bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left Ventricular Mass Regression, All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Maki Kevin C. , Wilcox Meredith L. , Dicklin Mary R. , Kakkar Rahul , Davidson Michael H. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Cardiovascular disease is an important driver of the increased mortality associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Higher left ventricular mass (LVM) predicts increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes and total mortality, but previous reviews have shown no clear association between intervention-induced LVM change and all-cause or cardiovascular mortality in CKD.
Methods
The primary objective of this meta-analysis was to investigate whether treatment-induced reductions in LVM over periods ≥ 12 months were associated with all-cause mortality in patients with CKD. Cardiovascular mortality was investigated as a secondary outcome. Measures of association in the form of relative risks (RRs) with associated variability and precision (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) were extracted directly from each study, when reported, or were calculated based on the published data, if possible, and pooled RR estimates were determined.
Results
The meta-analysis included 38 trials with duration ≥ 12 months: 6 of erythropoietin stimulating agents treating to higher vs. lower hemoglobin targets, 10 of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors vs. placebo or another blood pressure lowering agent, 14 of modified hemodialysis regimens, and 8 of other types of interventions. All-cause mortality was reported in 116/2385 (4.86%) subjects in intervention groups and 161/2404 (6.70%) subjects in control groups. The pooled RR estimate of the 24 trials ≥ 12 months with ≥ 1 event in ≥ 1 group was 0.72 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.91, p = 0.005), with little heterogeneity across studies. Directionalities of the associations in intervention subgroups were the same. Sensitivity analyses of ≥ 6 months (31 trials), ≥ 9 months (26 trials), and > 12 months (9 trials), and including studies with no events in either group, demonstrated similar risk reductions to the primary analysis. The point estimate for cardiovascular mortality was similar to all-cause mortality, but not statistically significant: RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.15.
Conclusions
These results suggest that LVM regression may be a useful surrogate marker for benefits of interventions intended to reduce mortality risk in patients with CKD.
Sericin cocoon bio-compatibilizer for reactive blending of thermoplastic cassava starch
Authors: Chaiyaso Thanongsak , Rachtanapun Pornchai , Thajai Nanthicha , kiattipronpithak Krittameth , Jantrawut Pensak , Ruksiriwanich Warintorn , Seesuriyachan Phisit , Leksawasdi Noppol , Phimolsiripol Yuthana , Techapun Charin , Sommano Sarana Rose , Ougizawa Toshiaki , Yakul Kamon , Jantanasakulwong Kittisak 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Cassava starch was blended with glycerol to prepare thermoplastic starch (TPS). TPS was premixed with sericin (TPSS) by solution mixing and then melt-blended with polyethylene grafted maleic anhydride (PEMAH). The effect of sericin on the mechanical properties, morphology, thermal properties, rheology, and reaction mechanism was investigated. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the TPSS10/PEMAH blend were improved to 12.2 MPa and 100.4%, respectively. The TPS/PEMAH morphology presented PEMAH particles (2 µm) dispersed in the TPS matrix, which decreased in size to approximately 200 nm when 5% sericin was used. The melting temperature of PEMAH (121°C) decreased to 111°C because of the small crystal size of the PEMAH phase. The viscosity of TPS/PEMAH increased with increasing sericin content because of the chain extension. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the reaction between the amino groups of sericin and the maleic anhydride groups of PEMAH. This reaction reduced the interfacial tension between TPS and PEMAH, which improved the compatibility, mechanical properties, and morphology of the blend.
Analysis of Circulating microRNA During Early Gestation in Japanese Black Cattle
Authors: Ono Kasumi , Okamoto Sakura , Ninomiya Chiaki , Toji Noriyuki , Kanazawa Tomomi , Ishiguro-Oonuma Toshina , Takahashi Toru , Iga Kosuke , Kizaki Keiichiro 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are biomarkers for various diseases and physiological conditions in humans and mice; studies in domestic animals, particularly cattle, are limited. The importance of early pregnancy diagnosis (especially within the 21 day cow estrous cycle) in the livestock industry is extremely high. This study compared the circulating miRNAs in non-pregnant and pregnant Japanese Black cows, explored miRNAs as biomarkers for early pregnancy diagnosis, and established a measurement system that includes reference miRNA selection and the effect of hemolysis.
Methods
miRNA was extracted from the plasma of Japanese Black cows on day 21 after artificial insemination and subjected to a customized bovine oligonucleotide microarray for expression analysis. Differentially expressed miRNAs and reference miRNA candidates were selected and validated by real-time quantification PCR (RT-qPCR). Their stability was evaluated using NormFinder software. Hemolyzed samples were prepared using plasma from five cows in estrous cycle and subjected to RT-qPCR.
Results
A total of 124 miRNAs were detected in bovine plasma by microarray analysis in non-pregnant and pregnant cows. The levels of five circulating miRNAs were significantly higher in pregnant cows than in non-pregnant cows, and 24 miRNAs were detected only in the pregnant group. NormFinder analysis and RT-qPCR validation showed that miR-2455 was an appropriate reference miRNA in the plasma of non-pregnant and pregnant Japanese Black cows and miR-19b, miR-25, miR-29a, and miR-148a were significantly higher in the pregnant group. These four circulating miRNAs did not change during the estrous cycle and were less affected by hemolysis.
Conclusions
In the current study, we found high levels of four miRNAs in the plasma of pregnant Japanese Black cows. Since these miRNAs are less affected by hemolysis, they may potentially be used as markers for early pregnancy diagnosis in cattle.
Ovarian response to P4-PGF-FSH Treatment in Suffolk sheep and P4-PGF-PMSG Synchronization in Cross-bred Ewes, for IVD and ET Protocol
Authors: CIORNEI STEFAN , DRUGOCIU Dan , Ciornei Liliana Margareta , ROŞCA Petru 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe success of an embryo transfer protocol in sheep depends on many factors, but the choice of drugs for the desired superovulation as well as the conception rate are most essential. Reproductive activity in sheep is characterized by a seasonality influenced by several factors such as photoperiod, latitude, temperature, nutrition and breed. Reproductive seasonality and nutritional condition are the main factors that influence embryo production in sheep. In sheep, some anatomical peculiarities limit the application of traditional reproductive biotechnologies used in cattle. MethodsIn vivo embryo production is often referred to as “multiple ovulation and embryo transfer” and involves ovarian superstimulation of the donor female, insemination or mating, uterine flushing for embryo recovery, and either cryopreservation or transfer of collected embryos to recipients. A total number of 60 sheep and 3 rams were included in this study, divided into 2 groups (receptors/donors). Donor Suffolk sheep were treated for superovulation using the P4‐PGF‐FSH protocol while the cross-bred recipients’ group was synchronized with P4-PGF-PMSG. ResultsOn the first day after superovulation, all ovaries had more than 5 dominant follicles, while corpora lutea were later observed in 83.3% sheep. The recovery rate was 83.3% while 72,9% embryos were transferable. Embryos were transferred directly into recipients. Fertility after 30 days was 68.57%, lambing rate was 91.6%, and CR 62.85%. This study showed that veterinary drugs (P4, FSH, LH, PMSG, PGF) used for superovulation were capable to induce estrus and synchronize ovulation in sheep, are topical and in increasing use worldwide. ConclusionsThe aim of this study was to conclude on the effectiveness of a wider on farm in vivo embryo transfer development program in Suffolk sheep, using several veterinary hormones. The application of a multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET) protocol has a positive effect in the production of in vivo derived embryos in Suffolk sheep and can guarantee the success of embryo transfer activity to ewes with lower genetic merit. Our research aimed at representing a model for sheep farms for a rapid improvement of productive traits.
Exploring Factors Associated With Hepatitis B Screening Among a Multilingual and Diverse Population
Authors: Chu Janet N. , Nguyen Tung T. , Rivadeneira Natalie A. , Hiatt Robert A. , Sarkar Urmimala 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Racial/ethnic minorities bear a disproportionate burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and disease. Disparities in HBV screening contribute to worse outcomes for communities of color. We examined the impact of race/ethnicity, language preference, and having a usual place of care on HBV screening in a multilingual, urban cohort. Methods: We used questions from the Health Information National Trends Survey and added validated questions about healthcare access and health literacy. We administered this survey in English, Spanish, and Chinese to a selected convenience sample of San Francisco city/county residents in 2017, with pre-specified targets for populations with known cancer disparities: 25% Spanish-speaking, 25% Chinese- speaking, and 25% African Americans. Using weighted multivariable logistic regression analyses, we assessed how race/ethnicity, language preference, and having a usual place of care impacts self-report of HBV screening. Results: Overall, 1,027 participants completed the survey (50% of surveys administered in English, 25% in Spanish, and 25% in Chinese). Only 50% of participants reported HBV screening. In multivariable analysis, Black (OR=0.20, 95% CI 0.08-0.49), Latinx (OR=0.33, 95% CI 0.13-0.85), Asian (OR=0.31, 95% CI 0.10, 0.94), and ‘Other’ race/ethnicity (OR=0.17, 95% CI 0.05-0.53) respondents had lower odds of HBV screening compared to non-Hispanic White respondents. Participants who had insurance had increased odds of HBV screening (OR=2.70, 95% CI 1.48-4.93).Conclusions: HBV screening disparities persist for African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinx, and the uninsured. Future studies should explore reasons why current strategies have not been implemented or are not successful, particularly in addressing racial/ethnic and insurance disparities.
The influence of technological parameters on the hygroscopic properties of textiles
Authors: Endiiarova E. V. , Osipov A. A. , Alexandrov S. E. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this paper the method of wet chemistry used for hydrophobization of coarse calico surface was described. It was found that hydrophobicity of coarse calico surface is achieved by the formation of aluminum oxide on the surface. The effect of soap solution temperature, aluminum chloride solution concentration, sample treatment time in aluminum chloride solution and heat treatment temperature on water absorption, contact angle, capillary absorption and calico moisture content was studied. The dependences of gyroscopic properties on the process parameters were obtained. Capillary absorption and water absorption of the test samples increased with increasing concentration of aluminum chloride solution. An increase in the processing time of coarse calico samples in an aluminum chloride solution of lead to a decrease in the hydrophobicity of the samples. The characters of the dependences of hygroscopic properties on the temperature of heat treatment and the temperature of the soap solution are similar.
Imaging and modelling of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) synthesis in Paracoccus denitrificans
Authors: Bordel Sergio , Spanning Rob J. M. van , Santos-Beneit Fernando 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) granule formation in Paracoccus denitrificans Pd1222 was investigated by laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and gas chromatography analysis. Cells that had been starved for 2 days were free of PHB granules but resynthesized them within 30 minutes of growth in fresh medium with succinate. In most cases, the granules were distributed randomly, although in some cases they appeared in a more organized pattern. The rates of growth and PHB accumulation were analyzed within the frame of a Genome-Scale Metabolic Model (GSMM) containing 781 metabolic genes, 1403 reactions and 1503 metabolites. The model was used to obtain quantitative predictions of biomass yields and PHB synthesis during aerobic growth on succinate as sole carbon and energy sources. The results revealed an initial fast stage of PHB accumulation, during which all of the acetyl-CoA originating from succinate was diverted to PHB production. The next stage was characterized by a tenfold lower PHB production rate and the simultaneous onset of exponential growth, during which acetyl-CoA was predominantly drained into the TCA cycle. Previous research has shown that PHB accumulation correlates with cytosolic acetyl-CoA concentration. It has also been shown that PHB accumulation is not transcriptionally regulated. Our results are consistent with the mentioned findings and suggest that, in absence of cell growth, most of the cellular acetyl-CoA is channeled to PHB synthesis, while during exponential growth, it is drained to the TCA cycle, causing a reduction of the cytosolic acetyl-CoA pool and a concomitant decrease of the synthesis of acetoacetyl-CoA (the precursor of PHB synthesis).
Automatic Detection of CO2 Rebreathing During BiPAP Ventilation
Authors: Szkulmowski Zbigniew , Robert Dominique , Argaud Laurent 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
CO2 rebreathing significantly influences respiratory drive and the work of breathing during BiPAP ventilation. We analyzed CO2 movement during BiPAP ventilation to find a method of real time detection of CO2 rebreathing without the need of CO2 concentration measurement sampled from the circuit (method expensive and not routinely used).
Methods
Observational study during routine care in 15 bed university hospital ICU. At 18 patients who required BiPAP ventilation, intubated or by mask ventilation, during weaning period airflow, pressure and CO2 concentration signals were registered on both sides of venting port and 17 respiratory parameters were measured or calculated for each of 4747 respiratory cycles analyzed. Based on CO2 movement (expiration-inspiration sequences) 3 types of cycle were identified, type I and II do not induce rebreathing but type III does. To test differences between the 3 types ANOVA, t-tests, and canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) were used. Then a multilayer perceptron (MLP) network, a type of artificial neural network, using the above parameters (excluding CO2 concentration) was applied to automatically identify the three types of respiratory cycles.
Results
Of the 4747 respiratory cycles, 1849 were type I, 1545 type II, and 1353 type III. ANOVA and t-tests showed significant differences between the types of respiratory cycles. CDA confirmed a correct apportionment of 93.9% of the cycles; notably, of 97.9% of type III. MLP automatically classified the respiratory cycles into the three types with 99.2% accuracy.
Conclusions
Three types of respiratory cycles could be distinguished based on CO2 movement during BiPAP ventilation. Artificial neural networks can be used to automatically detect respiratory cycle type III, the only inducing CO2 rebreathing.
Identification of key N6-Methyladenosine-Related lncRNAs in Colon Adenocarcinoma using Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Huang Yuancheng , Yan Yanhua , Huang Chaoyuan , Jiang Xiaotao , Yang Zehong , Zhuang Kunhai , Liu Fengbin , Li Peiwu , Wen Yi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of m6A-related lncRNAs in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) and determine their prognostic value.Material and methods: Gene expression and clinicopathological data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Correlation and univariate Cox regression analysis were conducted to identify m6A-related prognostic lncRNAs. A prognostic signature was established via least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analyses. The prognostic value of risk scores was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method, receiver operating characteristic curves, and univariate and multivariate regression analyses. Whether the prognostic model could serve as a prognostic indicator for overall survival (OS) in subgroups of patients with different clinical characteristics were explored. Next, We established a competing endogenous RNA network. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway, and Gene Ontology analysis were performed for biological functional analysis.Results: 36 lncRNAs that were highly correlated with OS of patients were identified. A prognostic signature comprising 11 m6A-related lncRNAs was constructed, which had significant value in predicting the OS of patients . Univariate and Multivariate Cox regression analyses suggested that the risk score was an independent prognostic factor. This m6A-related lncRNA prognostic model could serve as a prognostic indicator for OS in subgroups of patients with diﬀerent clinical characteristics. Biological processes and pathways associated with cancer were identified.Conclusion: We revealed the role and prognostic value of m6A-related lncRNAs in COAD. Our finding refreshed the understanding of m6A-related lncRNAs and provided novel insights to identify predictive biomarkers and develop targeted therapy for COAD.
Transmissibility of hand, foot, and mouth disease in 97 counties of China.
Authors: Zhang Wei , Rui Jia , Cheng Xiaoqing , Deng Bin , Zhang Hesong , Huang Lijing , Zhang Lexin , Zuo Simiao , Li Junru , Huang XingCheng , Su Yanhua , Zhao Benhua , Niu Yan , Li Hongwei , Hu Jian-li , Chen Tianmu 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) has been a serious disease burden in the Asia Pacific region represented by China, and the transmission characteristics of HFMD in regions haven’t been clear. This study calculated the transmissibility of HFMD at county levels in Jiangsu Province, China, analyzed the differences of transmissibility and explored the reasons.
Methods
We built susceptible-exposed-infectious-asymptomatic-removed (SEIAR) model for seasonal characteristics of HFMD, estimated effective reproduction number (Reff) by fitting the incidence of HFMD in 97 counties of Jiangsu Province from 2015 to 2020, compared incidence rate and transmissibility in different counties by non -parametric test, rapid cluster analysis and rank-sum ratio.
Results
The average daily incidence rate was between 0 and 4 per 100,000 in Jiangsu province from 2015–2020. The 97 counties could be divided into three levels: low incidence, medium incidence and high incidence, and occurred that the average daily incidence rate dropped sharply in 2016–2017, and increased sharply in 2017–2018 years. The Quartile of Reff in Jiangsu Province from 2015 to 2020 was 1.54 (0.49, 2.50), Rugao district in Central Jiangsu and Jianhu district in Northern Jiangsu had the highest transmissibility by rank-sum ratio. Reff generally decreased in 2017 and increased in 2018 in most counties, and the median level of Reff was lowest in 2017 (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Transmissibility was different in 97 counties of Jiangsu Province, and the reasons for the differences may be related to the climate, demographic characteristics, virus subtypes, vaccination and other infectious diseases.
ALKBH5 Regulates m6A Methylation-modified Pre-miR-21 to Promote Lung Injury in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Rat Model
Authors: Liu Zhijuan , Li Ran , Wang Yeying , Niu Xiaoqun , He Xiaojie , He Chunxia , Li Yongxia , Ai Li 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is closely associated with pulmonary diseases. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is involved in the process of intermittent hypoxia-reoxygenation (IR) promoting lung injury. However, it is unclear whether m6A regulates the progression of lung injury under IR.Methods: Pathological examination by using Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining. Protein and mRNA were determined by Western blot and RT-qPCR, respectively. The m6A levels and concentrations of inflammatory cytokines were measured using ELISA. Cell apoptosis was measured by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. m6A methylation modification of pre-miR-21 detected by gene-specific m6A assay.Results: Toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4) was elevated in IR-induced rat lung tissues and pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVEC). Knockdown of TLR4 alleviated IR-induced PMVEC cell inflammation and apoptosis via inhibiting MyD88/NF-kB signaling pathway. Next, we found the miR-21-5p expression downregulated and targeted TLR4 expression. Overexpression miR-21-5p alleviated IR-induced PMVEC cells inflammation and apoptosis, and inhibited MyD88/NF-kB signaling pathway by targeting TLR4. Interestingly, we found the m6A demethylase AlkB homolog 5 (ALKHB5) was increased in IR-induced rat lung tissues and PMVEC cells, which was associated with decreased m6A levels. ALKBH5 overexpression decreased m6A methylations of pre-miR-21 and reduced the levels of both pre-miR-21 and miR-21-5p. In addition, suppression of ALKBH5 alleviates IR-induced lung injury by reducing the activity of TLR4/MyD88/NF-kB signaling pathway in a miR-21-5p-dependent manner.Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that ALKBH5 promotes OSA-induced lung injury through activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-kB signaling pathway by reducing m6A methylations of pre-miR-21 to decrease the expression levels of both pre-miR-21 and miR-21-5p.
The Cerebellum Plays a Role in Cognitive, but Not Affective, Theory of Mind: A Voxel-Based Lesion Mapping Study
Authors: beuriat pierre-aurélien , Cohen-Zimerman Shira , Smith Gretchen , Krueger Frank , Gordon Barry , Grafman Jordan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Theory of Mind (ToM) is a social-cognitive skill that allows the understanding of the intentions, beliefs, and desires of others. There is a distinction between affective and cognitive ToM, with evidence showing that these processes rely on partially distinct neural networks. The role of the cerebellum in social cognition has only been rarely explored. In this study, we tested whether the cerebellum is necessary for cognitive and affective ToM performance. Material and methods: We investigated adults with traumatic brain injury (n=193) and healthy controls (n=52) using voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping (VLSM) and by measuring the impact on functional connectivity. Results: First, we observed that damage to the cerebellum affected Cognitive but not Affective ToM processing. Further, we found a lateralization effect for the role of the cerebellum in cognitive ToM with participants with left cerebellar injury performing worse than those with right cerebellar injury. Both VLSM and standard statistical analysis provided evidence that left cerebellar Crus I and lobule VI contributed to ToM processing. Lastly, we found that disconnection of the left thalamic projection and the left fronto-striatal fasciculus was associated with poor cognitive ToM performance. Conclusions: Our study is the first to reveal direct causal neuropsychological evidence for a role of the cerebellum in cognitive, but not in affective, ToM, processing. It reinforces the idea that social cognition relies on a complex network functionally connected through white matter pathways that include the cerebellum. It supports evidence that the neural networks underpinning cognitive and affective ToM can be differentiated.