bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The long pentraxin PTX3: a novel serum marker to improve the prediction of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis bone-related phenotypes
Authors: Visconti Virginia Veronica , Greggi Chiara , Fittipaldi Simona , Casamassima Donato , Tallarico Mariagrazia , Romano Francesco , Botta Annalisa , Tarantino Umberto 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
The long pentraxin PTX3 is generating great interest given the recent discovery of its involvement in bone metabolism. This study investigates the role of circulating PTX3 as a marker of bone-related phenotypes in patients with osteoporosis (OP) and osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods
Serum PTX3 levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in a total of OP (n=32), OA (n=19) patients and healthy controls (CTR; n=25). ROC curve analysis was carried out to evaluate the potential of PTX3 for the diagnosis of bone-related phenotypes. In addition, the association between PTX3 serum levels and biochemical markers was estimated by Spearman correlation analysis.

Results
Serum analysis reveals a statistically significant increase of PTX3 levels in OP and OA patients, compared to CTR subjects (**** p < 0.0001, **** p < 0.0001). ROC curve of PTX3 levels exhibits an excellent sensitivity and specificity for OP and OA diseases (**** p < 0.0001 and **** p < 0.0001, respectively). Moreover, serum PTX3 levels are positively associated with ALP (r = − 0.5257, p = 0.0083) and PTH levels (r = 0.4704, p = 0.0203) in OP patients.

Conclusions
These results confirm the pivotal role of PTX3 in bone metabolism and suggest its potential use as a predictor of OP and OA bone-related phenotypes.
Medium-term outcomes after laparoscopic revision of laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy in patients with biliary atresia
Authors: Ji Yi , Zhang Xuepeng , Chen Siyuan , Li Yanan , Yang Kaiying , Zhou Jiangyuan , Xu Zhicheng 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objective
To determine whether revision laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy (RLKPE) is a viable treatment option for patients with biliary atresia (BA) who had undergone initially successful laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy (ILKPE).

Methods
The medical records of 312 patients with nonsyndromic BA who had undergone ILKPE between May 2009 and May 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into three groups according to their outcomes after ILKPE: group A: 25 patients who had undergone RLKPE; group B: 203 patients who had undergone ILKPE and required no further surgical intervention; group C: 84 patients with failed ILKPE who had either died or required liver transplantation for survival. The 3-year and 5-year survival with native liver (SNL) rates were compared between groups A and B and between groups A and C. Among the 25 patients in group A, the perioperative data of RLKPE were compared with those of ILKPE.

Results
Of the 312 patients who had undergone ILKPE, 228 reached the normal bilirubin concentration range within 6 months postoperatively. Among them, 25 patients with a sudden cessation of bile flow had undergone RLKPE. Adequate biliary drainage, as evidenced by normalized conjugated bilirubin levels, was achieved in 80% of patients who had undergone RLKPE. The perioperative variables, including the operative time, blood loss, rate of conversion to open surgery and complications of RLKPE, were not significantly different between RLKPE and ILKPE. The 3-year and 5-year SNL rates in patients after RLKPE were 64.0% and 52.0%, respectively, which were not significantly different from the corresponding rates of 86.2% and 73.9%, respectively, in patients after unrevised ILKPE (P > 0.05).

Conclusion
Our data demonstrated that RPLKE is a viable and effective treatment option in patients with sudden cessation of bile drainage after ILKPE. RPLKE can delay the need for liver transplantation, yielding encouraging medium-term patient outcomes.
Severe traumatic brain injury and hypotension is a frequent and lethal combination in multiple trauma patients in mountain areas – an analysis of the prospective international Alpine Trauma Registry
Authors:   the IATR study group, Rauch Simon , Marzolo Matilde , Cappello Tomas Dal , Ströhle Mathias , Mair Peter , Pietsch Urs , Brugger Hermann , Strapazzon Giacomo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Hypotension is associated with worse outcome in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and maintaining a systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥110 mmHg is recommended. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of TBI in patients suffering multiple trauma in mountain areas; to describe associated factors, treatment and outcome compared to non-hypotensive patients with TBI and patients without TBI; and to evaluate pre-hospital variables to predict admission hypotension.

Methods
Data from the prospective International Alpine Trauma Registry including mountain multiple trauma patients (ISS ≥ 16) collected between 2010 and 2019 were analysed. Patients were divided into three groups: 1) TBI with hypotension, 2) TBI without hypotension and 3) no TBI. TBI was defined as Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) of the head/neck ≥3 and hypotension as SBP < 110 mmHg on hospital arrival.

Results
A total of 287 patients were included. Fifty (17%) had TBI and hypotension, 92 (32%) suffered TBI without hypotension and 145 (51%) patients did not have TBI. Patients in group 1 were more severely injured (mean ISS 43.1 ± 17.4 vs 33.3 ± 15.3 vs 26.2 ± 18.1 for group 1 vs 2 vs 3, respectively, p < 0.001). Mean SBP on hospital arrival was 83.1 ± 12.9 vs 132.5 ± 19.4 vs 119.4 ± 25.8 mmHg (p < 0.001) despite patients in group 1 received more fluids. Patients in group 1 had higher INR, lower haemoglobin and lower base excess (p < 0.001). More than one third of patients in group 1 and 2 were hypothermic (body temperature < 35 °C) on hospital arrival while the rate of admission hypothermia was low in patients without TBI (41% vs 35% vs 21%, for group 1 vs 2 vs 3, p = 0.029). The rate of hypothermia on hospital arrival was different between the groups (p = 0.029). Patients in group 1 had the highest mortality (24% vs 10% vs 1%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Multiple trauma in the mountains goes along with severe TBI in almost 50%. One third of patients with TBI is hypotensive on hospital arrival and this is associated with a worse outcome. No single variable or set of variables easily obtainable at scene was able to predict admission hypotension in TBI patients.
Genetic impacts on DNA methylation: research findings and future perspectives
Authors: Villicaña Sergio , Bell Jordana T. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMultiple recent studies highlight that genetic variants can have strong impacts on a significant proportion of the human DNA methylome. Methylation quantitative trait loci, or meQTLs, allow for the exploration of biological mechanisms that underlie complex human phenotypes, with potential insights for human disease onset and progression. In this review, we summarize recent milestones in characterizing the human genetic basis of DNA methylation variation over the last decade, including heritability findings and genome-wide identification of meQTLs. We also discuss challenges in this field and future areas of research geared to generate insights into molecular processes underlying human complex traits.
GAPGOM—an R package for gene annotation prediction using GO metrics
Authors: van Mourik Casper , Ehsani Rezvan , Drabløs Finn 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objective
Properties of gene products can be described or annotated with Gene Ontology (GO) terms. But for many genes we have limited information about their products, for example with respect to function. This is particularly true for long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), where the function in most cases is unknown. However, it has been shown that annotation as described by GO terms to some extent can be predicted by enrichment analysis on properties of co-expressed genes.

Results
GAPGOM integrates two relevant algorithms, lncRNA2GOA and TopoICSim, into a user-friendly R package. Here lncRNA2GOA does annotation prediction by co-expression, whereas TopoICSim estimates similarity between GO graphs, which can be used for benchmarking of prediction performance, but also for comparison of GO graphs in general. The package provides an improved implementation of the original tools, with substantial improvements in performance and documentation, unified interfaces, and additional features.
FTO Obesity Variant–Exercise Interaction on Changes in Body Weight and BMI: The Taiwan Biobank Study
Authors: Hiraike Yuta , Yang Chao-Tung , Liu Wei-Ju , Yamada Tomohide , Lee Chia-Lin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Context
Gene–exercise interaction on cross-sectional body mass index (BMI) has been extensively studied and is well established. However, gene–exercise interaction on changes in body weight/BMI remains controversial.

Objective
To examine the interaction between the FTO obesity variant and regular exercise on changes in body weight/BMI.

Participants
Taiwan Biobank participants aged 30-70 years (N = 20 906) were examined at both baseline and follow-up visit (mean follow-up duration: 3.7 years).

Main Outcome Measures
The interaction between the FTO obesity variant rs1421085 and regular exercise habit (no exercise, ≤20 metabolic equivalent of tasks (METs)/week exercise, &gt;20 METs/week exercise) on changes in body weight/BMI.

Results
Individuals with the risk allele of rs1421085 gained more weight and increased BMI than those without the risk allele if they did not exercise. In contrast, individuals with the risk allele gained less weight and BMI if they exercised regularly, indicating an interaction between rs1421085 and regular exercise habit (P = .030 for Δbody weight and P = .034 for ΔBMI). The effect of exercise on maintaining body weight was larger in those with the risk allele of rs1421085. When we focused on individuals without regular exercise at baseline, individuals with the risk allele again tended to lose more weight than those with a nonrisk allele if they had acquired an exercise habit by the follow-up visit.

Conclusion
The beneficial effect of exercise is greater in individuals genetically prone to obesity due to the interaction between the FTO obesity variant rs1421085 and regular exercise on changes in body weight and BMI.
Control of Breast Cancer Pathogenesis by Histone Methylation and the Hairless Histone Demethylase
Authors: Trager Megan H , Sah Bindeshwar , Chen Zhongming , Liu Liang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease, encompassing many subtypes that have distinct origins, behaviors, and prognoses. Although traditionally seen as a genetic disease, breast cancer is now also known to involve epigenetic abnormalities. Epigenetic regulators, such as DNA methyltransferases and histone-modifying enzymes, play essential roles in gene regulation and cancer development. Dysregulation of epigenetic regulator activity has been causally linked with breast cancer pathogenesis. Hairless (HR) encodes a 130-kDa transcription factor that is essential for development and tissue homeostasis. Its role in transcription regulation is partly mediated by its interaction with multiple nuclear receptors, including thyroid hormone receptor, retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptors, and vitamin D receptor. HR has been studied primarily in epidermal development and homeostasis. Hr-mutant mice are highly susceptible to ultraviolet- or carcinogen-induced skin tumors. Besides its putative tumor suppressor function in skin, loss of HR function has also been implicated in increased leukemia susceptibility and promotes the growth of melanoma and brain cancer cells. HR has also been demonstrated to function as a histone H3 lysine 9 demethylase. Recent genomics studies have identified HR mutations in a variety of human cancers, including breast cancer. The anticancer function and mechanism of action by HR in mammary tissue remains to be investigated. Here, we review the emerging role of HR, its histone demethylase activity and histone methylation in breast cancer development, and potential for epigenetic therapy.
Management of insecticides for use in disease vector control: Lessons from six countries in Asia and the Middle East
Authors: van den Berg Henk , Velayudhan Raman , Yadav Rajpal S. 
Published: April 2021

Interventions to control the vectors of human diseases, notably malaria, leishmaniasis and dengue, have relied mainly on the action of chemical insecticides. However, concerns have been raised regarding the management of insecticides in vector-borne disease-endemic countries. Our study aimed to analyze how vector control insecticides are managed in selected countries to extract lessons learned.A qualitative analysis of the situation of vector control insecticides management was conducted in six countries. Multi-stakeholder meetings and key informer interviews were conducted on aspects covering the pesticide lifecycle. Findings were compared and synthesized to extract lessons learned. Centrally executed guidelines and standards on the management of insecticides offered direction and control in most malaria programs, but were largely lacking from decentralized dengue programs, where practices of procurement, application, safety, storage, and disposal were variable between districts. Decentralized programs were better at facilitating participation of stakeholders and local communities and securing financing from local budgets. However, little coordination existed between malaria, visceral leishmaniasis and dengue programs within countries. Entomological capacity was concentrated in malaria programs at central level, while dengue and visceral leishmaniasis programs were missing out on expertise. Monitoring systems for insecticide resistance in malaria vectors were rarely used for dengue or visceral leishmaniasis vectors. Strategies for insecticide resistance management, where present, did not extend across programs or sectors in most countries. Dengue programs in most countries continued to rely on space spraying which, considering the realities on the ground, call for revision of international guidelines.Vector control programs in the selected countries were confronted with critical shortcomings in the procurement, application, safety measures, storage, and disposal of vector control insecticides, with implications for the efficiency, effectiveness, and safety of vector control. Further international support is needed to assist countries in situation analysis, action planning and development of national guidelines on vector control insecticide management.
Achalasia is associated with a higher incidence of depression in outpatients in Germany
Authors: Loosen Sven H. , Kandler Jennis , Luedde Tom , Kostev Karel , Roderburg Christoph 
Published: April 2021

Background and aim
Achalasia represents a chronic motility disorder of the esophagus featuring an impaired lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and loss of esophageal peristalsis. By causing dysphagia, regurgitation, aspiration and chest pain, achalasia might tremendously affect life quality of patients. However, the impact of achalasia on the development of mood disorders including depression has largely remained unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of depression in achalasia patients.

Methods
We analyzed a large primary care cohort database in Germany capturing data from 7.49 million patients.

Results
A total of n = 1,057 patients with achalasia diagnosed between January 2005 and December 2018 were matched to a cohort of n = 3,171 patients without achalasia controlling for age, sex, physician, index year, and the Charlson comorbidity index. Interestingly, while the frequency of depression prior to the diagnosis of achalasia was comparable in both groups, new diagnoses of depression were significantly higher within one year after the diagnosis of achalasia compared to the control group, suggesting a direct and previously unrecognized association between achalasia and depression.

Conclusion
Our data suggest that the clinical management of patients with achalasia should include a careful and structured work-up for mood disorders in order to improve long-term quality of life in these patients.
Examining the predictors of use of sanitary napkins among adolescent girls: A multi-level approach
Authors: Chauhan Shekhar , Kumar Pradeep , Marbaniang Strong Pillar , Srivastava Shobhit , Patel Ratna , Dhillon Preeti 
Published: April 2021

BackgroundThis paper aimed to explore various factors associated with the use of sanitary napkins among adolescent girls in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.MethodsThe study uses information from the Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults (UDAYA) project survey conducted in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in 2016. The study sample consisted of 14,625 adolescent girls aged 10–19 years. The study sample was selected using a multi-stage systematic sampling design. Multilevel logistic regression (MLR) was used to identify the individual and community level factors associated with the use of sanitary napkins.ResultsThe results revealed a wide variation in sanitary napkins’ use across the socio-economic and demographic factors. The use of sanitary napkins was significantly higher among girls with 8–9 (53.2%) and 10 and more (75.4%) years of schooling compared to those who had no formal education (26.4%). The use of sanitary napkins was higher among adolescent girls who were not engaged in paid work (54.7%) than those who did any paid job (40.8%). Adolescent girls reporting frequent exposure to mass media (OR = 2.10), belonging to the richest wealth quintile (OR = 3.76), and whose mothers had 10 or more years of education (OR = 2.29) had a higher propensity to use sanitary napkins than their counterparts. We did not find a significant role of community-level education of mothers on the menstrual hygiene practices of adolescents.ConclusionEnsuring that adolescent girls have access to hygienic means to manage their menses is critical from a public health perspective and in enabling them to realize their full potential. Programs to enhance menstrual hygiene are warranted. These programs should involve mothers, who are an important source of knowledge about menstrual hygiene. Facilitating girls’ access to education may also produce tangible menstrual hygiene benefits.
Low serum albumin and the risk of hospitalization in COVID-19 infection: A retrospective case-control study
Authors: Acharya Roshan , Poudel Dilli , Patel Aakash , Schultz Evan , Bourgeois Michael , Paswan Rishi , Stockholm Scott , Batten Macylen , Kafle Smita , Atkinson Amanda , Sarwar Hafiz 
Published: April 2021

Background
The data on the COVID-19 patients who were discharged to self-quarantine is lacking.

Aim
The aim of the study was to investigate the percentage of COVID-19 positive patients that were hospitalized within a three-week period after discharge from ED to self-quarantine.

Methods
The patients who had confirmed SARS-CoV-2 on RT-PCR of the nasopharyngeal swab and were discharged from ED of a tertiary care hospital in the USA to self-quarantine from March 01- July 31, 2020, were included. Patients were divided into two groups based on serum albumin levels and were followed up for three weeks to see if low level of albumin increased the risk of hospitalization. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to study the effect of albumin level and outcomes.

Results
A total of 112 patients were included in the study out of which 65 had low serum albumin (<3.5 g/dL) and 47 had normal serum albumin (≥3.5 g/dL). More than 10% of patients discharged to self-quarantine needed hospitalization within three weeks. The Low albumin group had more co-morbidities at baseline. The low serum albumin group had 10 (15.38%) vs 2 (4.26%), p = 0.06 hospitalizations as compared to the normal serum albumin group. The multivariate logistic regression analysis did not reveal lower odds of hospitalization in the group with normal albumin, (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.03–1.92, p = 0.19) after controlling for age, sex, and various co-morbidities.

Conclusion
The low serum albumin was not associated with the risk of hospitalization in COVID-19 patients who were initially discharged to self-quarantine.
How did beliefs and perceptions about e-cigarettes change after national news coverage of the EVALI outbreak?
Authors: Morgan Jennifer C. , Silver Nathan , Cappella Joseph N. 
Published: April 2021

Introduction
Exposure to media content can shape public opinions about tobacco. In early September 2019, the outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use–associated lung injury (EVALI) became headline news in the United States.

Methods
In August and September 2019, we conducted two cross-sectional online surveys with current and former smokers assessing attitudes and beliefs about e-cigarettes. Study one (n = 865) was collected before the EVALI outbreak was widely covered and study two (n = 344) was collected after the outbreak had become nation-wide news. We examined differences in perceptions and beliefs between time points.

Results
E-cigarette harm perceptions increased between study one (mean = 2.67) and study two (mean = 2.90, p < .05). Ever-users of e-cigarettes largely account for this change. Endorsement of the belief that e-cigarettes were risky and more likely to cause lung damage compared to cigarettes increased between studies (p < .05). Seventy eight percent of participants at study two were aware of the vaping illness story. Being aware of the story was associated with more endorsement of the belief that e-cigarettes were risky to use, but not that using e-cigarettes would make the participant more likely to get damaged lungs.

Discussion
When the stories about the health and safety of tobacco products dominate the public information environment, it presents an opportunity to change beliefs that are frequently targeted by paid health campaigns. Changes in participant’s perceptions of e-cigarettes were associated with coverage of this large news story, underscoring the importance of working to ensure that coverage is a scientifically accurate as possible.
Hepatitis B virus infection and its determinants among HIV positive pregnant women: Multicenter unmatched case-control study
Authors: Anteneh Zelalem Alamrew , Wondaye Estifanose , Mengesha Endalkachew Worku 
Published: April 2021

Background
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) kills millions of people globally; it is worse in pregnant women. HBV and Human Immune Virus (HIV) co-infection is associated with increased liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aimed at identifying the determinants of HBV infection among HIV-positive pregnant women.

Methods
A multicentre unmatched case-control study was conducted among 109 cases (HBV/HIV co-infected) and 327 controls (HIV positive) pregnant women in seven hospitals of the Eastern Amhara region. Interview and chart review data collection techniques were employed by trained personnel. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of hepatitis B virus infection. Variables with a p-value of <0.05 and 95% confidence interval for odds ratio not containing 1 considered independent predictors of HBV infection.

Results
The findings of this study revealed that history of STI [AOR, 1.97, 95%CI, 1.09–3.56], hospital admission [AOR, 3.08, 95%CI, 1.69–5.61], traditional delivery care [AOR, 3.31, 95%CI, 1.72–6.37], family history of HBV [AOR, 3.33, 95%CI, 1.72–6.37], presence of opportunistic infections [AOR, 0.23, 95%CI, 0.12–0.58], viral load [AOR, 7.58, 95%CI, 3.18–8.01], CD4 count [AOR, 2.15, 95% CI, 1.01–4.59], anaemia [AOR, 3.07, 95% CI, 1.71–5.51] and unsafe sex [AOR, 1.98, 95%CI, 1.09–3.61] had a statistically significant association with HBV infection.

Conclusions
Several exposure variables had statistically significant association with HBV infection. High Viral Load appeared to be the largest predictor of HBV infection in HIV patients. Therefore, targeted interventions such as behavioral change intervention for unsafe sex and STI should be in place, and screening tests and treatment at the early stage of conception for both partners is necessary.