bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypercholesterolemia Is an Associated Factor for Risk of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer in Chinese Population
Authors: Zhao Junyu , Tian Yutian , Yao Jinming , Gu He , Zhang Rui , Wang Huanjun , Liao Lin , Dong Jianjun 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundHyperlipidemia has been hypothesized as a risk factor for thyroid cancer. However, the association between hypercholesterolemia and thyroid cancer is unclear, especially in Chinese population without available published data. We conducted this study to investigate the relationship between hypercholesterolemia and differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in Chinese population.MethodsThree thousand seven hundred forty-eight patients were enrolled in the study, including 2,021 DTC patients and 1,727 benign subjects with benign thyroid nodules. Demographic characteristics, medical history, and clinical hematological examination were collected. Stratified analyses of association between hypercholesterolemia and risk of DTC were done. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between hypercholesterolemia and the risk of thyroid nodules being malignant. This study protocol was approved by the ethics committee of Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital and assigned in ClinicalTrials.gov protocol registration and results system (NCT03006289, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03006289).ResultsThe level of serum total cholesterol in patients with DTC is higher than that in benign subjects (P &lt; 0.001). After adjusting hypercholesterolemia, age (P &lt; 0.001), triglyceride (P = 0.003), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (P &lt; 0.001) are found to be confounding factors. The risk of DTC in patients younger than 45 years old is 2.08 times than that of patients older than 45 years old (odds ratio = 0.48, 95% CI (0.38, 0.61), P &lt; 0.001). A high TSH level is highly associated with the increased risk of DTC (P &lt; 0.001). The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the absence of hypercholesterolemia could reduce the risk of thyroid nodules being malignant (odds ratio = −0.75, 95% CI (−1.39, −0.12), P = 0.02). Comparing to the higher level of serum total cholesterol (&gt;5.7 mmol/L), the closer the serum total cholesterol level is to normal (3.17–5.7 mmol/L), the less the risk of thyroid nodules being malignant is, and this difference is statistically significant (odds ratio = −0.67, 95% CI (−1.31, −0.03), P = 0.040). However, this difference is not found in the group of patients with lower level of total cholesterol (&lt;3.17 mmol/L, odds ratio = 0.43, 95% CI (−1.22, 2.09), P = 0.068), suggesting that hypocholesterolemia is not a protective factor in the risk of thyroid nodules being malignant.ConclusionsHypercholesterolemia is an associated factor for risk of DTC in Chinese population.
Trace Elements Status and Metallothioneins DNA Methylation Influence Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Survival Rate
Authors: Udali Silvia , De Santis Domenica , Mazzi Filippo , Moruzzi Sara , Ruzzenente Andrea , Castagna Annalisa , Pattini Patrizia , Beschin Greta , Franceschi Antonia , Guglielmi Alfredo , Martinelli Nicola , Pizzolo Francesca , Ambrosani Francesca , Olivieri Oliviero , Choi Sang-Woon , Friso Simonetta 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundMechanisms underlying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development are largely unknown. The role of trace elements and proteins regulating metal ions homeostasis, i.e. metallothioneins (MTs), recently gained an increased interest. Object of the study was to investigate the role of promoter DNA methylation in MTs transcriptional regulation and the possible prognostic significance of serum trace elements in HCC.MethodsForty-nine HCC patients were enrolled and clinically characterized. Cu, Se, and Zn contents were measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry in the serum and, for a subset of 27 patients, in HCC and homologous non-neoplastic liver (N) tissues. MT1G and MT1H gene expression in hepatic tissues was assessed by Real-Time RT-PCR and the specific promoter DNA methylation by Bisulfite-Amplicon Sequencing.ResultsPatients with Cu serum concentration above the 80th percentile had a significantly decreased survival rate (P &lt; 0.001) with a marked increased hazard ratio for mortality (HR 6.88 with 95% CI 2.60–18.23, P &lt; 0.001). Se and Zn levels were significantly lower in HCC as compared to N tissues (P &lt; 0.0001). MT1G and MT1H gene expression was significantly down-regulated in HCC as compared to N tissues (P &lt; 0.05). MTs promoter was hypermethylated in 9 out of the 19 HCC tissues showing MTs down-regulation and methylation levels of three specific CpGs paralleled to an increased mortality rate among the 23 patients analyzed (P = 0.015).ConclusionsMT1G and MT1H act as potential tumor suppressor genes regulated through promoter DNA methylation and, together with serum Cu concentrations, be related to survival rate in HCC.
Accelerometric Gait Analysis Devices in Children—Will They Accept Them? Results From the AVAPed Study
Authors: Wiedmann Isabella , Grassi Marcello , Duran Ibrahim , Lavrador Ricardo , Alberg Evelyn , Daumer Martin , Schoenau Eckhard , Rittweger Jörn 
Published: January 2021

Aims: To assess children's acceptance to wear a 3D-accelerometer which is attached to the waist under real-world conditions, and also to compare gait speed during supervised testing with the non-supervised gait speed in every-day life.Methods: In a controlled observational, cross sectional study thirty subjects with cerebral palsy (CP), with level I&amp;II of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and 30 healthy control children (Ctrl), aged 3–12 years, were asked to perform a 1-min-walking test (1 mwt) under laboratory conditions, and to wear an accelerometric device for a 1-week wearing home measurement (1 WHM). Acceptance was measured via wearing time, and by a questionnaire in which subjects rated restrictions in their daily living and wearing comfort. In addition, validity of 3D-accelerometric gait speed was checked through gold standard assessment of gait speed with a mobile perambulator.Results: Wearing time amounted to 10.3 (SD 3.4) hours per day, which was comparable between groups (T = 1.10, P = 0.3). Mode for wearing comfort [CP 1, Range (1,4), Ctrl 1, Range (1,6)] and restriction of daily living [CP 1, Range (1,3), Ctrl 1, Range (1,4)] was comparable between groups. Under laboratory conditions, Ctrl walked faster in the 1 mwt than CP (Ctrl 1.72 ± 0.29 m/s, CP 1.48 ± 0.41 m/s, P = 0.018). Similarly, a statistically significant difference was found when comparing real-world walking speed and laboratory walking speed (CP: 1 mwt 1.48 ± 0.41 m/s, 1 WHM 0.89 ± 0.09 m/s, P = 0.012; Ctrl: 1mwt 1.72 ± 0.29, 1 WHM 0.97 ± 0.06, P &lt; 0.001).Conclusion: 3D-accelerometry is well-enough accepted in a pediatric population of patients with CP and a Ctrl group to allow valid assessments. Assessment outside the laboratory environment yields information about real world activity that was not captured by routine clinical tests. This suggests that assessment of habitual activities by wearable devices reflects the functioning of children in their home environment. This novel information constitutes an important goal for rehabilitation medicine. The study is registered at the German Register of Clinical Trials with the title “Acceptance and Validity of 3D Accelerometric Gait Analysis in Pediatric Patients” (AVAPed; DRKS00011919).
Selective Treatment of PDA in High-Risk VLBW Infants With Birth Weight ≤800 g or <27 Weeks and Short-Term Outcome: A Cohort Study
Authors: Ibrahim Thowfique , Abdul Haium Abdul Alim , Tapawan Sarah Jane , Dela Puerta Rowena , Allen John C. , Chandran Suresh , Chua Mei Chien , Rajadurai Victor Samuel 
Published: January 2021

Background:Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) causing significant left to right shunt can increase key morbidities in preterm infants. Yet, treatment does not improve outcomes and spontaneous closure is the natural course of PDA. The Impact of PDA on 23–26-week gestation infants is uncertain. Selective treatment of such infants would likely balance outcomes.Objective:To test the hypothesis that treatment of PDA in high-risk VLBW infants [birth weight ≤800 g or gestation &lt;27 weeks, hemodynamically significant, ductal diameter (DD, ≥1.6 mm), and mechanical ventilation] and expectant management in low-risk infants will reduce the need for treatment and surgical ligation, without altering short term morbidities.Methods:This prospective observational study was initiated subsequent to the introduction of a new treatment protocol in 2016. The 12-months before and after protocol introduction were, respectively, defined as standard and early selective treatment periods. In the early selective treatment cohort, PDA was treated with indomethacin, maximum of two courses, 1 week apart. Surgical ligation was considered after 30 days of age if indicated (DD ≥2 mm, mechanical ventilation). Primary outcomes were need for treatment and rate of ligation. Protocol compliance and secondary outcomes were documented.Results:415 infants were studied, 202 and 213 in the standard treatment and early selective treatment cohorts, respectively. Numbers treated (per protocol) in the standard treatment and early selective treatment cohorts were 27.7 and 19.3% (56/202 and 41/213) (p= 0.049), and the respective ligation rates were 7.54 and 2.96% (P= 0.045). Secondary outcomes were comparable.Conclusion:The early selective treatment protocol reduced the rates of treatment and surgical ligation of PDA, without altering key morbidities. Further studies under a randomized control trial setting is warranted.
Fucoidan Ameliorates Renal Injury-Related Calcium-Phosphorus Metabolic Disorder and Bone Abnormality in the CKD–MBD Model Rats by Targeting FGF23-Klotho Signaling Axis
Authors: Liu Bu-Hui , Chong Fee-Lan , Yuan Can-Can , Liu Ying-Lu , Yang Hai-Ming , Wang Wen-Wen , Fang Qi-Jun , Wu Wei , Wang Mei-Zi , Tu Yue , Wan Zi-Yue , Wan Yi-Gang , Wu Guo-Wen 
Published: January 2021

Background: Recently, chronic kidney disease (CKD)-mineral and bone disorder (MBD) has become one of common complications occurring in CKD patients. Therefore, development of a new treatment for CKD–MBD is very important in the clinic. In China, Fucoidan (FPS), a natural compound of Laminaria japonica has been frequently used to improve renal dysfunction in CKD. However, it remains elusive whether FPS can ameliorate CKD–MBD. FGF23-Klotho signaling axis is reported to be useful for regulating mineral and bone metabolic disorder in CKD–MBD. This study thereby aimed to clarify therapeutic effects of FPS in the CKD–MBD model rats and its underlying mechanisms in vivo and in vitro, compared to Calcitriol (CTR).Methods: All male rats were divided into four groups: Sham, CKD–MBD, FPS and CTR. The CKD–MBD rat models were induced by adenine administration and uninephrectomy, and received either FPS or CTR or vehicle after induction of renal injury for 21 days. The changes in parameters related to renal dysfunction and renal tubulointerstitial damage, calcium-phosphorus metabolic disorder and bone lesion were analyzed, respectively. Furthermore, at sacrifice, the kidneys and bone were isolated for histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry and Western blot. In vitro, the murine NRK-52E cells were used to investigate regulative actions of FPS or CTR on FGF23-Klotho signaling axis, ERK1/2-SGK1-NHERF-1-NaPi-2a pathway and Klotho deficiency.Results: Using the modified CKD–MBD rat model and the cultured NRK-52E cells, we indicated that FPS and CTR alleviated renal dysfunction and renal tubulointerstitial damage, improved calcium-phosphorus metabolic disorder and bone lesion, and regulated FGF23-Klotho signaling axis and ERK1/2-SGK1-NHERF-1-NaPi-2a pathway in the kidney. In addition, using the shRNA-Klotho plasmid-transfected cells, we also detected, FPS accurately activated ERK1/2-SGK1-NHERF-1-NaPi-2a pathway through Klotho loss reversal.Conclusion: In this study, we emphatically demonstrated that FPS, a natural anti-renal dysfunction drug, similar to CTR, improves renal injury-related calcium-phosphorus metabolic disorder and bone abnormality in the CKD–MBD model rats. More importantly, we firstly found that beneficial effects in vivo and in vitro of FPS on phosphorus reabsorption are closely associated with regulation of FGF23-Klotho signaling axis and ERK1/2-SGK1-NHERF-1-NaPi-2a pathway in the kidney. This study provided pharmacological evidences that FPS directly contributes to the treatment of CKD–MBD.
The Use of Fluorescence Spectra for the Detection of Scab and Rot in Fruit and Vegetable Crops
Authors: Sarimov Ruslan M. , Lednev Vasily N. , Sibirev Alexey V. , Gudkov Sergey V. 
Published: January 2021

Using Fluorescence Spectrometer Lumina, fluorescence spectra of surface slices of apples and potatoes were measured. Some of the samples were healthy, some were infected: apples had scabs, potatoes had rot and mechanical damage. For apples, two zones were found where the emission spectra of healthy and scab-affected samples differed significantly from each other. This is the region of 400–450 nm with excitation of 300–350 nm, as well as the region of 680–750 nm with excitation of 400–450 nm. For potatoes, the differences between a healthy and rot-affected sample were found only in the region of 400–450 nm with excitation at 300–350 nm. The found differences are clearly manifested in the correlation coefficients between the spectra - the minimum correlation coefficient for healthy apples and scab at 450 nm excitation r = 0.51. Also, healthy and diseased samples are well separated using principal component analysis (PCA). The revealed differences in the fluorescence spectra can be used for the detection and separation of diseased and healthy fruits and vegetables.
Encouraging COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Through Effective Health Communication
Authors: Motta Matt , Sylvester Steven , Callaghan Timothy , Lunz-Trujillo Kristin 
Published: January 2021

Context: Overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic will require most Americans to vaccinate against the virus. Unfortunately, previous research suggests that many Americans plan to refuse a vaccine; thereby jeopardizing collective immunity. We investigate the effectiveness of three different health communication frames hypothesized to increase vaccine intention; emphasizing either 1) personal health risks, 2) economic costs, or 3) collective public health consequences of not vaccinating.Methods: In a large (N = 7,064) and demographically representative survey experiment, we randomly assigned respondents to read pro-vaccine communication materials featuring one of the frames listed above. We also randomly varied the message source (ordinary people vs. medical experts) and availability of information designed the “pre-bunk” potential misinformation about expedited clinical trial safety.Findings: We find that messages emphasizing the personal health risks and collective health consequences of not vaccinating significantly increase Americans’ intentions to vaccinate. These effects are similar in magnitude irrespective of message source, and the inclusion of pre-bunking information. Surprisingly, economic cost frames have no discernible effect on vaccine intention. Additionally, despite sharp partisan polarization in public vaccination intentions, we find that these effects are no different for Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike.Conclusion: Health communicators hoping to encourage vaccination may be effective by appealing to the use personal and collective health risks of not vaccinating.
Enhanced Functional Connectivity Within Executive Function Network in Remitted or Partially Remitted MDD Patients
Authors: Wang Yuchen , Zhang Aixia , Yang Chunxia , Li Gaizhi , Sun Ning , Liu Penghong , Wang Yanfang , Zhang Kerang 
Published: January 2021

Background: Impaired executive function (EF) is associated with a range of typical clinical characteristics and psychosocial dysfunction in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, because of the lack of objective cognitive tests, inconsistencies in research results, and improvement in patients' subjective experience, few clinicians are concerned with the persistent impairment of EF in euthymia. The study makes a further investigation for EF in remitted and partially remitted MDD patients via multiple EF tests and fMRI, so as to explore the executive function of patients in euthymia.Methods: We recruited 19 MDD patients and 17 age-, gender-, and education-matched healthy controls (HCs). All participants completed EF tests and fMRI scanning. Bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) regions were selected as the region of interests (ROIs) to conduct seed-based functional connectivity (FC). We conducted fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) analysis for all ROIs and whole brain.Results: All MDD patients were in remission or partial remission, and they were comparable with HCs on all the EF tests. MDD group showed increased positive FC between left dlPFC and cerebellar Crus I, right dlPFC and supramarginal gyrus after 8-weeks treatment, even taking residual depressive symptoms into account. We did not find group difference of fALFF value.Conclusion: MDD patients persisted with EF impairment despite the remission or partially remission of depressive symptoms. Clinicians should focus on residual cognitive symptoms, which may contribute to maximize the efficacy of routine therapy.
Predicting Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety Using Smartphone and Wearable Data
Authors: Moshe Isaac , Terhorst Yannik , Opoku Asare Kennedy , Sander Lasse Bosse , Ferreira Denzil , Baumeister Harald , Mohr David C. , Pulkki-Råback Laura 
Published: January 2021

Background: Depression and anxiety are leading causes of disability worldwide but often remain undetected and untreated. Smartphone and wearable devices may offer a unique source of data to detect moment by moment changes in risk factors associated with mental disorders that overcome many of the limitations of traditional screening methods.Objective: The current study aimed to explore the extent to which data from smartphone and wearable devices could predict symptoms of depression and anxiety.Methods: A total of N = 60 adults (ages 24–68) who owned an Apple iPhone and Oura Ring were recruited online over a 2-week period. At the beginning of the study, participants installed the Delphi data acquisition app on their smartphone. The app continuously monitored participants' location (using GPS) and smartphone usage behavior (total usage time and frequency of use). The Oura Ring provided measures related to activity (step count and metabolic equivalent for task), sleep (total sleep time, sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset and time in bed) and heart rate variability (HRV). In addition, participants were prompted to report their daily mood (valence and arousal). Participants completed self-reported assessments of depression, anxiety and stress (DASS-21) at baseline, midpoint and the end of the study.Results: Multilevel models demonstrated a significant negative association between the variability of locations visited and symptoms of depression (beta = −0.21, p = 0.037) and significant positive associations between total sleep time and depression (beta = 0.24, p = 0.023), time in bed and depression (beta = 0.26, p = 0.020), wake after sleep onset and anxiety (beta = 0.23, p = 0.035) and HRV and anxiety (beta = 0.26, p = 0.035). A combined model of smartphone and wearable features and self-reported mood provided the strongest prediction of depression.Conclusion: The current findings demonstrate that wearable devices may provide valuable sources of data in predicting symptoms of depression and anxiety, most notably data related to common measures of sleep.
Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of the Bluetongue Virus in Cattle in China From 1988 to 2019: A Comprehensive Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gong Qing-Long , Wang Qi , Yang Xue-Yao , Li Dong-Li , Zhao Bo , Ge Gui-Yang , Zong Ying , Li Jian-Ming , Leng Xue , Shi Kun , Liu Fei , Du Rui 
Published: January 2021

Background: Bluetongue caused by the bluetongue virus (BTV) is a non-contagious and an insect-borne disease mainly affecting domestic and wild ruminants. Bluetongue in cattle is associated with vesicular lesions, weight loss, low milk production, and low reproductive capacity. It should not be ignored as it is associated with large economic losses to the livestock breeding industry in China. Although many studies have investigated bluetongue virus infection in cattle, no nationwide study on the prevalence of bluetongue virus infection in cattle from China has yet been conducted. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence and risk factors for bluetongue in cattle.Results: We collected 50 publications from 1988 to 2019 through PubMed, ScienceDirect, Chinese Web of Knowledge (CNKI), VIP Chinese journal database, and Wanfang database. A total of the pooled bluetongue seroprevalence of 12.2% (5,332/87,472) in cattle was tested. The point estimate of bluetongue collected from 2001 to 2011 was 22.5% (95% CI: 1.2–58.9), which was higher than after 2012 (9.9%, 95% CI: 3.3–19.4). The analysis of the feeding model subgroup revealed that the seroprevalence of bluetongue was significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) among free-range cattle (22.5%; 95% CI: 7.7–42.3) than among cattle from intensive farming systems (1.8%; 95% CI: 0.0–6.7). The seroprevalence of bluetongue in different species showed significant variation (P &lt; 0.05), with the highest seroprevalence of 39.8% (95% CI: 18.7–63.0) in buffalo and the lowest seroprevalence of 4.3% (95% CI: 1.2–9.0) in yak. In the zoogeographical division subgroup, the seroprevalence of bluetongue correlated positively within a certain range with the species distribution of Culicoides.Conclusion: Our findings suggested that bluetongue was prevalent in cattle in China. In addition, the contact with sheep, other ruminants, or transmission media such as Culicoides may increase the seroprevalence of bluetongue disease in cattle. It is necessary to carry out continuous monitoring of the bluetongue seroprevalence. Moreover, comprehensive and improved strategies and measures should be implemented to prevent and control the spread of bluetongue.