bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Presepsin values and Prognostic Nutritional Index predict mortality in intensive care unit patients with sepsis: a pilot study
Authors: Shimoyama Yuichiro , Umegaki Osamu , Kadono Noriko , Minami Toshiaki 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objective

Sepsis is a major cause of mortality for critically ill patients. This study aimed to determine whether presepsin values can predict mortality in patients with sepsis.
Results

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, Log-rank test, and multivariate analysis identified presepsin values and Prognostic Nutritional Index as predictors of mortality in sepsis patients. Presepsin value on Day 1 was a predictor of early mortality, i.e., death within 7 days of ICU admission; ROC curve analysis revealed an AUC of 0.84, sensitivity of 89%, and specificity of 77%; and multivariate analysis showed an OR of 1.0007, with a 95%CI of 1.0001–1.0013 (p = 0.0320).
Correlation between neurological features, nutritional status and metabolic changes in patients with Ataxia-telangiectasia
Authors: Barreto Talita Lemos Neves , Raslan Ivana , Trajano Karina , Maggi Fernanda , Pedroso José Luiz , Barsottini Orlando , Fonseca Fernando Luiz , Ferreira Ariel , Aranda Carolina , Sarni Roseli 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

Ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder caused by variants of ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated) gene. There is no specific treatment, but clinical management has advanced resulting in longer patient survival. However, these patients develop metabolic changes over time. We aimed to assess the correlation between neurological features, nutritional status and metabolic changes in AT patients.
Results

Significant correlations were found between the scores on the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS) and age (r = 0.748; p < 0.001), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) (r = 0.743; p < 0.001), insulin levels (r = 0.520; p = 0.016) and the Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) index (r = 0.585; p = 0.005) as well as the scores on the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) and age (r = 0.704; p < 0.001), GGT (r = 0.701; p < 0.001), insulin levels (r = 0.706; p < 0.001) and HOMA-IR index (r = 0.764; p < 0.001).
Conclusions

The relevant correlation between severity of ataxia and disease progression with metabolic changes such as liver function impairment and insulin resistance reinforce the importance to monitoring metabolic changes and evaluate nutritional status in these patients.
The ameliorative effect of terpinen-4-ol on ER stress-induced vascular calcification depends on sirt1-mediated regulation of PERK acetylation
Authors: Zhang Yan-Yan , He Li , Tu Meng-Xin , Huang Mei , Chen Yan , Pan Di , Peng Jian-Qing , Shen Xiangchun 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is key to vascular calcification (VC) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Terpinen-4-ol exerts protective effect against cardiovascular disease, but its role and specific mechanism in VC remain unclear. We explored whether terpinen-4-ol alleviates ER stress-mediated VC through sirtuin 1 (sirt1) and elucidated its mechanism to provide evidence for its application in the clinical prevention and treatment of VC.
Methods

In this study, CKD-related VC animal model and β-glycerophosphate (β-GP)-induced VSMCs calcification model were established. We investigated the part of terpinen-4-ol in ER stress-induced VC in vitro and in vivo. However, in order to clarify whether terpinen-4-ol inhibits the molecular mechanism of ERs-induced VC through sirt1, we further verified the above signal transduction by knocking down sirt1 in vitro and in vivo.
Results

Terpinen-4-ol inhibited calcium deposition, phenotypic switching, and ER stress of VSMCs in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, pre-incubation with terpinen-4-ol or a sirt1 agonist and transfection with lentivirus overexpressing sirt1 decreased β-GP-induced calcium salt deposition, increased sirt1 protein level, and inhibited PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 pathway activation in VSMCs, thus, alleviating VC. The opposite results were obtained in sirt1-knockdown models. Moreover, sirt1 physically interacted with and deacetylated PERK. Mass spectrometry analysis identified lysine K889 as the acetylation site of sirt1, which regulates PERK. Finally, inhibition of sirt1 reduced the effect of terpinen-4-ol on the deacetylation of PERK in vitro and in vivo and weakened the inhibitory effect of terpinen-4-ol against ER stress-mediated VC.
Conclusions

Terpinen-4-ol inhibits the post-transcriptional modification of PERK at the lysine K889 acetylation site by upregulating sirt1 expression level, thereby ameliorating VC by regulating ER stress. This provides evidence of the molecular mechanism of terpinen-4-ol, which supports its development as a promising therapeutic agent for CKD-VC.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Implications of the COVID-19 Quarantine for Disabled and Disadvantaged Children and Young People: Evidence from a Cross-cultural Study in Zambia and Sierra Leone
Authors: Sharpe Darren , Rajabi Mohsen , Chileshe Clement , Sitali Mayamba , Sesay Ibrahim , Williams James , Sait Siraj 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background The mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantining on children and young people (CYP) living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has yet to be fully comprehended. CYP in LMICs are at utmost risk, given the COVID-19-related restrictions and social distancing measures, resulting in reduced access to school-based services for nutritional and mental health needs. This study examined mental health of CYP during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Zambia and Sierra Leone.
Method In this cross-sectional study which conducted from 21st June to 8th August 2020, 468 disabled and disadvantaged CYP aged 12 to 25 completed a planning tool that comprised the short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS), as well as open-ended questions covering social connectedness, physical distancing and outdoor activities during the lockdown. The community coaches screened individuals and families who could be eligible to receive emergency aid, and based on a convenience sample following distribution of aid, recipients were invited to complete the online planning tool. The participants were vulnerable children and adolescents (e.g. disadvantaged or living with a disability) living in different provinces of Zambia and Sierra Leone.
Results Mean (SD) SWEMWBS scores for all participants in Zambia and Sierra Leone, were 19.61 (3.45) and 21.65 (2.84), respectively. Mental wellbeing scores were lower in women, younger children and participants with two or more disabilities. Factors significantly associated with poor mental wellbeing in the sample were: type of disability, nationality, peer relationships, connection to others during the pandemic, knowledge about COVID-19, worry about the long-term impact of COVID-19, and the types of self-isolating.
Conclusion The results show that participants who self-reported low levels of COVID-19 health literacy also scored low on the mental wellbeing self-assessment. Yet, despite undoubted limited resources, these CYP are doing well in identifying their needs and maintaining hope in the face of the problems associated with COVID-19 in countries where stigma persists around mental ill-health.
The relationship between insulin sensitivity and serum AT3 activity in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wang Hong , Cao Jie , Su Jian-bin , Wang Xue-qin , Zhang Dong-mei , Wang Xiao-hua 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Serum antithrombin 3 (AT3) is a physiological inhibitor of thrombin, and AT3 activity was found to be decreased at the status of type 2 diabetes (T2D). T2D was presented with an increased risk of thrombotic complications at the background of impaired insulin sensitivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between insulin sensitivity and serum AT3 activity in patients with T2D. Methods: We recruited 1612 patients with T2D for this cross-sectional study from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University. All patients performed 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and basal and systemic insulin sensitivity were assessed by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and Matsuda index (ISI Matsuda ), respectively. Serum AT3, one of the hemostatic parameters, and the relevant clinical data were collected, as well as other laboratory indicators. Results: It is showed that HOMA-IR decreased, while ISI Matsuda notably increased, across ascending quartiles of serum AT3. Moreover, serum AT3 were was negatively correlated with (r = –0.189, p < 0.001) and positively correlated with ISI Matsuda (r = 0.221, p < 0.001). After adjusted for metabolic risk factors, hemostatic parameters and glucose-lowering therapies by multivariate liner regression analysis, HOMA-IR (β = −0.179, t = −5.823, p < 0.001) and ISI Matsuda (β = 0.191, t = 6.395, p < 0.001) was remained independently associated with the serum AT3 activity patients with T2D, respectively. Conclusions: Reduced basal and systemic insulin sensitivity are associated with decreased AT3 activity in patients with T2D.
A Meta-Analysis of Association Between the MMP-13 rs2252070 Promoter Polymorphism and Cancer Risk
Authors: Yuan Peng , Chen Yudi , Ma Youzhao , Zhang Chengjuan , Ren Pengfei , Xu Benling 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

Originally detected in breast cancer tissue, MMP-13 has been showed to be closely related to cancer development. Increasing evidence has also suggested that rs2252070, one of its SNP, can profoundly influence cancer risk by regulating the expression while the conclusion still remained controversial. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to assess the carcinogenesis effect of this SNP quantitatively.

Methods

Studies about association between rs2252070 polymorphism and cancer risk by March 15, 2020 had been collected in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and CNKI. R scripts and STATA software were applied to calculate estimates. Pooled ORs and corresponding 95% CIs were used to evaluate the strength of association.

Results

Twenty studies meeting pre-defined criteria were retrieved for the final statistical analysis, including 8,215 cancer patients and 8,480 healthy controls. The pooled estimates revealed no statistical significance for the association between this polymorphism and the risk of cancer in all 5 genetic models. Similarly, no significance had been detected in stratified analyses by region, cancer type, sample size and genotyping method.

Conclusion

The association between MMP-13 rs2252070 and carcinogenesis was not statistically significant. To elucidate this conclusion, future studies including gene-gene and gene-environment interaction are needed to verify the study results.
Electro-Mechanical Coupling Properties of Band Gaps in an Elastic/Piezoelectric Phononic Crystal Nonlocal Nanobeam With Periodically Attached “spring-Mass” Resonators
Authors: Qian Denghui , Wang Jianchun , He Feiyang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The model of a locally resonant (LR) epoxy/PZT-4 phononic crystal (PC) nanobeam with “spring-mass” resonators periodically attached on epoxy is proposed. The corresponding band structures are calculated by coupling Euler beam theory, nonlocal piezoelectricity theory and plane wave expansion (PWE) method. Three complete band gaps with widest total width less than 10GHz can be formed in the proposed nanobeam by comprehensively comparing the band structures of three kinds of LR PC nanobeams with resonators attached or not. Furthermore, influencing rules of the coupling fields between electricity and mechanics, “spring-mass” resonator, nonlocal effect and different geometric parameters on first three band gaps are discussed and summarized. All the investigations are expected to be applied to realize the active control of vibration in the region of ultrahigh frequency.
Differential Expression of TgMIC1&nbsp;in Isolates of Chinese1 Toxoplasma With Different Virulence
Authors: Wang Yang , Han Chengjian , Zhou Rongsheng , Zhu Jinjin , Zhang Famin , Li Jingyang , Qingli Luo , Du Jian , Chu Deyong , Cai Yihong , Shen Jilong , Yu Li 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The predominant genotype of T. gondii in China is Chinese 1 (ToxoDB#9) lineage. TgCtwh3 and TgCtwh6 are two representative strains of Chinese 1, exhibiting high virulence and low virulence to mice, respectively. Little is known about the virulence mechanism of this non classical genotype. Our previous RNA sequencing data revealed that differential mRNA level of TgMIC1 in TgCtwh3 and TgCtwh6. To further confirm the differential expression of TgMIC1 and its significance in this atypical genotype, quantitative real-time PCR was used to verify the RNA sequencing data firstly, and then polyclonal antibodies against TgMIC1 were prepared and identified. Moreover, the invasion and proliferation of the parasite in HFF cells were observed after treatment with TgMIC1 polyclonal antibody or not. The data showed the protein level of TgMIC1 was significantly higher in high virulence strain TgCtwh3 than that in low virulence strain TgCtwh6, and the invasion and proliferation of TgCtwh3 were inhibited by TgMIC1 polyclonal antibody. Differential expression of TgMIC1 in TgCtwh3 and TgCtwh6 may explain, at least partly, the virulence mechanism of this atypical genotype
Effects of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms 869 T/C in the Exon 1 Locus of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Gene on Susceptibility and Airflow Restriction of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Liu Jie , Zhu Wenjing 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most common chronic respiratory disease which is expected to become the third leading cause of death worldwide in 2030. Series of susceptibility genes and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) play an important role in the occurrence and development of COPD.Methods: In our study, 98 COPD patients and 90 healthy volunteers were enrolled. The +869 SNP (SNP, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) of TGF-β1 was detected in 98 COPD patients and 90 healthy volunteers by PCR-DNA sequencing. The effects of different genotypes of +869 locus on the susceptibility of COPD, pulmonary function and airflow limitation of COPD patients were analyzed.Results: Allele C of +869 locus was associated with the susceptibility of COPD (OR:1.913, 95% CI: 1.251-2.926). The predicted value of FEV1% (FEV1, Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second) in patients with CC of +869 locus was significantly lower than that in patients with TT (P < 0.05). The genotype frequencies of CC, CT and TT were 6.5%, 58.7% and 34.8% in Mild-to-Moderate airflow restriction patients. In severe airflow restriction patients, the genotype frequencies were CC 23.1%, CT 57.7% and TT 19.2%. The distribution of CC genotype in severe airflow restriction COPD patients was significantly higher than that in Mild-to-Moderate airflow restriction COPD patients (P = 0.037). Moreover, the frequency of C allele was significantly higher in patients with severe airflow restriction than that patients with Mild-to-Moderate airflow restriction (P = 0.024).Conclusions: The SNP of +869 T/C in TGF-β1 is closely related to the susceptibility of COPD and the airflow restriction of COPD patients.
Clinical study of patients with coronary artery disease combined multivessel disease
Authors: Zhu Yuhan , Wen Yongyao , Liu Yanyan , Shen Xiaoxu , Song Maifen 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: To investigate the clinical prognosis of patients with coronary artery disease combined multivessel disease. Methods: The patients who were diagnosed with multivessel disease by coronary angiography were selected in this study. The clinical datas about the clinical prognosis and the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events within five-year follow-up were analyzed. Results: A total of 230 participants were included in this study, includeing 129 male (56.09%) and 101 female (43.91%), the average age was 69.73 ± 10.93. The outcomes showed that the patients with three-vessel lesions had significantly higher rate of diabetes history (51.32% vs. 34.62%, P=0.018), unstable angina pectoris history ( 73.03% vs. 55.13%, P=0.008), and significantly higher risk of cardiogenic mortality (7.24% vs. 1.28%, P=0.045) when compared with patients who had two-vessel lesions. The patients with CTO had significantly higher rate of diabetes history (58.54% vs. 42.86%, P=0.049), unstable angina pectoris history ( 80.49% vs. 64.02%, P=0.029), MI history ( 48.78% vs. 25.40%, P=0.003), significantly lower LVEF (58.73±11.30 vs. 64.23±9.49, P=0.001) and significantly higher risk of recurrent myocardial infarction (12.20% vs. 3.2%, P=0.043) when compared with those patients without CTO. The patients with left main lesions had significantly older age (73.61±9.95 vs. 69.02±10.98, P=0.018) and significantly higher risk of cardiogenic mortality (13.89% vs. 3.61%, P=0.025) when compared with those patients without left main lesions. Conclusions: Among patients with coronary artery disease combined multivessel disease, patients with CTO had significantly lower LVEF and higher risk of recurrent myocardial infarction than patients without CTO. The patients with left main lesions had significantly higher risk of cardiogenic mortality than patients without left main lesions. The patients with three-vessel lesions had higher risk of cardiogenic mortality than patients with two-vessel lesions.
Geographic Information Systems for Vaccine – Preventable Disease Management in Refugees
Authors: Fein Rebecca Anne , Alexander Jeffrey L. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
During conflicts, deaths from disease, often from vaccine-preventable diseases, outnumber deaths from violence. The current study was a quantitative, descriptive, case series investigating the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases in refugee populations using geographic information system (GIS) analysis. We focused on cholera, diphtheria, measles, and tuberculosis in the Dadaab complex (primarily Somali and Sudanese), Rohingya, Syrian, Venezuelan, and Yemeni refugee populations. We used retrospective data available to the public. Data were missing for many diseases. Cases of cholera ranged from 1.3 million (Yemen) to 1777 (Dadaab); fatalities ranged from 2500 (Yemen) to 14 (Dadaab). Cases of diptheria ranged from 7340 (Rohingya) to 1249 (Venezuela); fatalities ranged from 214 (Yemen) to 45 (Rohingya). Cases of measles ranged from 6395 (Venezuela) to 104 (Syria); no fatalities were reported. The only data reported for tuberculosis was for Rohingya (880 cases). Our results suggested GIS analysis may be a beneficial resource to address refugee health.
Pro-inflammatory effects of human apatite crystals extracted from patients suffering from calcific tendinopathy.
Authors: Herman Julien , Goff Benoit Le , Lima Julien De , Brion Régis , Chevalier Catherine , Blanchard Frédéric , Darrieutort-Laffite Christelle 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff is due to carbonated apatite deposits in the shoulder tendons. During the evolution of the disease, an acute inflammatory episode may occur leading to the disappearance of the calcification. Although hydroxyapatite crystals-induced inflammation has been previously studied with synthetic crystals, no data are available with calcifications extracted from patients suffering from calcific tendinopathy. The objective of the study was to explore the inflammatory properties of human calcifications and the pathways involved. Methods: Human calcifications and synthetic hydroxyapatite were used in vitro to stimulate human monocytes and macrophages, the human myeloid cell line THP-1 and human tenocytes. The release of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 by cells was quantified by ELISA. Gene expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was evaluated by quantitative PCR. NF-kB activation and NLRP3 involvement was assessed in THP-1 cells using a NF-kB inhibitor and a Caspase 1 inhibitor. The inflammatory properties were then assessed in vivo using a mouse air pouch model. Results: Human calcifications were able to induce a significant release of IL-1β when incubated with monocytes, macrophages and THP-1 only if they were first primed with LPS (monocytes and macrophages) or PMA (THP-1). Stimulation of THP-1 by human calcifications led to similar levels of IL- 1β when compared to synthetic hydroxyapatite although these levels were significantly inferior in monocytes and macrophages. Patient’s crystals enhanced mRNA expression of pro-IL-1β, as well as IL-18, NF-kB and TGFβ when IL-6 and TNFα expression were not. IL-1β production was reduced by the inhibition of Caspase 1 indicating the role of NLRP3 inflammasome. In vivo, injection of human calcifications or synthetic hydroxyapatite in air pouch led to significant increase in membrane thickness although significant overexpression of IL-1β was only observed for synthetic hydroxyapatite. Conclusions: As synthetic hydroxyapatite, human calcifications were able to induce an inflammatory response resulting in the production of IL-1β after NF-kB activation and through NLRP3 inflammasome. In some experiments, IL-1β induction was lower with human calcifications compared to synthetic apatite. Differences in size, shape and protein content may explain this observation.
Radial BMD and serum CTX-I can Predict the Progression of Carotid Plaque in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A 3-year Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Han Seungwoo , Kim Na-Ri , Kang Jong-Wan , Eun Jung-Su , Kang Young Mo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objective. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are almost twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) as those without. However, traditional CVD risks have been shown to underperform in RA patients; thus, we aimed to identify new surrogate risk factors to better reflect their atherosclerotic burden.Methods. A total of 380 RA patients with carotid atherosclerosis data were analyzed in this prospective cohort study. The primary outcome was carotid plaque progression over the 3-year follow-up period. Risk parameters assessed for the progression of carotid plaque were categorized as demographics, traditional CVD risks, RA-related risks, and bone parameters. Results. The progression of carotid plaque was associated with the level of rheumatoid factor (p = 0.025), serum C-terminal telopeptide of type-I collagen (CTX-I) (p = 0.014), and femur and distal radius bone mass density (BMD) (p = 0.007 and 0.004, respectively), as well as traditional CVD risk factors. In multivariable analyses, the bone parameters of serum CTX-I and distal radius BMD proved to be independent predictors of the progression of carotid plaque along with hyperlipidemia, smoking, and baseline carotid plaque (all, p < 0.05). Adding both serum CTX-I and distal radius BMD increased the carotid plaque progression prediction model’s percentage of explained variance from 24% to 30%.Conclusion. High serum CTX-I and lower radius BMD, reflecting high bone turnover, were independent risk factors for the progression of carotid plaque in RA patients, implicating the direct or indirect role of bone catabolism on the atherosclerotic burden.