bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Image Reconstruction Method of Cerebral Blood Flow Perfusion Imaging with Digital CZT SPECT
Authors: Zhou Yaqian , Wang Shen , Wang Peng , Li Ning , Wu Ruixin , Rui Zhongying , Wang Xuan , Jia Qiang , Zheng Wei 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the effects of filtered back projection (FBP), ordered subset expectation maximisation (OSEM), and different filters on cadmium zinc telluride single photon emission computed tomography (CZT SPECT) cerebral blood perfusion image quality to optimise the image reconstruction method.Methods: Jaszczak phantom and patients with clinical cerebral ischemia were selected as study subjects. Under routine clinical conditions, tomographic imaging was performed on the phantom and patients with clinical cerebral ischemia. Image processing included image reconstruction using filtered back projection with Chang’s attenuation correction (FBPChangAC) and OSEM algorithm with CT-based attenuation correction (CTAC), scatter correction (SC), resolution recovery (RR) (OSEMCTAC-SC-RR), and the filtering method used Butterworth (Bw) and Gauss (Gs) filters. Visual and semi-quantitative parameters (integral uniformity, root mean square noise (RMS noise), and contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR)) were used to evaluate image quality to optimise image reconstruction parameters. One-way and two-way ANOVA were used to process phantom and clinical data.Results: In the tomographic images of phantom and brain imaging of patients, FBP+Bw had the best uniformity and the lowest noise level, while OSEM+Bw had the best contrast. Semi-quantitative analysis showed that the integral uniformity of FBP+Bw was significantly higher than that of OSEM+Bw and OSEM+Gs (p <0.05), and that the RMS noise of FBP+Bw was significantly lower than that of OSEM+Bw and OSEM+Gs (p <0.001). The contrast of FBP+Bw and OSEM+Bw in the cold sphere diameter ≥ 2 cm group was significantly higher than that of OSEM+Gs (p <0.001), while the CNR of FBP+Bw was significantly higher than that of OSEM+Bw and OSEM+Gs (p <0.001) ; the contrast of OSEM+Bw cold sphere diameter < 2 cm was significantly higher than that of FBP+Bw (p <0.01). The semi-quantitative analysis results of the patient's cerebral perfusion tomography were consistent with the model.Conclusion: In CZT SPECT cerebral blood flow perfusion imaging, images with lesion sizes greater than 2 cm were suitable for FBP+Bw (fc=0.40, n=10), and the image with lesion size less than 2 cm was suitable for OSEM+Bw (EM=60, fc=0.45, n=10). The reconstruction method of OSEM+Gs (EM=80, full width at half maximum [FWHM]=3.25) was not suitable for cerebral blood perfusion imaging.
Long Non-Coding RNA DANCR Participates in the Regulation of Dexamethasone and Inflammation Factors on hASC&nbsp;Proliferation and Migration
Authors: Yan Ran , Dong Ping , Yang Zhigang , Cao Rui , Liu Xia , Xiao Ran 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundBoth MSC and Dexamethasone are effective methods to treat inflammatory diseases, and they are likely to be used in combination. The proliferation and migration ability is one of the main biological characteristics of MSC for repairing. However, the effect of inflammatory factors and Dex on these characteristics of MSC has not been fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the role of lncRNA DANCR in hASC proliferation and migration regulation induced by Dex and inflammatory factors, to clarify the effect and mechanism of glucocorticoids on MSC's characteristics to participate in tissue repair in an inflammatory environment. MethodshASCs were cultured and treated with dexamethasone and inflammation factors, and cell proliferation, migration abilities, and lncRNA DANCR mRNA expression were detected. Additionally, to determine the roles and mechanisms, lncRNA DANCR was knockdown or overexpressed before Dex or TNF-α treatments. MSC proliferation was tested by cell counting kit-8 and cell cycle assay. MSC migration ability was analyzed by a scratching test. Moreover, proliferation and migration-related genes were measured by a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Nuclear factor-kB (NF-κB) and PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway proteins were investigated by western blot analysis. All values are expressed as the mean ± standard error of the mean. The differences between the groups were assessed using a two-tailed Student’s t-test. ResultsDex decreased the proliferation and migration of hASC in a dose-dependent manner. Dex could upregulate the expression of lncRNA DANCR that inhibited hASC proliferation and migration. Knockdown of DANCR reversed the inhibition of hASC proliferation and migration induced by Dex. Moreover, DANCR was decreased by inflammatory cytokines, and overexpression of DANCR alleviated the promotion of hASC proliferation and migration induced by TNF-α. Furthermore, mechanistic investigation validated that DANCR was involved in the NF-κB signaling pathway. ConclusionsWe identified a lncRNA, DANCR, involved in Dex and inflammation-affected hASC proliferation and migration, thus suggesting that concurrent application of hASCs with steroids should be avoided in clinical settings. DANCR may serve as a promising approach to regulate stem cell characteristics under an inflamed microenvironment. These findings further enrich our understanding of the functional versatility of lncRNAs in the crosstalk of inflammation conditions and stem cells. Keywords： DANCR; long non-coding RNA; Dexamethasone; TNF-α; hASC; proliferation; migration
Association of Body Fat Percentage With Time in Range Generated by Continuous Glucose Monitoring During Intensive Insulin Pump Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ruan Yuting , Zhong Jiana , Chen Rongping , Zhang Zhen , Liu Dixing , Sun Jia , Chen Hong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundObesity is a crucial risk factor associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Excessive accumulation of body fat may affect the glycemia control in T2DM. This study investigated the relationship between body fat percentage and time in range (TIR) assessed by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) during short-term intensive insulin pump therapy in T2DM patients.MethodA total of 85 T2DM patients were recruited in this cross-sectional study. All participants underwent 72-h CGM period during intensive insulin pump therapy. TIR was defined as the percentage of time spent within the target glucose range of 3.9-10.0 mmol/L. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and overfat was defined as an amount of body fat of at least 25% of total body mass for men or at least 30% for women. Multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the independent association of body fat percentage with TIR after adjusting for confounding factors.ResultsCompared with normal fat T2DM patients, individual with a higher body fat percentage exhibited lower levels of TIR (P=0.004) and higher 72h mean blood glucose (72h-MBG) (P=0.001) during intensive insulin pump therapy. The presence of overfat inversely correlated with TIR in T2DM populations (r = -0.306; P=0.004). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that body fat percentage was significantly associated with TIR independent of HbA1c, insulin dosage and glycemic variability metrics (All P for trend <0.05). Further adjustment of other body composition parameters, including waist circumference, visceral fat area and muscle quantity, the link between body fat percentage and TIR remained significant (All P＜0.05).ConclusionsBody fat percentage was significantly associated with TIR in T2DM during intensive insulin pump therapy. Reduction of body fat may be an important therapeutic target to improve glycemic control in obese T2DM patients.
Thoracic Skeletal Muscle Quantification Using Computed Tomography And Prognosis Of Elderly ICU&nbsp;Patients
Authors: Moon Sung Woo , Kim Song Yee , Choi Ji Soo , Leem Ah Young , Lee Su Hwan , Park Moo Suk , Kim Young Sam , Chung Kyung Soo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: In elderly ICU patients, the prevalence of skeletal muscle loss is high. And the consequences of skeletal muscle loss can be severe in elderly. Correlations have been found between the muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) at a single thoracic level on chest computed tomography (CT). Correlation between thoracic muscle mass and mortality has been found in ICU patients. But longitudinal effect of thoracic muscles especially in elderly ICU patients are unclear although skeletal muscle loss is related with the short- and long-term outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether pectoralis muscle mass could be a predictor of prognosis in elderly ICU patients.Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 190 elderly patients admitted in the ICU between January 2010 and December 2015 in one tertiary care hospital in South Korea. We measured the CSA of the pectoralis muscle area (PMCSA) at the fourth vertebral region. CT scans within two days before ICU admission were used for analysis. Mortality, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and longitudinal change in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were examined. Multivariate logistic regression, linear mixed, and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used.Results: PMCSA below median was significantly related with prolonged ventilation. (odds ratio 2.92, 95% CI: 1.02-1.42, P=0.06) and a higher SOFA score during the ICU stay (estimated mean = 0.94, P = 0.03). PMCSA below median was a significant risk for all-cause mortality (HR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.23-3.47, P=0.01)Conclusions: In elderly ICU patients, low ICU admission PMCSA was associated with prolonged ventilation, a higher SOFA score during the ICU stay and higher mortality. Adding thoracic skeletal muscle CSA at the time of ICU admission into consideration in deciding therapeutic intensity in elderly ICU patients may help in making medical decisions.
Downregulation of KIF2C and TEKT2 is Associated with Male Infertility and Testicular Carcinoma
Authors: Cao Haiming , Xu Weiqiang , Wang Fei , LI Xiaofeng , Hou Jianquan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Genes have an important role in spermatogenesis and the maintenance of fertility, and may act as a potential biomarker for the clinical diagnosis of infertility. However, a comprehensive understanding of how these biological processes of infertility are regulated at the molecular level remains to be illustrated. Methods: In the present study, we sought to identify associated genes by reanalyzing separate studies from GEO datasets (GSE45885, GSE45887, and GSE9210) and validation dataset (GSE4797). DEGs were used the limma package. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the clusterprofier package. The STRING database was used construct a protein-protein interaction network. The interaction between mRNA and TF was predicted by using miRWalk. At last, the expression levels of hub genes were determined by TCGA data in GEPIA. Results: The results showed that several shared genes significantly associated with azoospermia. Finally, we effectively screen out two genes (KIF2C and TEKT2) for validation by GSE4797 in spermatozoa of infertile men with Johnsen score. Among these two genes, KIF2C and TEKT2 significantly down-regulated in spermatozoa of infertile men. The regulatory network of TF‐miRNA‐target gene was established, we found KIF2C-miRNAs(has-miR-3154,6075,6760-5p,1251-5p,186-sp)-TFs(EP300,SP1) might work in spermatozoa of infertile men.Conclusions: Our study might help to improve our understanding of the mechanisms in azoospermia and provide diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutics targets.
Better Islet Function and Cardiovascular Autonomic Function in Type 2 Diabetic Patients With Pure Small Fibre Neuropathy Than With Mixed Neuropathy
Authors: Li Chenxi , Wang Weimin , Ni Wenyu , Jin Yu , Guo Simin , Jin Jiewen , Chen Chuhui , Chen Wei , Bi Yan , Zhu Dalong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe clinical characteristics and outcomes of small fibre neuropathy (SFN) in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes have not been thoroughly described, and we investigated metabolic and neurological indexes and the prognosis of type 2 diabetic patients based on skin biopsy. MethodsThirty-four healthy Chinese volunteers were recruited for skin biopsy to establish the reference range of intraepidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD). Eighty-nine patients with type 2 diabetes from the Department of Endocrinology at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital between December 2015 and April 2020 were included in the final study. Metabolic and neurological indexes were evaluated at baseline. Diabetic cardiovascular autonomic function was tested through cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests (CARTs). Seventeen pure SFN subjects and 9 mixed diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) subjects were reassessed after the follow-up. ResultsLevels of HbA1c and postprandial blood glucose were lower (P=0.005 and P=0.041, respectively), while postprandial C-peptide and insulin were higher (P=0.001 and P=0.019, respectively) in the pure SFN group than in the mixed DPN group. Regarding the CARTs, the mixed DPN group obtained the highest score, indicating the worst cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN). Among the four CART items, postural BP change was lower while deep breathing max-min was higher in the pure SFN group than in the mixed DPN group (P=0.023 and P=0.040, respectively). A partial correlation showed that there was a negative correlation between IENFD of the distal leg and CART scores (r=-0.513, P=0.001) after adjusting for age and duration of diabetes. Only vitamin B12 (p=0.028) and motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV) of the common peroneal nerve (p=0.045) were increased in the 17 patients with pure SFN after the follow-up. However, MCVs of the common peroneal nerve (p=0.025) and tibial nerve (p=0.047) were decreased at the final visit in the mixed DPN group. ConclusionsBetter islet function and cardiovascular autonomic function were observed in patients with pure SFN compared with mixed DPN. CART scores were negatively correlated with IENFD in the distal leg even after adjusting for age and duration of diabetes. The metabolic and neurological indexes remained relatively stable in the follow-up of pure SFN subjects.
Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus in Nigeria: a Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Okoye Helen Chioma , Nna Emmanuel Okechukwu , Onuka Samuel , Afolabi Bamgboye M , Onwusulu Daniel , Nnamani Amaka Obiageli , Ikeagwulonu Richard Chinaza , Duru Augustine Nwakuche , Obu Dorathy Chinwe , Akanni Oluyemi Oluwatosin , Ezeonu Chinonyelum Thecia , Esangbedo Dorothy Omono , Yunusa Garba , Coker Motunrayo , Asiegbu Uzoma Vivian , Okoye Ngozika , Okeke Uchenna 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Hepatitis C virus infection is a major cause of liver cirrhosis and is responsible for a quarter of all cases of liver cancers. Globally, about 71 million people are estimated to have chronic hepatitis C, with nearly 399,000 people dying from this infection, essentially due to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, the exact pooled prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in Nigeria is unknown, hence the burden of the disease has not been adequately estimated. Methods: A search strategy is developed using MeSH, text words, and entry terms. Nine databases will be searched, including PubMed, African Journals Online (AJOL), Embase, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, and ResearchGate. Eligible studies will be a) observational studies; b) published or retrievable in the English language; c) must have been conducted in Nigeria, and d) must report the main measurable outcome which is the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in Nigeria. Searches from databases will be exported into Distiller SR software for screening, selection and extraction of data items based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Both quality scores and the risk of bias for individual studies will be assessed and reported in Distiller SR. Extracted data items will exported into the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software version 3 for for statistical analysis and forest plots. Studies will be assessed for methodological, clinical, and statistical heterogeneity. Funnel Plots will be used for assessing publication bias. Subgroup analysis will be performed using categorical data. The systematic review and meta-analysis will be reported according to the PRISMA 2015 Statement. Discussion: Ethical approval will not be required since this study will be based on published data. This review will provide important data on the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in Nigeria and the burden of the disease. The final report of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and the findings will be made available to various policymakers and health experts that manage patients at risk or infected with the hepatitis C virus.Trial Registration Number: This protocol has been registered in PROSPERO; registration number: CRD42020213806
Profiling Research on PFAS&nbsp;in Wildlife: Protocol of a Systematic Evidence Map and Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Vendl Catharina ,   Matthew Taylor1, Braeunig Jennifer , Gibson Matthew , Hesselson Daniel , Neely G. Gregory , Lagisz Malgorzata , Nakagawa Shinichi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of manufactured chemicals. Since the beginning of their commercial manufacturing in the 1950s, PFAS haven’t only found their way into numerous industrial and commercial applications, but also into the bloodstream of the majority of the human population, the natural environment and its wildlife. Exposure to high levels of PFAS can create health risks for humans and animals which may exacerbate the effects of other anthropogenic impacts faced by wildlife species. To gain a comprehensive overview of the abundance and distribution of PFAS in wildlife species, and to better understand the risk of PFAS exposure on threatened species and PFAS transfer into human food chains, we will collate the available literature into a systematic evidence map and bibliometric analysis.Methods: We will conduct a comprehensive systematic literature search on Scopus, Web of Science and the ‘grey literature’. For screening purposes, we will use decision trees, scanning title, abstract and keywords first. The next step includes full-text screening performed by two reviewers. We will only consider publications in English, peer-reviewed articles, pre-prints and theses. We will limit our search to 31 PFAS types (based on a previous study). A pilot search on Scopus resulted in ~250 potentially relevant publications. We will scan all publications included in the systematic map for predetermined indicators of quality and potential study-level biases. In addition, we will extract bibliometric records from Scopus and perform network analysis. We will present the results using a narrative summary, tables (database), bar plots and colour-coded maps. Results will be available on a dedicated freely accessible website. Discussion: This study will provide critical insight into the gaps and clusters of the literature with regards to the PFAS concentration in wildlife. Therefore, our study will inform and direct future research efforts to fill the gaps revealed.Systematic review registration: osf.io osf.io/gnt2y
Expression of Malic Enzyme 3 in Breast Cancer and Precancerous Lesions: a Promising Novel Biomarker for Carcinogenesis and Prognosis
Authors: You Duo , Du Danfeng , Li Xinmin , Hu Xun 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose: While malic enzymes 1 (ME1) was correlated with breast cancer progression and prognosis, the association of ME3 (a homologue of ME1) with breast cancer is not known. The aim of this study is to explore the potential of ME3 as a biomarker in breast cancer carcinogenesis and prognosis.Methods: A total of 107 patients confirmed with breast cancer were enrolled. The ME3 expression was evaluated by IHC and correlated with clinicopathological indicators.Results: The ME3 positive immunostaining rate was higher in normal breast tissues and decreased stepwise from normal (97.60%) to usual ductal hyperplasia (91.1%), atypical ductal hyperplasia (64.2%), carcinoma in situ (62.5%) and invasive carcinoma (45.5%). Similarly, the decreasing tendency was observed for ME3 positive immunostaining rate from Tis (75.0%) through T1 (62.5%) and T2 (37.5%) to T3 (33.3%) and from stag 0 (75.0%) through I (72.0%), II (44.4%) to III (24.1%). ME3 expression was related with negative lymph node metastasis. Patients with positive expression of ME3 had better outcome. By incorporating ME3 into tumor TNM staging, the area under receiver operating characteristic curve for the 5-year survival was increased from 84.0% to 87.5%. Conclusions: ME3 may be a promising biomarker for better prognosis for breast cancer patients.
COVID-19 and Eating Problems in Daily Life: the Mediating Roles of Stress, Negative Affect and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms
Authors: SHENG Ruike , YANG Xiujie , LIU Xiaoyan , XU Wei 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic poses a challenge to individuals' mental health. Increased stress, negative affect (NA), and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) that are being experienced globally may lead to eating problems. The purpose of this study was to explore the impacts of the perceived severity of COVID-19 on eating problems as well as the mediating effects of stress/NA/PTSS both at the within-person level and between-person level. MethodsDuring the COVID-19 outbreak, a total of 108 college students were recruited to report their perceived severity of COVID-19, stress, NA, PTSS, and eating problems 3 times a day for 7 consecutive days using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). Results: State perceived severity of COVID-19 predicted fewer subsequent eating problems in daily life at the within-person level. Both state NA and PTSS were positively associated with eating problems in daily life. At the between-person level, trait-like perceived severity of COVID-19, stress, NA, and PTSS were positively associated with overall eating problems. There were no mediating effects of stress/ NA /PTSS on the relations between perceived severity of COVID-19 and eating problems at the within-person/between-person level. ConclusionsThe perceived severity of COVID-19, stress, NA, and PTSS might increase the risk of eating problems.
The Interaction of Homozygote 192-bp I nsulin-like growth factor-1 ( IGF-1) Polymorphisms and C igarette Smoking to End -stage renal disease ( ESRD)
Authors: Hidayati Titiek , Akrom Akrom , Chang Chih Chih 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objective: Smoking and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are the leading public health problems in Indonesia. Smoking is a known risk factor for the development and progression of ESRD. Specific genetic polymorphisms may modify the harmful effects of cigarette smoking and may also change the inherited risk. IGF-1 CA repeat polymorphism is thought to be associated with an increased incidence of chronic kidney disease in smokers. We investigated the impact of smoking interactions with IGF-1 CA repeat polymorphism with the rate of chronic kidney disease in Yogyakarta Special Region Indonesia. (YSRI) Result: Our study found that smoking and IGF-1 genotype 192 bp are risk factors for ESRD in Indonesia. The combination of genotype 192 bp and smoking is associated with increased ESRD events. Respondents with smoking habits and 192 bp homozygous genotype are at high risk of ESRD. Smoking habit and homozygous 192 bp genotype are strongly interaction.. There was a mild interaction between respondents with smoking habits and heterozygous 192 bp and 188 bp. There was no interaction between non-smokers with heterozygous 192 bp and 188 bp of the IGF-1 gene.