bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of ABCG2 rs2231142 Allele and BMI With Hyperuricemia in an East Asian Population
Authors: Chen Yen-Ju , Chen I-Chieh , Lin Hsueh-Ju , Lin Ying-Cheng , Chang Jui-Chun , Chen Yi-Ming , Hsiao Tzu-Hung , Chen Pei-Chun , Lin Ching-Heng 
Published: September 2021

Objectives:Genetic variants and obesity are risk factors for hyperuricemia (HUA). Recent genome-wide association studies have identifiedABCG2rs2231142 as one of the most prominent genetic variants for HUA in an East Asian population. Nevertheless, no large-scale studies have demonstrated any interactive effects between this variant and obesity on serum urate level in Asians. This study aimed to determine the interaction ofABCG2rs2231142 variant and body mass index (BMI) and its effect on risk of HUA in an East Asian population.Methods:The study was conducted using the Taiwan Biobank database, a population-based biomedical research database of patients with Taiwanese Han Chinese ancestry aged 30–70years between September 2014 and May 2017. Detailed physical information on participants were collected by questionnaires and genotyping using Affymetrix TWB 650K SNP chip. The primary outcome was HUA, defined as a serum uric acid level&gt;7.0mg/dl. Odds ratio (OR) of HUA was analyzed using logistic regression models and the effects of interaction betweenABCG2rs2231142 variants and BMI on serum uric acid level were explored.Results:We identified 25,245 subjects, 4,228 (16.75%) of whom had HUA. The prevalence of HUA was 30% in men and 3.8% in women. The risk of HUA was significantly associated withABCG2rs2231142 risk T allele, with more HUA in TT genotype (OR: 2.40, 95% CI: 2.11–2.72,p&lt;0.001) and TG genotype (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.51–1.78,p&lt;0.001) in men, and TT genotype (OR: 2.42, 95% CI: 1.83–3.20,p&lt;0.001) and TG genotype (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.46–2.23,p&lt;0.001) in women, compared with their counterparts. Moreover, we found a strong genetic-environmental interaction associated with the risk of HUA. There was increased risk of HUA by the interaction ofABCG2rs2231142 variant and BMI for TT genotype (OR: 7.42, 95% CI: 2.54–21.7,p&lt;0.001) and TG genotype (OR: 4.25, 95% CI: 2.13–8.47,p&lt;0.001) in men compared with the GG genotype in men, and for TT genotype (OR: 25.43, 95% CI: 3.75–172.41,p&lt;0.001) and TG genotype (OR: 3.05, 95% CI: 0.79–11.71,p=0.011) in women compared with the GG genotype in women.Conclusion:The risk of HUA was markedly increased by the interaction ofABCG2rs2231142 variant and BMI, both in men and in women. Body weight control and reduction in BMI are recommended in high-risk patients with theABCG2rs2231142 risk T allele.
No Casual Relationship Between T2DM and the Risk of Infectious Diseases: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Wang Huachen , Guo Zheng , Zheng Yulu , Yu Chunyan , Hou Haifeng , Chen Bing 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundIn epidemiological studies, it has been proven that the occurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is related to an increased risk of infectious diseases. However, it is still unclear whether the relationship is casual.MethodsWe employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to clarify the causal effect of T2DM on high-frequency infectious diseases: sepsis, skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), urinary tract infections (UTIs), pneumonia, and genito-urinary infection (GUI) in pregnancy. And then, we analyzed the genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis of European-descent individuals and conducted T2DM-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables (IVs) that were associated with genome-wide significance (p &lt; 5 × 10–8). MR estimates were obtained using the inverse variance-weighted (IVW), the MR-Egger regression, the simple mode (SM), weighted median, and weighted mode.ResultsThe UK Biobank (UKB) cohort (n &gt; 500,000) provided data for GWASs on infectious diseases. MR analysis showed little evidence of a causal relationship of T2DM with five mentioned infections’ (sepsis, SSTI, UTI, pneumonia, and GUI in pregnancy) susceptibility [odds ratio (OR) = 0.99999, p = 0.916; OR = 0.99986, p = 0.233; OR = 0.99973, p = 0.224; OR = 0.99997, p = 0.686; OR, 1.00002, p = 0.766]. Sensitivity analysis showed similar results, indicating the robustness of causality. There were no heterogeneity and pleiotropic bias.ConclusionT2DM would not be causally associated with high-frequency infectious diseases (including sepsis, SSTI, UTI, pneumonia, and GUI in pregnancy).
Brugia malayi Glycoproteins Detected by the Filariasis Test Strip Antibody AD12.1
Authors: Hertz Marla I. , Hamlin Irene , Rush Amy , Budge Philip J. 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundRapid and accurate prevalence mapping of lymphatic filariasis (LF) is necessary to eliminate this disfiguring and disabling neglected tropical disease. Unfortunately, rapid tests such as the filariasis test strip (FTS) forWuchereria bancrofti, the causative agent of LF in Africa, can cross-react with antigens circulating in some persons infected by the African eye worm,Loa loa, rendering the test unreliable in eleven co-endemic nations. The intended target of the FTS is a heavily glycosylatedW. bancrofticirculating filarial antigen (Wb-CFA). Previously, we determined that the FTS monoclonal antibody, AD12.1, which detects a carbohydrate epitope on Wb-CFA, also detects multipleL. loaproteins in cross-reactive sera from persons with loiasis. Since the carbohydrate epitope recognized by AD12.1 is present on glycoproteins of other parasitic nematodes, includingBrugiaspecies, it is unclear why reactive glycoproteins are not detected in infections with other filarial parasites.MethodsTo gain a better understanding of the proteins recognized by the FTS diagnostic antibody, we used proteomics and lectin array technology to characterize filarial glycoproteins that are bound by the AD12.1 antibody usingBrugia malayias a model.ResultsDistinct but overlapping sets of AD12 glycoproteins were identified from somatic and excretory/secretory worm products. One of the identified proteins, Bm18019 was confirmed as a secreted AD12-reactive glycoprotein by in-gel proteomics and immunoassays. Based on lectin binding patterns,BrugiaAD12-reactive glycoproteins express glycans including core fucose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine and galactose(β1-3)N-acetylgalactosamine in addition to the epitope recognized by AD12.1. None of the lectins that boundB. malayiAD12 glycoproteins had affinity for the Wb-CFA, highlighting a key difference between it and other AD12 glycoproteins.ConclusionsB. malayisomatic and excretory/secretory proteins are similar toL. loaantigens found in FTS-positive human sera, bolstering the hypothesis that circulatingL. loaAD12 antigens result from worm tissue damage or death. The difference in glycan and protein composition between the Wb-CFA and other AD12 glycoproteins can be used to differentiate LF from cross-reactive loiasis.
Surface Reactivity of Carbonaceous Nanoparticles: The Importance of Surface Pocket
Authors: Wang Hongyu , Chang Xiaoya , Chen Dongping 
Published: September 2021

The surface reactivity of carbonaceous nanoparticles is revealed from the barrier height and reaction enthalpy of hydrogen abstraction reaction by H radicals computed at the M06-2X/6–311g(d,p)//B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level of theory. Small polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) clusters are selected as the model system of carbonaceous nanoparticles. The PAHs considered are naphthalene, pyrene, coronene, ovalene and circumcoronene. Cluster sizes range from dimer to tetramer with a parallel or crossed configuration. All results show similar values as that of monomers, but naphthalene dimers with a crossed configuration yield a lower barrier height and reaction enthalpy by ∼2 kcal/mol. A minor size dependence is noticed in the series of naphthalene clusters where a larger cluster exhibits a smaller barrier height. Larger homogeneous PAH clusters in a size range of 1.1–1.9 nm are later generated to mimic nascent soot surface. It is found that the barrier height decreases with the increase in particle size, and the averaged values are ∼2 kcal/mol lower than that of monomers. More importantly, a larger particle shows a wider spread in barrier heights, and low barrier heights are seen in the surface shallow regions (e.g., surface pockets). The lowest barrier height of ∼8.5 kcal/mol is observed at a C-H site locating in a surface pocket. A set of model systems are built to reveal the underlying mechanism of reduction in barrier height. It is shown that the reduction is caused by local interactions between the neighboring atoms and the local curvature. Further analysis on the average localized ionization potential shows that larger particles have higher reactivity, further supporting our findings from the barrier height of hydrogen abstraction reactions. Therefore, it is concluded that the surface reactivity depends on the particle size and the most reactive sites always locate at the surface pockets.
PRAgmatic Clinical Trial Design of Integrative MediCinE (PRACTICE): A Focus Group Series and Systematic Review on Trials of Diabetes and Kidney Disease
Authors: Chan Kam Wa , Lee Pak Wing , Leung Crystal Pui-sha , Law Yee Kwan , Gao Lucy , Chan Gary Chi-wang , Yiu Wai Han , Lam Tai Pong , Tang Sydney Chi-wai 
Published: September 2021

Background: Pragmatic trials inform clinical decision with better generalizability and can bridge different streams of medicine. This study collated the expectations regarding pragmatic trial design of integrative medicine (IM) for diabetes and kidney diseases among patients and physicians. Dissonance between users' perspective and existing pragmatic trial design was identified. The association between risk of bias and pragmatism of study design was assessed.Method: A 10-group semi-structured focus group interview series [21 patients, 14 conventional medicine (ConM) and 15 Chinese medicine (CM) physicians] were purposively sampled from private and public clinics in Hong Kong. Perspectives were qualitatively analyzed by constant comparative method. A systematic search of four databases was performed to identify existing IM pragmatic clinical trials in diabetes or kidney disease. Primary outcomes were the pragmatism, risk of bias, and rationale of the study design. Risk of bias and pragmatism were assessed based on Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and PRECIS-2, respectively. The correlation between risk of bias and pragmatism was assessed by regression models with sensitivity analyses.Results: The subtheme on the motivation to seek IM service was analyzed, covering the perceived limitation of ConM effect, perceived benefits of IM service, and assessment of IM effectiveness. Patients expected IM service to retard disease progression, stabilize concomitant drug dosage, and reduce potential side effects associated with ConM. In the systematic review, 25 studies from six countries were included covering CM, Korean medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, and western herbal medicine. Existing study designs did not include a detailed assessment of concomitant drug change and adverse events. Majority of studies either recruited a non-representative proportion of patients as traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) diagnosis was used as inclusion criteria, or not reflecting the real-world practice of TCIM by completely dropping TCIM diagnosis in the trial design. Consultation follow-up frequency is the least pragmatic domain. Increase in pragmatism did not associate with a higher risk of bias.Conclusion: Existing IM pragmatic trial design does not match the patients' expectation in the analysis of incident concomitant drug change and adverse events. A two-layer design incorporating TCIM diagnosis as a stratification factor maximizes the generalizability of evidence and real-world translation of both ConM and TCIM.
Depression and Endothelial Dysfunction in Psoriatic Arthritis: Is There Any Possible Relationship?
Authors: De Lorenzis Enrico , Di Giorgio Angela , Natalello Gerlando , Nesci Antonio , Tanti Giacomo , Rubortone Pietro , Lucchetti Donatella , Magurano Maria Rosaria , Di Mario Clara , Tolusso Barbara , Peluso Giusy , Santoliquido Angelo , Gremese Elisa 
Published: September 2021

Background: Cardiovascular events (CVEs) are the first cause of death in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Depression is a recognized risk factor in cardiovascular events and is frequently associated with PsA. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) is a widely used method for assessing endothelial dysfunction, a parameter with strong prognostic implications for CVEs. The study aims to explore the relationship between FMD, depressive symptoms and serum cytokines in a cohort of patients with PsA.Patients and Methods: FMD was assessed in 50 consecutive PsA patients aged between 30 and 75 years without known cerebrovascular and coronary heart disease or diabetes. Depressive symptoms were reported using the related subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HDS). Disease features, activity indexes, and adjusted Framingham risk score (aFRS) were calculated. Serum level of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-17A were also assessed.Results: In PsA patients (age 50.7 ± 10.2 years, male 42%, disease duration 5.9 ± 3.3 years, Disease Activity in PSoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) score 14.0 ± 9.4) FMD inversely correlated with the severity of depressive symptoms according to HDS (ρ = −0.339, p = 0.016), age (ρ = −0.507, p = 0.001), aFRS (rs = −0.453, p &lt; 0.001), duration of PsA (ρ = −0.507, p = 0.001), intensity of pain (ρ = −0.507, p = 0.001), and DAPSA (ρ = −0.507, p = 0.001). No statistically significant correlation was found between FMD or HDS and serum cytokines concentrations. HDS predicted FMD in a model adjusted for age, aFRS, PsA duration, and pain intensity (β = −0.271, p = 0.008), with depressive symptoms contributing directly to 6.4% of the variance.Conclusions: Depressive symptoms correlate with endothelial dysfunction with an exposure-response pattern in our cohort of PsA patients.
The Risk Factors for Weaning Failure of Mechanically Ventilated Patients With COVID-19: A Retrospective Study in National Medical Team Work
Authors: Zhao Hua , Su Longxiang , Ding Xin , Chen Huan , Zhang Hongmin , Wang Jinglan , Long Yun , Zhou Xiang , Zhang Shuyang 
Published: September 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics and the parameters of the respiratory mechanics of mechanically ventilated patients with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia and to clarify the risk or protective factors for weaning failure.Methods: Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia were selected from the special intensive care unit (ICU) of the Sino-French New City Branch of Tong Ji Hospital, Wuhan, and treated by the National Medical Team Work. They were divided into successful weaning (SW) group (N = 15) and unsuccessful weaning (USW) group (N = 18) according to the prognosis. Information of these patients was analyzed.Results: There were 33 patients included in this study. Patients in the USW group were associated with a poor outcome; the 28-day mortality rate was higher than in the SW group (86.7 vs. 16.7% p &lt; 0.001). By comparison, we found that the initial plateau pressure (Pplat) and driving pressure (DP) of the USW group were higher and that compliance was lower than that of the SW group, but there was no difference between positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), and the ratio of partial pressure arterial oxygen and fraction of inspired oxygen (P/F ratio). Comparing the worst respiratory mechanics parameters of the two groups, the results of the Pplat, DP, compliance, and PEEP were the same as the initial data. The PCO2 of the USW group was higher, while the P/F ratio was lower. A logistic regression analysis suggested that higher Pplat might be an independent risk factor and that higher compliance and lower DP might be protective factors for weaning failure of invasive mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.Conclusions: Patients with USW were associated with a poor outcome, higher Pplat might be a risk factor, and a higher compliance and a lower DP might be protective factors for the weaning failure of ventilated COVID-19 patients. Mechanical ventilation settings will affect the patient's prognosis.
Beyond the Visual Acuity: Assessing the Visual Function in mCNV Patients After Anti-VEGF Treatment
Authors: Li Songshan , Sun Limei , Zhao Xiujuan , Zhang Zhaotian , Luo Xiaoling , Ding Xiaoyan 
Published: September 2021

Purpose: To investigate visual function and vision-related quality of life (VR-QoL) changes in patients with myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) after ranibizumab treatment.Methods: Quantitatively evaluate the objective tests of visual function (visual acuity, microperimetry, and metamorphopsia by m-Charts) before and after 3+prn (pro re neta) ranibizumab treatment for 1 year. The National Eye Institute 25-Item Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) was performed to evaluate the VR-QoL.Results: A total of 57 eyes of 57 patients were included in this study. The median average metamorphopsia score was 0.65 before treatment and improved to 0.45 after treatment (p = 0.0003). There was also a significant difference in the average threshold, macular integrity, and proportion of patients with stable fixation by the microperimetry (p &lt; 0.000, p &lt; 0.0001, and p = 0.03, respectively). After treatment, the VR-QoL composite, general vision subscale, and vision-related mental health subscale score were increased with borderline or statistical significance (p = 0.088, p = 0.0038, and p = 0.012, respectively). Subgroup analysis demonstrated parallel improvement of the VR-QoL score, metamorphopsia, average macular threshold, and fixation stability in patients with or without visual acuity increase. By multiple linear regression analysis, the VFQ-25 score after anti-VEGF treatment was only associated with the baseline VFQ-25 score and macular integrity. Improvements in the VFQ-25 score were only associated with changes in the metamorphopsia score.Conclusions: Integral lifting in several aspects of visual function was observed in mCNV after ranibizumab treatment. Macular integrity and metamorphopsia, but not visual acuity, were associated with VR-QoL.
Safety and Efficacy of Roxadustat for Anemia in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Liu Chao , Fu Zhangning , Jiang Jiawei , Chi Kun , Geng Xiaodong , Mao Zhi , Song Chengcheng , Sun Guannan , Hong Quan , Cai Guangyan , Chen Xiangmei , Sun Xuefeng 
Published: September 2021

Background: Roxadustat, a hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitor (HIF-PHI), has been used to treat anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, its safety and efficacy remain controversial.Methods: The PubMed, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Clinical Trial Registries databases were searched for relevant studies published up to April 2021. We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing roxadustat with placebo or erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in anemia patients with CKD with or without dialysis.Results: Eleven studies including 6,631 patients met the inclusion criteria. In non-dialysis-dependent (NDD-) and dialysis-dependent (DD-) CKD patients, the total adverse events were not significantly different between the roxadustat and control (placebo for NDD-CKD patients and ESA for DD-CKD patients) groups [relative risk (RR) = 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.00, 1.04, P = 0.08, and RR = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.91, 1.64, P = 0.18, respectively], and the trial sequential analysis (TSA) confirmed the result in the NDD-CKD groups. No significant differences in hyperkalemia and infection incidences were found between roxadustat and placebo in the DD-CKD groups. The pooled results showed that roxadustat significantly increased the hemoglobin response rate compared with placebo in the NDD-CKD group and had an effect similar to that of ESA in the DD-CKD group. However, iron metabolism parameters did not seem to be obviously optimized by roxadustat.Conclusion: Roxadustat can be safely used in CKD patients. Oral roxadustat was more effective than placebo as a therapy for anemia in NDD-CKD patients and non-inferior to ESA in correcting anemia in DD-CKD patients. However, additional clinical trials are still needed to further prove whether roxadustat can optimize iron metabolism.
Comparative Study on the Antioxidant Activity of Monascus Yellow Pigments From Two Different Types of Hongqu—Functional Qu and Coloring Qu
Authors: Wu Li , Zhou Kangxi , Chen Feng , Chen Guimei , Yu Ying , Lv Xucong , Zhang Wen , Rao Pingfan , Ni Li 
Published: September 2021

Graphical AbstractMonascus yellow pigments (MYPs) in functional Qu (FQ) have a higher antioxidant potential than those in coloring Qu (CQ). The difference in antioxidant activities of MYPs is due to the critical hydroxyl group on C-3′ or C-11.
The Association Between Perivascular Spaces and Cerebral Blood Flow, Brain Volume, and Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Liu Sirui , Hou Bo , You Hui , Zhang Yiwei , Zhu Yicheng , Ma Chao , Zuo Zhentao , Feng Feng 
Published: September 2021

Background: Basal ganglia perivascular spaces are associated with cognitive decline and cardiovascular risk factors. There is a lack of studies on the cardiovascular risk burden of basal ganglia perivascular spaces (BG-PVS) and their relationship with gray matter volume (GMV) and GM cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the aging brain. Here, we investigated these two issues in a large sample of cognitively intact older adults.Methods: A total of 734 volunteers were recruited. MRI was performed with 3.0 T using a pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) sequence and a sagittal isotropic T1-weighted sequence for CBF and GMV analysis. The images obtained from 406 participants were analyzed to investigate the relationship between the severity of BG-PVS and GMV/CBF. False discovery rate-corrected P-values (PFDR) of &lt;0.05 were considered significant. The images obtained from 254 participants were used to study the relationship between the severity of BG-PVS and cardiovascular risk burden. BG-PVS were rated using a 5-grade score. The severity of BG-PVS was classified as mild (grade &lt;3) and severe (grade ≥3). Cardiovascular risk burden was assessed with the Framingham General Cardiovascular Risk Score (FGCRS).Results: Severe basal ganglia perivascular spaces were associated with significantly smaller GMV and CBF in multiple cortical regions (PFDR &lt;0.05), and were associated with significantly larger volume in the bilateral caudate nucleus, pallidum, and putamen (PFDR &lt;0.05). The participants with severe BG-PVS were more likely to have a higher cardiovascular risk burden than the participants with mild BG-PVS (60.71% vs. 42.93%; P =0.02).Conclusion: In cognitively intact older adults, severe BG-PVS are associated with smaller cortical GMV and CBF, larger subcortical GMV, and higher cardiovascular risk burden.