bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and Validation of Hub Genes Related to Meniscus Senescence Based on Gene Expression Profiling Analysis
Authors: chen ming , Zhou Siqi , Shi Huasong , Gu Hanwen , Wen Yinxian , Chen Liaobin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The incidence of meniscal injury is on the rise, partly due to the general aging of the population. The compositional change in the meniscus with aging would increase the tissue vulnerability of the meniscus, which would induce meniscus tearing. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanism of age-related meniscus degeneration with gene expression profiling analysis.Methods: The GSE45233 dataset, including 6 elderly meniscus samples and 6 younger meniscus samples, which were obtained from patients undergoing arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for subsequent bioinformatics analysis. To screen the differential expression of mRNAs, identify the miRNAs targeting hub genes, and forecast the potentially toxic drugs, we completed a series of bioinformatics analyses, including functional and pathway enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction network, hub genes screening, construction of a lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA network, and molecular docking of potential drugs. Furthermore, hub genes were examined in human senescent menisci, mouse senescent meniscus tissues and mouse meniscus cells stimulated by IL-1β.Results: In total, the most significant 4 hub genes (RRM2, AURKB, CDK1, and TIMP1), 5 miRNAs (hsa-miR-6810-5p, hsa-miR-4676-5p, hsa-miR-6877-5p, hsa-miR-8085, and hsa-miR-6133) that could regulate such 4 hub genes and potential toxic drugs (Cladribine, Danusertib, Barasertib, Riviciclib, and Dinaciclib) that may have a targeting effect on these genes, were finally identified. The functional enrichment results showed that hub genes were mainly concentrated in aging and regulation of the cell cycle process. Further pathways enrichment analysis of these miRNA revealed that these miRNAs were involved in the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans. The hub genes were decreased in meniscus cells in vitro and meniscus tissues in vivo, which indicated that hub genes were related to meniscus senescence.Conclusions: In a word, our current study would provide a basis for finding markers of the aging meniscus to a certain extent.
Patient Empowerment Through a User-Centered Design of an Electronic Personal Health Record: A Qualitative Study of user Requirements in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Toni Esmaeel , Pirnejad Habibollah , Makhdoomi Khadijeh , Mivefroshan Azam , Niazkhani Zahra 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background To improve chronic disease outcomes, self-management is an effective strategy. An electronic Personal Health Record (ePHR) is a promising tool with the potential to support chronic patient’s education, counseling, and self-management. Fitting ePHRs within the daily practices of chronic care providers and chronic patients requires user-centered design approaches. We aimed to understand users’ needs and requirements in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) care to consider in the design of an ePHR to facilitate its implementation, adoption, and use.Methods A qualitative study was conducted in a major Iranian nephrology center including inpatient and outpatient settings in 2019. We conducted 28 semi-structured interviews with CKD patients, nurses, and adult nephrologists. To confirm or modify the requirements extracted from the interviews, a focus group was also held. Data were analyzed to extract those requirements that can facilitate implementation, adoption, and sustained use based on the PHR adoption model and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology.Results Participants requested an ePHR that provides access to up to date patient information, facilitates patient-provider communication, and increases awareness about patient individualized conditions. Participants expected a system that is able to cater to low patient e-health literacy and high provider workload. They requested the ePHR to include purposeful documentation of medical history, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, tailored educational content, and scheduled care reminders. Messaging function, tailored educational content to individual patients’ conditions, and controlled access to information were highly valued in order to facilitate its implementation, adoption, and use. Conclusions We focused on the ePHR’s content and functionalities in the face of facilitators and/or barriers envisioned for the implementation and adoption of an ePHR in nephrology care. Different users' requirements should inform the design and implementation of ePHR system especially in the context of CKD care. The insights gained can help ePHR designers and implementers to better support CKD patients in self-management.
Evaluating the Efficacy, Impact and Feasibility of Community-based House Screening as a Complementary Malaria Control Intervention in Southern Africa: a Study Protocol for a Household Randomized Trial.
Authors: Sangoro Peter Onyango , Fillinger Ulrike , Saili Kochelani , Nkya Theresia Estomih , Marubu Rose , Masaninga Freddie , Trigo Sonia Casimiro , Tarumbwa Casper , Hamainza Busiku , Baltazar Candrinho , Mberikunashe Joseph , Chisanga Brian , Kassie Menale , Chanda Emmanuel , Mutero Clifford Maina 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Concerted effort to control malaria has had a substantial impact on transmission of the disease in the past two decades. In areas where reduced malaria transmission is being sustained through insecticide-based vector control interventions, primarily long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), non-insecticidal complementary tools will likely be needed to push towards malaria elimination. Once interruption in local disease transmission is achieved, insecticide-based measures can be scaled down gradually and eventually phased out, saving on costs of sustaining control programmes and mitigating any unintended negative health and environmental impacts posed by insecticides. These non-insecticidal methods could eventually replace insecticidal methods of vector control. House screening, a non-insecticidal method, has a long history in malaria control, but is still not widely adopted in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to add to the evidence-base for this intervention in low transmission settings by assessing the efficacy, impact and feasibility of house screening in areas where LLINs are conventionally used for malaria control. Methods: A two-armed, household randomized clinical trial will be conducted in Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe to evaluate whether combined use of house screens and LLINs affords better protection against clinical malaria in children between 6 months and 13 years compared to the sole use of LLINs. Eight hundred households will be enrolled in each study area, where 400 households will be randomly assigned the intervention, house screening and LLINs while the control households will be provided with LLINs only. Clinical malaria incidence will be estimated by actively following up one child from each household for 6 months over the malaria transmission season. Cross-sectional parasite prevalence will be estimated by testing all participating children for malaria parasites at the beginning and end of each transmission season using rapid diagnostic tests.CDC light traps and pyrethrum spray catches (PSC) will be used to sample adult mosquitoes and evaluate the impact of house screening on indoor mosquito density, species distribution and sporozoite rates.Discussion: This study will contribute epidemiological data on the impact of house screening on malaria transmission and assess the feasibility of its implementation on a programmatic scale. Trial registration: This trial was retrospectively registered on 11th August 2020. Registration number PACTR202008524310568.
Pan Evaporative Changes in Trans-boundary Godavari River basin, India
Authors: Jhajharia Deepak , Gupta Shivam , Mirabbasi Rasoul , Kumar Rohitashw , Patle G. T. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Pan evaporative changes are one of the key components of water resources management of a basin under changing climate and anthropogenic-induced warming. This study was undertaken for trans-boundary Godavari River (India) to identify trends through the Mann-Kendall (MK) test after removing the effect of significant lag-1 serial correlation from the climatic time-series by pre-whitening in pan evaporation (Epan) and in the probable causative meteorological parameters responsible for evaporative climatic changes in a large basin. Further, the Pettitt’s test was applied on Epan time series for estimating the change point year of Epan to find out the effective year when the change in pattern started reflecting in the time-series. At seasonal (monthly) time scales, statistically significant decreasing trends in Epan were witnessed in pre-monsoon season (in the months of March, April and May) over all the seven sites of the Godavari basin. Four sites witnessed statistically significant increasing trends in Tmin (Tmax) in July (December) and in monsoon (post monsoon) season in the basin. Statistically significant decreasing (increasing) trends in wind speed (relative humidity) in pre-monsoon and in month of March at these seven sites support the observed decline in the evaporative demand in the basin leading to possible enhancement in the total yield of the basin. Results of stepwise regression analysis showed that wind speed followed by relative humidity was found to be two main causative parameters of the observed decline in the Epan under the warmer environments in the basin. Pettitt’s test shows year 1991–1992 to be the probable year of change in the Epan in the Godavari river basin.
Development of Gut Microbiota Along with its Metabolites of Preschool Children
Authors: Xiong Jingjing , Hu Hongwei , Xu Chuanzhi , Yin Jianwen , Liu Mei , Zhang Lizhi , Duan Yong , Huang Yongkun 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Aim: To reveal the changes of intestinal microbial abundance and composition, as well as the microbiota metabolic levels of bile acids and short chain fatty acids of healthy preschool children during their growth. Methods: Feces of 120 healthy newborns and 150 healthy children aged 6 months to 6 years were collected. Then the composition of intestinal flora was analyzed by 16S rRNA, and the contents of bile acids and short chain fatty acids in feces were detected by LC-MS and GS methods, respectively. Results: The composition and function of intestinal microflora were not stable in neonatal period but significantly improved at 6 months after birth, and gradually stabilized and tended to adult-like formation after 2-3 years old. The levels of short chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids were consistent with the development of gut microbiota. Conclusion: The age of 6 months may be a critical period for the development of intestinal microflora in children.
Comparison of extended reality and conventional methods of basic life support training: protocol for a multinational pragmatic clinical trial (XR BLS trial)
Authors: Im Chang Woo , Lee Dong Keon , Jo You Hwan , Chang Todd , Song Joo Lee , Luu Cindy , Mackinnon Ralph , Katherine Kuyt , Pillai Suresh , Lee Chuen Neng , Jheon Sanghoon , Ahn Soyeon , Won Seung Hyun 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundConventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for the general public involves the use of a manikin and a training video, which has limitations of lack of realism and immersion. To overcome these limitations, virtual reality and extended reality technologies are being used in the field of medical education. The aim of this study is to explore the efficacy and safety of the extended reality (XR)-based basic life support (BLS) training.MethodsThis study is a prospective, multinational, multicentre, randomized controlled study. Four institutions in 4 countries will participate in the study. A total of 154 participants will be randomly assigned to either the XR group or the conventional group stratified by institution and sex (1:1 ratio). Each participant who is allocated to either group will be sent to a separate room to receive training with an XR BLS module or conventional CPR training video. All participants will perform a test on a CPR manikin after the training. The primary outcome will be mean compression depth. The secondary outcome will be overall BLS performances, including compression rate, correct hand position, compression and full release and hands-off time. DiscussionUsing VR to establish a virtual educational environment can give trainees a sense of realism. In the XR environment, which combines the virtual world with the real world, trainees can more effectively learn various skills. This trial will provide evidence of the usefulness of XR in CPR education.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04736888. Registered on 29 January 2021
Evolution law of overall damage of concrete gravity dam under near-fault ground motion
Authors: Zhai Yafei , Zhang Liaojun , Zhang Hanyun , Ma Tianxiao , Cui Binghui 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Strong earthquake cases of concrete gravity dams show that the foundation damage has an important influence on the seismic response and damage characteristics of the dam body. Compared with non-pulse ground motions, pulse-like near-fault ground motions have a wider response spectrum sensitive zone, which will cause more modes of the structure to respond, resulting in more serious damage to the structure. In order to study the real dynamic damage characteristics of concrete gravity dams under the action of near-fault ground motions, this paper takes Koyna gravity dam as the object and establishes a multi-coupling simulation model that can reasonably reflect the dynamic damage evolution process of dam concrete and foundation rock mass. A total of 12 near-fault ground motion records with three types of rupture directivity pulse, fling-step pulse and non-pulse are selected, deep research on the overall damage evolution law of concrete gravity dams. Considering the additional influence of different earthquake mechanisms, different site types and other factors on the study, the selected ground motion records are from the same seismic events (Chi-Chi), the same direction but different stations. The results show that the foundation of the concretes gravity dam often get damaged before the dam body under the action of strong earthquakes. Compared with the near-fault non-pulse ground motion, the structural damage of the gravity dam under the action of the near-fault directivity pulse ground motion is significantly increased, and causes greater damage and displacement response to the dam body. The near-fault fling-step pulse ground motion has the least impact on the dynamic response of the gravity dam structure.
The NUDGE Trial Pragmatic Trial to Enhance Medication Adherence: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Glasgow Russell E. , Knoepke Christopher E. , Magid David , Grunwald Gary K. , Glorioso Thomas J. , Waughtal Joy , Marrs Joel C. , Bull Sheana , Ho P. Michael 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background Nearly half of patients do not take their cardiovascular medications as prescribed, resulting in increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Mobile and digital technologies for health promotion and disease self-management offer an opportunity to adapt behavioral “nudges” using ubiquitous mobile phone technology to facilitate medication adherence. The Nudge pragmatic clinical trial uses population-level pharmacy data to deliver nudges via mobile phone text messaging and an artificial intelligent interactive chat bot with the goal of improving medication adherence and patient outcomes in three integrated healthcare delivery systems. Methods The Theory of mHealth, the Expanded RE-AIM/PRISM, and the PRECIS-2 frameworks were used for program planning, implementation and evaluation, along with a focus on dissemination and cost considerations. During the planning phase, the Nudge study team developed and piloted a technology-based nudge message and chat bot of optimized interactive content libraries for a range of diverse patients. Inclusion criteria are very broad and include patients in one of three diverse health systems who take medications to treat hypertension, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia. A target of approximately 10,000 participants will be randomized to one of 4 study arms: usual care (no intervention), generic nudge (text reminder), optimized nudge, and optimized nudge plus interactive AI chat bot. The PRECIS-2 tool indicated that the study protocol is very pragmatic, although there is variability across PRECIS-2 dimensions.Discussion The primary effectiveness outcome is medication adherence defined by the proportion of days covered (PDC) using pharmacy refill data. Implementation outcomes are assessed using the RE-AIM framework, with particular focus on reach, consistency of implementation, adaptations, cost, and maintenance/sustainability. The project has limitations including limited power to detect some subgroup effects, medication complications (bleeding) and longer-term outcomes (myocardial infarction). Strengths of the study include the diverse health care systems, a feasible and generalizable intervention, transparent reporting using established pragmatic research and implementation science frameworks, strong stakeholder engagement and planning for dissemination and sustainment.Trial registration The study was funded by the NIH grant number is 4UH3HL144163-02 issued 4/5/19. The Clinicaltrial.gov identifier number is NCT03973931 which was registered on 6/4/2019. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03973931
Trans-regional rice supply paradigm reveals unsustainable water use in China
Authors: Wu Liang , Wang Min , Avishek Kirti 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Rice is an important staple food for more than half of the global population and one of the largest water consumers on earth. Improving the efficiency of water embedded in rice production and supply could have great implications for food and water security. This study starts from Yunnan, a traditional rice producing and consuming province in southwest China, and analyses its rice supply structure and dynamics, together with embedded water footprints (WFs) of three other regions: Northeast China, South and Southwest China and Southeast Asia. The results show that Yunnan has been through drastic food change in the past decades, leading to an increasing production and supply gap. Yunnan is found to have the least WF (778.2 m3/t) for rice production across the study regions, while Northeast China consumes the highest blue WF (364.6 m3/t) and blue to total WF ratio (97.7%). The study indicates that Northeast China is at risk of groundwater deficit due to rice production and export and the current rice production and consumption pattern is inefficient. The study suggests that policies for groundwater extraction, water resource price and international trade need to be in place to ensure sustainable food supply and water use at regional and national levels.
Update of river health assessment indicator system, weight, and assignment criteria in China
Authors: Liu Yin , Su Huidong , Zhang Shuanghu , Jin Tiantian 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Comprehensive assessment of river health is challenging due to the diversity of rivers, the complexity of their ecosystem and functional service. This paper updates the river health assessment indicator system, weight, and assignment criteria in China by reviewing and examining the peer-reviewed literature. We propose an indicator system, weight, and criteria, validated by nine case studies and able to assess the country-scale river health. Our analysis shows that the rule layer of indicator system includes hydrology, water quality, aquatic organism, physical habitats, and functional service; its corresponding weights are set to 0.15, 0.21, 0.18, 0.22, and 0.24, respectively. The ten most representative indicators are selected that incorporates the indicator layer with their corresponding weights. The evaluation based on case studies shows that in eight out of nine cases, our results are consistent with those obtained in previous studies. Therefore, the suggested index system, weight, and three-assessment criteria are well suited for the complex cases in China. This paper can serve as a reference for a river health assessment and present a comprehensive listing of assessment criteria.
Bacteriophages: from Isolation to Application
Authors: Abdelsattar Abdallah , Dawoud Alyaa , Makky Salsabil , Nofal Rana , Aziz Ramy , El-Shibiny Ayman 
Published: April 2021

Abstract:
Bacteriophages are considered as a potential alternative to fight pathogenic bacteria during the
antibiotic resistance era. With their high specificity, they are widely used in various applications: medicine,
food industry, agriculture, animal farms, biotechnology, diagnosis, etc. Many techniques have been
designed by different researchers for phage isolation, purification, and amplification, each of which has
strengths and weaknesses. However, all aim at having a reasonably pure phage sample that can be further
characterized. Phages can be characterized based on their physiological, morphological or inactivation
tests. Microscopy, in particular, opened a wide gate, not only for visualizing phage morphological
structure, but also for monitoring biochemistry and behavior. Meanwhile, computational analysis of
phage genomes provides more details about phage history, lifestyle, and the potential for toxigenic or
lysogenic conversion, which translate to safety in biocontrol and phage therapy applications. This review
article summarizes phage application pipelines at different levels, and addresses specific restrictions and
knowledge gaps in the field. Recently developed computational approaches, which are used in phage
genome analysis, are critically assessed. We hope that this assessment provides researchers with useful
insights for the selection of suitable approaches for phage-related research aims and applications.
Gene Therapy in the Anterior Eye Segment
Authors: Amador Cynthia , Shah Ruchi , Ghiam Sean , Kramerov Andrei A. , Ljubimov Alexander V. 
Published: April 2021

:This review provides comprehensive information about the advances in gene therapy in the anterior segment of the eye, including cornea, conjunctiva, lacrimal gland, and trabecular meshwork. We discuss gene delivery systems, including viral and non-viral vectors as well as gene editing techniques, mainly CRISPR-Cas9, and epigenetic treatments, including antisense and siRNA therapeutics. We also provide a detailed analysis of various anterior segment diseases where gene therapy has been tested with corresponding outcomes. Disease conditions include corneal and conjunctival fibrosis and scarring, corneal epithelial wound healing, corneal graft survival, corneal neovascularization, genetic corneal dystrophies, herpetic keratitis, glaucoma, dry eye disease, and other ocular surface diseases. Although most of the analyzed results on the use and validity of gene therapy at the ocular surface have been obtained in vitro or using animal models, we also discuss the available human studies. Gene therapy approaches are currently considered very promising as emerging future treatments of various diseases, and this field is rapidly expanding.