bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and risk factors of metabolic associated fatty liver disease in the contemporary South China population
Authors: Fan Jiahua , Luo Shiyun , Ye Yongxin , Ju Jingmeng , Zhang Zhuoyu , Liu Ludi , Yang Jialu , Xia Min 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
As a newly proposed diagnosis, data on the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is rare. We aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of MAFLD using new definition in the contemporary South China population.

Methods
In this population based, cross sectional study, a total of 5377 participants aged 30–79 years old were recruited from the South China between 2018 and 2019. MAFLD was diagnosed in subjects who have both hepatic steatosis and metabolic disorders according to the newly international expert consensus. The total prevalence of MAFLD and prevalence by sex and age was estimated. Demographic characteristics, history of disease, and lifestyle were recorded by participants on a questionnaire. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed and evaluated by experienced sonographers. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) of MAFLD.

Results
Overall prevalence of MAFLD was 29.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 28.0% to 30.5%). Prevalence was higher in women (31.7%) than in men (25.5%; p < 0.001 for sex difference) and in subjects aged 50 years or older (30.7%) than in those aged 30–49 years (19.8%; p < 0.001 for age difference). In participants diagnosed with MAFLD, the prevalence of overweight/obesity was up to 90.5%, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and metabolic dysregulation were 25.0% and 62.2%, respectively. Risk factors for MAFLD included overweight/obesity (OR = 4.67; 95% CI, 3.76–5.83), T2DM (OR = 2.41, 95% CI, 1.68–3.47), hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 2.42, 95% CI, 2.03–2.87), high school education (OR = 1.50, 95% CI, 1.23–1.82), high income (OR = 1.22, 95% CI, 1.05–1.42). A lower risk of MAFLD was associated with high physical activity equivalent (OR = 0.71, 95% CI, 0.60–0.85). A U-shaped association of frequency of soups and ORs of MAFLD was found, the adjusted ORs (95% CI) of lower and higher frequency of soups were 1.58 (1.32–1.89) and 1.36 (1.13–1.63), respectively.

Conclusions
Our results showed a high prevalence of MAFLD in the general adult population in South China. Obesity has the greatest impact on MAFLD, physical activity and moderate consumption of soups might be the potential protective factors of MAFLD.
The budding yeast protein Chl1p is required for delaying progression through G1/S phase after DNA damage
Authors: Katheeja Muhseena N. , Das Shankar Prasad , Laha Suparna 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe budding yeast protein Chl1p is a nuclear protein required for sister-chromatid cohesion, transcriptional silencing, rDNA recombination, ageing and plays an instrumental role in chromatin remodeling. This helicase is known to preserve genome integrity and spindle length in S-phase. Here we show additional roles of Chl1p at G1/S phase of the cell cycle following DNA damage.ResultsG1 arrested cells when exposed to DNA damage are more sensitive and show bud emergence with faster kinetics in chl1 mutants compared to wild-type cells. Also, more damage to DNA is observed inchl1cells. The viability falls synergistically inrad24chl1cells. The regulation of Chl1p on budding kinetics in G1 phase falls in line with Rad9p/Chk1p and shows a synergistic effect with Rad24p/Rad53p.rad9chl1andchk1chl1shows similar bud emergence as the single mutantschl1,rad9andchk1.Whereasrad24chl1andrad53chl1shows faster bud emergence compared to the single mutantsrad24,rad53andchl1. In presence of MMS induced damage, synergistic with Rad24p indicates Chl1p’s role as a checkpoint at G1/S acting parallel to damage checkpoint pathway. The faster movement of DNA content through G1/S phase and difference in phosphorylation profile of Rad53p in wild type andchl1cells confirms the checkpoint defect inchl1mutant cells. Further, we have also confirmed that the checkpoint defect functions in parallel to the damage checkpoint pathway of Rad24p.ConclusionChl1p shows Rad53p independent bud emergence and Rad53p dependent checkpoint activity in presence of damage. This confirms its requirement in two different pathways to maintain the G1/S arrest when cells are exposed to damaging agents. The bud emergence kinetics and DNA segregation were similar to wild type when given the same damage in nocodazole treatedchl1cells which establishes the absence of any role of Chl1p at the G2/M phase. The novelty of this paper lies in revealing the versatile role of Chl1p in checkpoints as well as repair towards regulating G1/S transition. Chl1p thus regulates the G1/S phase by affecting the G1 replication checkpoint pathway and shows an additive effect with Rad24p for Rad53p activation when damaging agents perturb the DNA. Apart from checkpoint activation, it also regulates the budding kinetics as a repair gene.
Multivalent electrostatic pi–cation interaction between synaptophysin and synapsin is responsible for the coacervation
Authors: Kim Goeun , Lee Sang-Eun , Jeong Seonyoung , Lee Jeongkun , Park Daehun , Chang Sunghoe 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe recently showed that synaptophysin (Syph) and synapsin (Syn) can induce liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) to cluster small synaptic-like microvesicles in living cells which are highly reminiscent of SV cluster. However, as there is no physical interaction between them, the underlying mechanism for their coacervation remains unknown. Here, we showed that the coacervation between Syph and Syn is primarily governed by multivalent pi–cation electrostatic interactions among tyrosine residues of Syph C-terminal (Ct) and positively charged Syn. We found that Syph Ct is intrinsically disordered and it alone can form liquid droplets by interactions among themselves at high concentration in a crowding environment in vitro or when assisted by additional interactions by tagging with light-sensitive CRY2PHR or subunits of a multimeric protein in living cells. Syph Ct contains 10 repeated sequences, 9 of them start with tyrosine, and mutating 9 tyrosine to serine (9YS) completely abolished the phase separating property of Syph Ct, indicating tyrosine-mediated pi-interactions are critical. We further found that 9YS mutation failed to coacervate with Syn, and since 9YS retains Syph’s negative charge, the results indicate that pi–cation interactions rather than simple charge interactions are responsible for their coacervation. In addition to revealing the underlying mechanism of Syph and Syn coacervation, our results also raise the possibility that physiological regulation of pi–cation interactions between Syph and Syn during synaptic activity may contribute to the dynamics of synaptic vesicle clustering.
Small extracellular vesicle non-coding RNAs in pancreatic cancer: molecular mechanisms and clinical implications
Authors: Reese Moritz , Dhayat Sameer A. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPancreatic cancer has the worst prognosis among common tumors which is attributed to its aggressive phenotype, diagnosis at advanced, inoperable stages, and resistance to systemic therapy. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs have been established as important regulators of gene expression and their deregulation has been implicated in multiple diseases and foremost cancer. In the tumor microenvironment, non-coding RNAs can be distributed among cancer cells, stromal cells, and immune cells via small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), thereby facilitating intercellular communication and influencing major cancer hallmarks such as angiogenesis, evasion of the immune system, and metastatic dissemination. Furthermore, sEV-ncRNAs have shown promising potential as liquid biopsies with diagnostic and prognostic significance. In this review, we summarize the role of sEVs as carriers of ncRNAs and underlying molecular mechanisms in pancreatic cancer. Moreover, we review the potential of sEV-ncRNAs as biomarkers and highlight the suitability of sEVs as delivery vehicles for ncRNA-based cancer therapy.
Surgical site infection after delayed sternal closure in neonates with congenital heart disease: retrospective case-control study
Authors: Yang Yuzhong , Wang Jie , Cai Lina , Peng Wei , Mo Xuming 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Objectives
To determine the prevalence of surgical site infections (SSIs) in neonatal congenital heart disease patients undergoing delayed sternal closure (DSC) and evaluate risk factors for SSI.

Methods
Hospital records of 483 consecutive neonates who underwent surgical intervention between January 2013 and December 2017 were reviewed, and perioperative variables were recorded.

Results
We found that the prevalence of SSI was 87.5% when the body weight was less than 1500 g. When the operative age was between seven and 14 days, the probability of no SSI is about 93.9%. When the duration of the aortic cross-clamp was more than 60 min, the prevalence of SSI was 91.2%. The prevalence without SSI was 96.6% when the duration of DSC was less than 24 h. However, when the duration of DSC was more than 120 h, the prevalence of SSI was 88.9% (p = 0.000).

Conclusions
With the prolongation of aortic clamping duration, the probability of occurrence of SSI increased in neonatal CHD with DSC. The age at operation and body weight are closely related to the occurrence of SSI in neonatal CHD patients with DSC.
PUResNet: prediction of protein-ligand binding sites using deep residual neural network
Authors: Kandel Jeevan , Tayara Hilal , Chong Kil To 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Predicting protein-ligand binding sites is a fundamental step in understanding the functional characteristics of proteins, which plays a vital role in elucidating different biological functions and is a crucial step in drug discovery. A protein exhibits its true nature after binding to its interacting molecule known as a ligand that binds only in the favorable binding site of the protein structure. Different computational methods exploiting the features of proteins have been developed to identify the binding sites in the protein structure, but none seems to provide promising results, and therefore, further investigation is required.

Results
In this study, we present a deep learning model PUResNet and a novel data cleaning process based on structural similarity for predicting protein-ligand binding sites. From the whole scPDB (an annotated database of druggable binding sites extracted from the Protein DataBank) database, 5020 protein structures were selected to address this problem, which were used to train PUResNet. With this, we achieved better and justifiable performance than the existing methods while evaluating two independent sets using distance, volume and proportion metrics.
Advances on the fixed point results via simulation function involving rational terms
Authors: Karapınar Erdal , Chen Chi-Ming , Alghamdi Maryam A. , Fulga Andreea 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we propose two new contractions via simulation function that involves rational expression in the setting of partial b-metric space. The obtained results not only extend, but also generalize and unify the existing results in two senses: in the sense of contraction terms and in the sense of the abstract setting. We present an example to indicate the validity of the main theorem.
Improved criteria for oscillation of noncanonical neutral differential equations of even order
Authors: Elabbasy Elmetwally M. , Moaaz Osama , Ramos Higinio , Muhib Ali 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this work, we aim at studying the asymptotic and oscillatory behavior of even-order neutral delay noncanonical differential equations. To the best of our knowledge, most of the related previous works are concerned only with neutral equations in the canonical case. Our new oscillation criteria essentially improve, simplify, and complement related results in the literature, especially those from a paper by Li and Rogovchenko (Abstr. Appl. Anal. 2014:395368, 2014). Some examples are presented that illustrate the importance of the new criteria.
Assessment of anterior positioning splint in conjunction with lateral pterygoid BTX injection to treat TMJ disc displacement with reduction — a preliminary report
Authors: Taema Maram , Nabi Nouran Abdel , Ibrahim Samira , Kamal Heba Ahmed , Emara Aala’a 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveTreatment of temporomandibular disc displacement with reduction is controversial. This study assesses the use of an anterior positioning splint with botulinum toxin in the lateral pterygoid muscle (BTX) for such cases.MethodsTwelve joints were included; groups I and II received BTX injection while group II also received an anterior positioning splint. Pain scores and clicking status were recorded at regular intervals then a postoperative MRI was done after 4 months.ResultsClinical improvement was noted in both groups. Mean pain scores dropped significantly and clicks in the twelve joints disappeared in 83% of group I and 33% of group II. MRIs showed significant disc position improvement with the higher mean change (1.33 ± 0.76) in group I.Group I showed better improvement of discal position and only one joint regained a click. Patients of group II reported discomfort from the splint which may have caused psychological distress and so worst pain scores.ConclusionsGroup I showed slightly better results but the cost of BTX injections and the complications of the splint should be kept in mind and the decision of treatment selection made according to each condition.
Aflibercept clearance through the drainage system in a rat model
Authors: Keshet Yariv , Gal-Or Orly , Schaap Fogler Michal , Mimouni Karin , Ben Ishai Meydan , Weinberger Dov , Dotan Assaf 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
As intravitreal anti-VEGF injections became the mainstay of treatment for many retinal diseases, the cause of a secondary sustained elevated intraocular pressure is still unclear. The aim of our study was to study the clearance of Aflibercept from the anterior chamber angle, in a rat model, to test if an aggregation exists.

Methods
Choroidal neovascular lesions (CNV) were induced in the right eye of 12 brown Norway rats, using indirect laser ophthalmoscope. Intravitreal Aflibercept injection (0.12 mg/3 µl) was performed 3 days after CNV induction. Rats were euthanized at predetermine time intervals of 3, 6, 24 and 48 h post injection, with immediate enucleation for histological analysis with H&E and immunofluorescence staining. Aflibercept molecules were stained with red fluorescence thanks to the formation of the immune complex Aflibercept-Rabbit anti human IgG-Anti rabbit antibodies-Cy3.

Results
Immediately after the injection, a strong fluorescence signal was detected, indicating the presence of Aflibercept in the iridocorneal angle. At 3- and 6-h interval a strong signal of Aflibercept was still seen. Six hours post injection, the signal was highly concentrated in Schlemm’s canal. In the 2 eyes harvested 24 h post Aflibercept injection, red fluorescence signal intensity was decreased in one eye, occupying mainly intra scleral venous plexuses, and absent in the other eye. At 48 h there was no fluorescence signal, confirming complete clearance of Aflibercept.

Conclusions
In our rat model, a complete clearance of Aflibercept from the anterior chamber angle, was seen 48 h after the injection. This finding refutes the theory of possible connection between IOP elevation and mechanical obstruction. Evacuation time of Aflibercept through the angle is of the same magnitude as that of Bevacizumab in the same rat model.
Intraoperative anaphylaxis due to aprotinin after local application of fibrin sealant diagnosed by skin tests and basophil activation tests: a case report
Authors: Orihara Masaki , Takazawa Tomonori , Horiuchi Tatsuo , Sakamoto Shinya , Uchiyama Mutsumi , Saito Shigeru 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
There are few cases of anaphylaxis after local application of fibrin sealant diagnosed by skin tests.

Case presentation
A 49-year-old woman underwent partial lung resection under general anesthesia. Anesthesia was induced uneventfully. Shortly after applying absorbable suture reinforcement felt that contained fibrin sealant, her systolic blood pressure fell to approximately 70 mmHg, along with facial flushing. Anaphylaxis was diagnosed based on the clinical symptoms and high serum tryptase levels. Three months after the event, skin tests were performed with all agents and were positive only for fibrin sealant vial no. 2, whose main component is aprotinin. Subsequently, basophil activation tests using fibrin sealant vial no. 2 and pure aprotinin demonstrated that the causative agent was likely aprotinin.

Conclusions
We diagnosed aprotinin-induced anaphylaxis using skin tests and basophil activation tests. The occurrence of anaphylaxis should be considered when changes in vital signs are observed after the use of fibrin sealant.
Blood purification therapy for severe sepsis: a multicenter, observational cohort study in northern Japan
Authors: Satoh Kasumi , Nomura Kyoko , Nakae Hajime , Kudo Daisuke , Kushimoto Shigeki , Hasegawa Masatsugu , Ito Fumihito , Yamanouchi Satoshi , Honda Hiroyuki , Andoh Kohkichi , Furukawa Hajime , Yamada Yasuo , Tsujimoto Yuta , Okuyama Manabu 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Sepsis is associated with life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. However, no specific therapy has been shown to improve mortality in patients with sepsis. We conducted a study to clarify the utilization status of various BPTs and the clinical characteristics of patients who received BPTs in northern Japan. In addition, the association of various BPTs with clinical outcomes was examined.

Methods
This is a sub-analysis of the Tohoku Sepsis Registry, a multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study. To determine whether BPT was independently associated with in-hospital mortality in patients with severe sepsis, the following analyses were performed. Differences between survivors and non-survivors were assessed using Wilcoxon rank sum tests for continuous variables and Chi-square tests for categorical variables. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the factors associated with in-hospital mortality. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjustments were made for the variables that were significant in the univariate logistic regression analysis. Clinical factors associated with mortality were analyzed.

Results
We enrolled 616 consecutive patients (≥ 18 years) with median Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores of 8.0. During median of 22 days hospitalization, 139 patients died (mortality 22.6%). 20.7% of patients with severe sepsis received any type of BPT (mortality 38.6%). BPT consisted of 65.1% continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) with renal indication (mortality 48.8%), 26.0% CRRT with non-renal indication (mortality 21.2%), 22.2% intermittent renal replacement therapy (mortality 32.1%), and 33.1% polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column-direct hemoperfusion (mortality 42.9%). Meanwhile, no BPT group (mortality 18.5%) showed a significantly lower mortality than any BPT group. Besides, in multivariate analyses, all BPT modes were not independently associated with all-cause mortality.

Conclusions
This study suggested the clinical status of BPTs for severe sepsis patients in northern Japan. Among all types of BPT, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) for renal indication was most frequently selected. Severe sepsis patients received BPT had a higher mortality and severity; however, the BPT implementation may not be associated with mortality.
Trial registration UMIN-CTR, UMIN000010297, Registered on 22 March 2013, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000012055).
Motivations and barriers to death registration in Dakar, Senegal
Authors: Fall Atoumane , Masquelier Bruno , Niang Khadim , Ndiaye Samba , Ndonky Alphousseyni 
Published: September 2021

AbstractStrengthening civil registration systems requires a better understanding of motivations and barriers related to the registration of deaths. We used data from the 2013 Senegalese census to identify deaths that are more likely to be registered in the Dakar region, where the completeness of death registration is higher than 80%. We also interviewed relatives of the deceased whose death had been registered to collect data on reasons for registration and sources of information about the process. The likelihood of death registration was positively associated with age at death and household wealth. Death registration was also more likely in households whose head was older, had attended school, and had a birth certificate. At the borough commune level, the geographical accessibility of civil registration centres and population density were both positively associated with completeness of death registration. The main motivations for registering deaths were compliance with the legal obligation to do so and willingness to obtain a burial permit and a death certificate. Families, health facilities, and friends were the primary sources of information about death registration. Further research is needed to identify effective interventions to increase death registration completeness in Dakar, particularly amongst the poorest households and neighbourhoods on the outskirts of the city.
Current knowledge about behaviors of honey bee queens with highlighting of the importance future studies
Authors: Abou-Shaara Hossam F. , Adgaba Nuru , Al-Ghamdi Ahmad A. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
There is one queen in each honey bee, Apis mellifera L., colony under normal conditions. This queen performs egg laying and pheromonal control in the colony. All genetic characteristics of bee workers and drones depend on the queen. This reflects the importance of bee queen in the colony. In this review, behaviors of honey bee queens are presented and further studies are suggested to fill in gaps in knowledge.

Main body
The major studies about behaviors of honey bee queens either inside or outside the colony were reviewed. Some behavioral aspects especially egg laying pattern, sperm storage and utilization, conflict between queens, and the role of the queens in swarming and absconding have gained relatively few attention. Also, some other points such as the ability of a queen to transmit parasites after mating to her offspring and effects of pesticides on queen rearing and characteristics of emerged queens were highlighted.

Conclusion
This study highlighted the points that require further detailed studies. This review article may stimulate others toward performing specific future studies on bee queens.