bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dietary supplement of Yunkang 10 green tea and treadmill exercise ameliorate high fat diet induced metabolic syndrome of C57BL/6 J mice
Authors: Zhang Yanzhong , Gu Mingxing , Wang Ruru , Li Menwan , Li Daxiang , Xie Zhongwen 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Diet and exercise play important roles in ameliorating metabolic syndrome. Yunkang 10 (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) is a most cultivated tea variety for making tea in the Southwestern China. Currently, there is no report of healthy effects of Yunkang 10 green tea (YKGT) and treadmill exercise (Ex) on high fat diet induced metabolic syndrome (MetS). We aimed to investigate the beneficial effects and molecular mechanism of YKGT and Ex using high fat diet induced MetS of C57BL/6 mice.

Methods
Catechins and caffeine in water extract of YKGT were measured via high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). 10-week old mice were fed with high fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks to induce obese mice. Then the obese mice were fed with continuous high fat diet (HFD), HFD with YKGT, HFD with Ex, and HFD with both YKGT and Ex for 8 weeks, respectively. The another group of 10-week old mice fed with low fat diet (LFD) were used as control.

Results
HPLC data revealed that YKGT has abundantly high concentration of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and caffeine compared to Longjing 43 (Camellia sinensis var. sinensis) green tea. YKGT and Ex significantly decreased the level of blood glucose, serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), insulin, and alanine aminotransferase activity (ALT) when compared to HFD group. The fatty liver and hepatic pro-inflammatory gene expression in the YKGT, Ex and YKGT+Ex groups was mitigated significantly compared with HFD group, respectively. The phosphorylation of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase α/β (IKKα/β) and inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B α (IkBα) protein in the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) signaling pathway was also decreased in YKGT or YKGT+Ex groups. The combination of YKGT and Ex prevented gene expression for lipid synthesis in the liver tissue, and significantly upregulated mRNA level of glucose transport genes in the skeletal muscles, when compared to the HFD group.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated that YKGT supplement or exercise appeared to reverse preexisting metabolic syndrome, and effectively relieved the fatty liver and hepatic inflammatory response induced by high fat diet. YKGT supplement and treadmill exercise together had better beneficial effects than only one intervention.
Diagnostic and severity scores for Cockayne syndrome
Authors: Spitz M. A. , Severac F. , Obringer C. , Baer S. , Le May N. , Calmels N. , Laugel V. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Cockayne syndrome is a progressive multisystem genetic disorder linked to defective DNA repair and transcription. This rare condition encompasses a very wide spectrum of clinical severity levels ranging from severe prenatal onset to mild adult-onset subtypes. The rarity, complexity and variability of the disease make early diagnosis and severity assessment difficult. Based on similar approaches in other neurodegenerative disorders, we propose to validate diagnostic and severity scores for Cockayne syndrome.

Methods
Clinical, imaging and genetic data were retrospectively collected from 69 molecularly confirmed CS patients. A clinical diagnostic score and a clinical-radiological diagnostic score for CS were built using a multivariable logistic regression model with a stepwise variable selection procedure. A severity score for CS was designed on five items (head circumference, growth failure, neurosensorial signs, motor autonomy, communication skills) and validated by comparison with classical predefined severity subtypes of CS.

Results
Short stature, enophtalmos, hearing loss, cataracts, cutaneous photosensitivity, frequent dental caries, enamel hypoplasia, morphological abnormalities of the teeth, areflexia and spasticity were included in the clinical diagnostic score as being the most statistically relevant criteria. Appropriate weights and thresholds were assigned to obtain optimal sensitivity and specificity (95.7% and 86.4% respectively). The severity score was shown to be able to quantitatively differentiate classical predefined subtypes of CS and confirmed the continuous distribution of the clinical presentations in CS. Longitudinal follow-up of the severity score was able to reflect the natural course of the disease.

Conclusion
The diagnostic and severity scores for CS will facilitate early diagnosis and longitudinal evaluation of future therapeutic interventions. Prospective studies will be needed to confirm these findings.
Experiences of Australian podiatrists working through the 2020 coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic: an online survey
Authors: Williams Cylie M. , Couch Anna , Haines Terry , Menz Hylton B. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundOn the 19th of January, 2020, the Chief Medical Officer of Australia issued a statement about a novel coronavirus, or SARS‐CoV‐2. Since this date, there have been variable jurisdictional responses, including lockdowns, and restrictions on podiatry practice. This study aimed to describe impacts of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic on the podiatry profession in Australia.MethodsThis was a cross sectional study of Australian podiatrists using demographic data collected between 2017 and 2020, and pandemic‐related question responses collected between 30th March and 31st August, 2020. Data were collected online and participants described their work settings, patient funding types, business decisions and impacts, and information sources used to guide practice decisions during this time‐period. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse open‐ended questions about their practice impact of SARS‐CoV‐2.ResultsThere were 732 survey responses, with 465 Australian podiatrists or podiatric surgeons providing responses describing pandemic impact. From these responses, 223 (49% of 453) podiatrists reported no supply issues, or having adequate supplies for the foreseeable future with personal protective equipment (PPE) or consumables to support effective infection prevention and control. The most frequent responses about employment, or hours of work, impact were reported in the various categories of “business as usual” (n = 312, 67%). Participants described most frequently using the local state and territory Department of Health websites (n = 347, 75%), and the Australian Podiatry Association (n = 334, 72%) to make decisions about their business. Overarching themes which resounded through open‐ended comments was that working through the pandemic was likened to a marathon, and not a sprint. Themes were: (i) commitment to do this, (ii) it's all in the plan, but not everything goes to plan, (iii) my support team must be part of getting through it, (iv) road blocks happen, and (v) nothing is easy, what's next?ConclusionPodiatrists in Australia reported variable pandemic impact on their business decisions, PPE stores, and their valued sources of information. Podiatrists also described their “marathon” journey through the pandemic to date, with quotes describing their challenges and highlights. Describing these experiences should provide key learnings for future workforce challenges, should further restrictions come into place.
Is polycystic ovary syndrome appropriately diagnosed by obstetricians and gynaecologists across China: a nationwide survey
Authors: Yan Deng , Yan-Fang Wang , Shi-Yang Zhu , Rui-Lin Ma , Xue-Song Ding , Xiao Ma , Wei Xue , Aijun Sun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
To describe the diagnostic criteria used and their application accuracy in the practice of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) caring among obstetricians and gynaecologists across China.

Methods
This was an Online cross-sectional survey of Obstetricians and gynecologists involved in PCOS caring conducted via the largest continuing education platform of obstetrics and gynecology across China from September 2019 to November 2019.

Results
A total of 2,328 respondents were eligible for the final analysis. Of these, 94.5 % were general obstetricians and gynaecologists (Ge-ObGyn), and 5.5 % were reproductive endocrinologists (Re-ObGyn). Overall, the most frequently used criteria were the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society (AE-PCOS) criteria (48.2 %), followed by the Rotterdam criteria (35.7 %) and NIH criteria (12.1 %). Of the respondents, 31.3 % used their diagnostic criteria in their clinical practice. More respondents who chose the Rotterdam criteria could accurately apply the diagnostic criteria than those who chose the AE-PCOS criteria (41.2 % vs. 32.1 %, P < 0.001). Compared with Ge-ObGyn, Re-ObGyn were less likely to use the AE-PCOS criteria (adjusted odds ratio, 0.513; 95 % CI, 0.328–0.802; P < 0.05) and 1.492 times more likely to accurately use their criteria (95 % CI, 1.014–2.196; P < 0.05).

Conclusions
Less than one-third of obstetricians and gynaecologists across China could accurately use the diagnostic criteria they choose to diagnose PCOS. There is an urgent need to train obstetricians and gynaecologists on PCOS diagnosis in an effort to improve the medical care quality of patients with PCOS.
Modeling schistosomiasis transmission: the importance of snail population structure
Authors: Anderson Larissa C. , Loker Eric S. , Wearing Helen J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundSchistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease endemic in 54 countries. A majorSchistosomaspecies,Schistosoma mansoni, is sustained via a life cycle that includes both human and snail hosts. Mathematical models ofS. mansonitransmission, used to elucidate the complexities of the transmission cycle and estimate the impact of intervention efforts, often focus primarily on the human host. However,S. mansoniincurs physiological costs in snails that vary with the age of the snail when first infected. Snail demography and the age of snail infection could thus affect the force of infection experienced by humans, which is frequently used to predict the impact of various control strategies.MethodsTo address how these snail host and parasite interactions influence model predictions, we developed deterministic models of schistosomiasis transmission that include varying complexity in the snail population age structure. Specifically, we examined how model outputs, such as schistosome prevalence in human and snail populations, respond to the inclusion of snail age structure.ResultsOur models suggest that snail population age structure modifies the force of infection experienced by humans and the relationship between snail infection prevalence and corresponding human infection prevalence. There are significant differences in estimated snail infection, cercarial density and mean worm burden between models without snail population dynamics and those with snail populations, and between models with a homogeneous snail population and those with age stratification. The variation between finely age-stratified snail populations and those grouped into only juvenile and adult life stages is, however, minimal.ConclusionsThese results indicate that including snails and snail age structure in a schistosomiasis transmission model alters the relationship between snail and human infection prevalence. This highlights the importance of accounting for a heterogeneous intermediate host population in models of schistosomiasis transmission where the impact of proposed control measures is being considered.Graphical Abstract
Improved prediction of fracture risk leveraging a genome-wide polygenic risk score
Authors: Lu Tianyuan , Forgetta Vincenzo , Keller-Baruch Julyan , Nethander Maria , Bennett Derrick , Forest Marie , Bhatnagar Sahir , Walters Robin G. , Lin Kuang , Chen Zhengming , Li Liming , Karlsson Magnus , Mellström Dan , Orwoll Eric , McCloskey Eugene V. , Kanis John A. , Leslie William D. , Clarke Robert J. , Ohlsson Claes , Greenwood Celia M. T. , Richards J. Brent 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundAccurately quantifying the risk of osteoporotic fracture is important for directing appropriate clinical interventions. While skeletal measures such as heel quantitative speed of sound (SOS) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry bone mineral density are able to predict the risk of osteoporotic fracture, the utility of such measurements is subject to the availability of equipment and human resources. Using data from 341,449 individuals of white British ancestry, we previously developed a genome-wide polygenic risk score (PRS), called gSOS, that captured 25.0% of the total variance in SOS. Here, we test whether gSOS can improve fracture risk prediction.MethodsWe examined the predictive power of gSOS in five genome-wide genotyped cohorts, including 90,172 individuals of European ancestry and 25,034 individuals of Asian ancestry. We calculated gSOS for each individual and tested for the association between gSOS and incident major osteoporotic fracture and hip fracture. We tested whether adding gSOS to the risk prediction models had added value over models using other commonly used clinical risk factors.ResultsA standard deviation decrease in gSOS was associated with an increased odds of incident major osteoporotic fracture in populations of European ancestry, with odds ratios ranging from 1.35 to 1.46 in four cohorts. It was also associated with a 1.26-fold (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13–1.41) increased odds of incident major osteoporotic fracture in the Asian population. We demonstrated that gSOS was more predictive of incident major osteoporotic fracture (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) = 0.734; 95% CI 0.727–0.740) and incident hip fracture (AUROC = 0.798; 95% CI 0.791–0.805) than most traditional clinical risk factors, including prior fracture, use of corticosteroids, rheumatoid arthritis, and smoking. We also showed that adding gSOS to the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) could refine the risk prediction with a positive net reclassification index ranging from 0.024 to 0.072.ConclusionsWe generated and validated a PRS for SOS which was associated with the risk of fracture. This score was more strongly associated with the risk of fracture than many clinical risk factors and provided an improvement in risk prediction. gSOS should be explored as a tool to improve risk stratification to identify individuals at high risk of fracture.
MSI-1436 improves EMS adipose derived progenitor stem cells in the course of adipogenic differentiation through modulation of ER stress, apoptosis, and oxidative stress
Authors: Bourebaba Lynda , Kornicka-Garbowska Katarzyna , Al Naem Mohamad , Röcken Michael , Łyczko Jacek , Marycz Krzysztof 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is one of the major negative regulators of leptin and insulin signaling, and has been strongly implicated in insulin resistance development in the course of obesity and metabolic syndrome conditions; however, its exact role in controlling adipose tissue biogenesis is still poorly understood.

Objectives
This investigation aimed to elucidate whether selective inhibition of PTP1B using MSI-1436 compound may improve and restore the defective adipogenicity of ASCs isolated from EMS-affected horses.

Methods
Equine ASC EMS cells were cultured under adipogenic conditions in the presence of PTP1B inhibitor and were subsequently tested for expression of the main adipogenic-related genes using RT-qPCR, changes in free fatty acid profiles by means of GC-MS technique, and for mitochondrial dynamics improvement through the analysis of mitochondrial transmembrane potential and oxidative stress.

Results
Selective inhibition of PTP1B in equine ASC EMS cells improved substantially adipogenic differentiation by promoting cellular proliferation and normalizing expression of C/EBPalpha, PPARγ, and Adipoq markers that are critical for proper adipogenesis. Levels of secreted adiponectin and PPARγ were also shown to be increased in MSI-1436-conditioned cells, while total leptin levels markedly dropped under the same conditions. Moreover, MSI-1436 treatment enabled the regulation of metabolic-related transcripts that are crosslink to adipogenesis, namely Akt1, Akt2, and SHBG. The obtained results demonstrated also an obvious reduction in intracellular accumulated ROS and NO, as well as mitigated ER stress through the downregulation of Chop, Perk, Atf6, Ire1, and Xbp1 transcripts upon PTP1B inhibition. Furthermore, general fluctuations in FFA composition of all differentiated groups have been highlighted, where palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, and linolelaidic acid that are known to be associated with the development of metabolic disorders were found to be normalized upon PTP1B inhibition during adipogenic differentiation.

Conclusion
The presented data provides the evidence that the use of PTP1B inhibitor may be successful in controlling and enhancing adipogenic differentiation of impaired equine ASCs affected by metabolic syndrome, and thus offers new insights for the management of obesity through the regulation of adipose tissue dynamics.

Graphical abstract
Low noise moving target detection in high resolution radar using binary codes
Authors: Alotaibi Majid 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRadar technology plays a vital role in enhancing surveillance of the battlefields and physical borders, disease detection, and weather prediction. However, there exist certain challenges like detecting fast-moving targets. When targets are moving at a significantly high speed, it is not easy to detect them compared to static and slow-moving targets, which are easily detected. In this regard, the research community has, over the years, tried to improve radar technology to detect fast moving targets in presence of Doppler noise. In this paper, various binary codes have been proposed to minimize the noise peaks below the radar threshold limit to create multiple windows that enable precise information of the moving targets. These sequences also have good autocorrelation attributes to get a higher range resolution and compression ratio. Validation of the proposed method is performed using Matlab simulations. Results show that the noise amplitudes are reduced to 0.2 dB well below the prescribed threshold.
Inhaled methoxyflurane (Penthrox) for analgesia in trauma: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Eager Michael M. , Nolan Grant S. , Tonks Kathryn , Ramjeeawon Anoopama , Taylor Natalie 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
More than 75% of patients presenting to the Emergency Department are suffering symptoms of pain. Despite this, 67% will not receive any analgesia. Methoxyflurane is a fluorinated hydrocarbon gas which has analgesic properties when inhaled. Penthrox is a methoxyflurane autoinhaler recently licenced in Europe. Its ease of administration, safety, and fast onset of action make it of particular relevance to emergency medicine. Additionally, outside the hospital, it has the advantage of increased temperature stability and portability over current standard care. New evidence of its efficacy is emerging; however, currently, its use in Europe is not widespread. The objective of this study will be to systematically evaluate the evidence on inhaled methoxyflurane to determine if it is a superior analgesia in the acute trauma setting.

Methods
We designed and registered a study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis on randomised controlled trials, comparing inhaled methoxyflurane and either placebo or standard care. A comprehensive search will be conducted from database inception onwards in MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane CENTRAL database, concurrent with a search of the grey literature for other relevant studies, including clinical trial databases. Only randomised controlled trials will be included. No limitations will be imposed on publication status or language of publication. The primary outcome will be mean difference in patient-reported pain at time points within the first 30 min of administration. Secondary outcomes will be mean difference in time to clinically significant pain relief and relative risk of adverse effects. Two reviewers will independently screen all returned studies and collect data. Disagreements will be resolved through discussion or referral to a third reviewer. Individual study methodological quality will be appraised using an appropriate tool. If feasible, we will conduct a random effects meta-analysis; if this is not possible, we will construct a narrative synthesis.

Discussion
This systematic review will summarise the best available evidence and definitively establish if inhaled methoxyflurane is a superior analgesia to standard care in the acute trauma setting. This knowledge will directly impact emergency care in the UK and worldwide and may require amendments to European pain relief guidelines.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO CRD42020189119.
Effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on antimicrobial prevalence and prescribing in a tertiary hospital in Singapore
Authors: Ng Tat Ming , Tan Sock Hoon , Heng Shi Thong , Tay Hui Lin , Yap Min Yi , Chua Boon Hou , Teng Christine B. , Lye David C. , Lee Tau Hong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
The deployment of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) teams to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to a loss of developed frameworks, best practices and leadership resulting in adverse impact on antimicrobial prescribing and resistance. We aim to investigate effects of reduction in AMS resources during the COVID-19 pandemic on antimicrobial prescribing.

Methods
One of 5 full-time equivalent AMS pharmacists was deployed to support pandemic work and AMS rounds with infectious disease physicians were reduced from 5 to 2 times a week. A survey in acute inpatients was conducted using the Global Point Prevalence Survey methodology in July 2020 and compared with those in 2015 and 2017–2019.

Results
The prevalence of antimicrobial prescribing (55% in 2015 to 49% in 2019 and 47% in 2020, p = 0.02) and antibacterials (54% in 2015 to 45% in 2019 and 42% in 2020, p < 0.01) have been reducing despite the pandemic. Antimicrobial prescribing in infectious disease wards with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases was 29% in 2020. Overall, antimicrobial prescribing quality indicators continued to improve (e.g. reasons in notes, 91% in 2015 to 94% in 2019 and 97% in 2020, p < 0.01) or remained stable (compliance to guideline, 71% in 2015 to 62% in 2019 and 73% in 2020, p = 0.08).

Conclusion
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no increase in antimicrobial prescribing and no significant differences in antimicrobial prescribing quality indicators.