which social contacts rebounded to normal levels, as well as direct public health efforts toward age- and location-specific settings.

Methods
Four population-based cross-sectional surveys were administered to members of a paid panel representative of Canadian adults by age, gender, official language, and region of residence during May (Survey 1), July (Survey 2), September (Survey 3), and December (Survey 4) 2020. A total of 4981 (Survey 1), 2493 (Survey 2), 2495 (Survey 3), and 2491 (Survey 4) respondents provided information about the age and setting for each direct contact made in a 24-h period. Contact matrices were constructed and contacts for those under the age of 18 years imputed. The next generation matrix approach was used to estimate the reproduction number (Rt) for each survey. Respondents with children under 18 years estimated the number of contacts their children made in school and extracurricular settings.

Results
Estimated Rt values were 0.49 (95% CI: 0.29–0.69) for May, 0.48 (95% CI: 0.29–0.68) for July, 1.06 (95% CI: 0.63–1.52) for September, and 0.81 (0.47–1.17) for December. The highest proportion of reported contacts occurred within the home (51.3% in May), in ‘other’ locations (49.2% in July) and at work (66.3 and 65.4% in September and December). Respondents with children reported an average of 22.7 (95% CI: 21.1–24.3) (September) and 19.0 (95% CI 17.7–20.4) (December) contacts at school per day per child in attendance.

Conclusion
The skewed distribution of reported contacts toward workplace settings in September and December combined with the number of reported school-related contacts suggest that these settings represent important opportunities for transmission emphasizing the need to support and ensure infection control procedures in both workplaces and schools.
Clinical outcomes of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in COVID-19 related acute respiratory distress syndrome: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ali Husain S. , Elshafei Moustafa S. , Saad Mohamed O. , Mitwally Hassan A. , Al Wraidat Mohammad , Aroos Asra , Shaikh Nissar , Ananthegowda Dore C. , Abdelaty Mohamed A. , George Saibu , Nashwan Abdulqadir J. , Mohamed Ahmed S. , Khatib Mohamad Y. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been used as an immunomodulatory therapy to counteract severe systemic inflammation in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). But its use in COVID-19 related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is not well established.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of electronic health records of COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) at Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital, Qatar, between March 7, 2020 and September 9, 2020. Patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for moderate-to-severe ARDS were divided into two groups based on whether they received IVIG therapy or not. The primary outcome was all-cause ICU mortality. Secondary outcomes studied were ventilator-free days and ICU-free days at day-28, and incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI). Propensity score matching was used to adjust for confounders, and the primary outcome was compared using competing-risks survival analysis.

Results
Among 590 patients included in the study, 400 received routine care, and 190 received IVIG therapy in addition to routine care. One hundred eighteen pairs were created after propensity score matching with no statistically significant differences between the groups. Overall ICU mortality in the study population was 27.1%, and in the matched cohort, it was 25.8%. Mortality was higher among IVIG-treated patients (36.4% vs. 15.3%; sHR 3.5; 95% CI 1.98–6.19; P < 0.001). Ventilator-free days and ICU-free days at day-28 were lower (P < 0.001 for both), and incidence of AKI was significantly higher (85.6% vs. 67.8%; P = 0.001) in the IVIG group.

Conclusion
IVIG therapy in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 related moderate-to-severe ARDS was associated with higher ICU mortality. A randomized clinical trial is needed to confirm this observation further.
Hospital admission trends due to respiratory diseases in England and Wales between 1999 and 2019: an ecologic study
Authors: Naser Abdallah Y. , Mansour Munthir M. , Alanazi Abeer F. R. , Sabha Omar , Alwafi Hassan , Jalal Zahraa , Paudyal Vibhu , Dairi Mohammad S. , Salawati Emad M. , Alqahtan Jaber S. , Alaamri Shalan , Mustafa Ali Moaath K. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Identifying trends of hospital admissions for respiratory diseases is crucial for public health and research to guide future clinical improvements for better outcomes. This study aims to define the trends of respiratory disease-related hospital admissions (RRHA) in England and Wales between 1999 and 2019.

Methods
An ecological study was conducted using hospital admission data taken from the Hospital Episode Statistics database in England and the Patient Episode Database for Wales. Hospital admissions data for respiratory diseases were extracted for the period between April 1999 and March 2019. The trend in hospital admissions was assessed using a Poisson model.

Results
Hospital admission rate increased by 104.7% [from 1535.05 (95% CI 1531.71–1538.38) in 1999 to 3142.83 (95% CI 3138.39–3147.26) in 2019 per 100,000 persons, trend test, p < 0.01]. The most common causes were influenza and pneumonia, chronic lower respiratory diseases, other acute lower respiratory infections, which accounted for 26.6%, 26.4%, and 14.9%, respectively. The age group 75 years and above accounted for 34.1% of the total number of hospital admissions. Males contributed to 50.5% of the total number of hospital admissions. Hospital admission rate in females increased by 119.8% [from 1442.18 (95% CI 1437.66–1446.70) in 1999 to 3169.38 (95% CI 3163.11–3175.64) in 2019 per 100,000 persons, trend test, p < 0.001]. Hospital admission rate increased by 92.9% in males [from 1633.25 (95% CI 1628.32–1638.17) in 1999 to 3149.78 (95% CI 3143.46–3156.09) in 2019 per 100,000 persons, trend test, p < 0.001].

Conclusion
During the study period, hospital admissions rate due to respiratory diseases increased sharply. The rates of hospital admissions were higher among males for the vast majority of respiratory diseases. Further observational studies are warranted to identify risk factors for these hospital admissions and to offer relevant interventions to mitigate the risk.
Prevalence, risk factors, and management practices of primary dysmenorrhea among young females
Authors: Karout Samar , Soubra Lama , Rahme Deema , Karout Lina , Khojah Hani M J , Itani Rania 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is one of the most common gynecological conditions among young females, which has a significant negative impact on health-related quality of life and productivity. Despite its high prevalence, the evidence is limited regarding the management-seeking practices and its perceived effectiveness among females with PD.

Methods
This is a cross-sectional study conducted among 550 female students in six universities across Lebanon. The prevalence of PD, associated risk factors, and management-seeking practices were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire.

Results
The prevalence of PD was 80.9%. Most of the females with PD described their menstrual pain as moderate (56%) to severe (34.6%), which significantly affected their daily activities and studying ability (P < 0.001). The major risk factors associated with PD included heavy menstrual flow (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 10.28), family history of PD (AOR = 2.52), history of weight loss attempt (AOR = 2.05), and medical specialization (AOR = 1.663). Only 36.9% of females with PD sought formal medical advice. Most dysmenorrheic females (76.4%) received medications for the management of PD, and remarkably none of them took hormonal contraceptives. Drugs commonly used for PD were mefenamic acid (26.2%), ibuprofen (25%), and paracetamol (11.5%), which were administered when the pain started (58.2%). All medications were significantly effective in reducing the pain score (P = 0.001), and most NSAIDs were more potent than paracetamol in managing PD (P = 0.001). However, no significant difference in adverse effects among medications was revealed. Moreover, no superiority of any individual NSAID for pain relief was established. Nevertheless, mefenamic acid was associated with the lowest risk of abdominal pain (OR: 0.03, P = 0.005) and the highest risk of flank pain (OR = 12, P = 0.02).

Conclusions
Suboptimal management of PD is practiced among university students in Lebanon. Therefore, health care providers should educate dysmenorrheic females to optimize the self-management support of PD. Furthermore, future research is required to investigate females’ misconceptions about hormonal contraceptives in the management of PD, aiming to raise awareness and correct misconceptions.
Restoration of 5-methoxytryptophan protects against atherosclerotic chondrogenesis and calcification in ApoE−/− mice fed high fat diet
Authors: Lee Guan-Lin , Liao Tsai-Lien , Wu Jing-Yiing , Wu Kenneth K. , Kuo Cheng-Chin 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2) promotes vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) transdifferentiation to chondrocytes and calcification in a p38 MAPK-dependent manner. Vascular 5-methoxytryptophan (5-MTP) is a newly identified factor with anti-inflammatory actions. As 5-MTP targets p38 MAPK for its actions, we postulated that 5-MTP protects against vascular chondrogenesis and calcification.

Methods
High-fat diet-induced advanced atherosclerosis in mice were performed to investigate the effect of 5-MTP on atherosclerotic lesions and calcification. VSMCs were used to determine the role of 5-MTP in VSMC chondrogenic differentiation and calcification. Alizarin red S and Alcian blue staining were used to measure VSMC calcification and chondrogenic differentiation, respectively.

Results
5-MTP was detected in aortic tissues of ApoE−/− mice fed control chow. It was reduced in ApoE−/− mice fed high-fat diet (HFD), but was restored in ApoE−/−Tlr2−/− mice, suggesting that HFD reduces vascular 5-MTP production via TLR2. Intraperitoneal injection of 5-MTP or its analog into ApoE−/− mice fed HFD reduced aortic atherosclerotic lesions and calcification which was accompanied by reduction of chondrogenesis and calcium deposition. Pam3CSK4 (Pam3), ligand of TLR2, induced SMC phenotypic switch to chondrocytes. Pretreatment with 5-MTP preserved SMC contractile proteins and blocked Pam3-induced chondrocyte differentiation and calcification. 5-MTP inhibited HFD-induced p38 MAPK activation in vivo and Pam3-induced p38 MAPK activation in SMCs. 5-MTP suppressed HFD-induced CREB activation in aortic tissues and Pam3-induced CREB and NF-κB activation in SMCs.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that 5-MTP is a vascular arsenal against atherosclerosis and calcification by inhibiting TLR2–mediated SMC phenotypic switch to chondrocytes and the consequent calcification. 5-MTP exerts these effects by blocking p38 MAPK activation and inhibiting CREB and NF-κB transactivation activity.
Socioeconomic gradient in COVID-19 vaccination: evidence from Israel
Authors: Saban Mor , Myers Vicki , Ben-Shetrit Shani , Wilf-Miron Rachel 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Low socioeconomic status (SES) groups have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to examine COVID-19 vaccination rate by neighborhood SES and ethnicity in Israel, a country which has achieved high vaccination rates.

Methods
Data on vaccinations were obtained from the Israeli Ministry of Health’s open COVID-19 database, for December 20, 2020 to August 31, 2021. Correlation between vaccination rate and neighborhood SES was analyzed. Difference in vaccination rate between the first and second vaccine dose was analyzed by neighborhood SES and ethnicity.

Findings
A clear socioeconomic gradient was demonstrated, with higher vaccination rates in the higher SES categories (first dose: r = 0.66; second dose: r = 0.74; third dose: r = 0.92). Vaccination uptake was lower in the lower SES groups and in the Arab population, with the largest difference in uptake between Jewish and Arab localities for people younger than 60, and with the gap widening between first and third doses.

Conclusions
Low SES groups and the Arab ethnic minority demonstrated disparities in vaccine uptake, which were greater for the second and third, compared with the first vaccine dose. Strategies to address vaccination inequity will need to identify barriers, provide targeted information, and include trust-building in disadvantaged communities.
Women’s experiences of accessing individualized disability supports: gender inequality and Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme
Authors: Yates Sophie , Carey Gemma , Hargrave Jen , Malbon Eleanor , Green Celia 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Care services in industrialized nations are increasingly moving towards individualized funding models, which aim to increase individuals’ flexibility, choice and control over their services and supports. Recent research suggests that such schemes have the potential to exacerbate inequalities, however none has explored gendered dimensions of inequality. The Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a major individualized funding reform, and has a female participation rate of only 37%, despite women and girls making up half of the disability population.

Methods
The objective of the study is to explore possible gendered barriers to applying for and receiving adequate support through the NDIS, and to suggest directions for future research. We report on semi-structured interviews with 30 women with disability and explore their experiences with the NDIS and their perspectives on challenges associated with being a woman seeking disability support in Australia. We analyse the results using thematic analysis.

Results
Most women in our sample reported differences between the experiences of men and women seeking disability support in Australia. Commonly reported gendered barriers to women being able to access the right supports for their disability involve a) confidence, negotiation and self-advocacy, b) gendered discrimination in diagnosis and the medical system, which has implications for disability support access, and c) support for and recognition of caring roles.

Conclusions
These results suggest that women are not receiving equitable treatment with regard to the NDIS, and that further research and policy reform are needed to ensure that women with disability are not further disadvantaged as a result of the move toward individualized funding models.