bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Home and Community Exercise Interventions in Improving Indices of Adiposity and Health Outcomes in Adults Living With HIV: a Protocol for a Systematic Review.
Authors: Aminde Jeannine Anyingu , Harris Neil , Thng Caroline , Desbrow Ben 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Disorders of adipose distribution in people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been associated with significant metabolic derangements that increase their risk of cardiovascular and other chronic diseases. Systematic reviews focusing on centre-based supervised exercise interventions demonstrate that these interventions improve adipose distribution in people living with HIV (PLWH). However, there is need to examine the effectiveness of more flexible home/community self-managed exercise. The aim of this review will be to synthesize existing evidence on the effectiveness of home and community exercise interventions to improve adiposity indices in PLWH.Methods: The following databases will be searched from inception; PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Clinicaltrials.gov. In addition, reference lists searching and forward citation searching will be performed. Screening of studies and data extraction will be conducted by two independent reviewers using a pre-established checklist and no language restrictions will be applied. The quality of included studies will be evaluated with the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Risk of bias tool for controlled and uncontrolled before-after studies. A random-effects meta-analysis will be used to pool effect estimates for primary outcomes (measures of total body adiposity, adipose distribution, and regional adiposity). However, if pooling is deemed inappropriate due to substantial differences between studies, a narrative synthesis will be performed. This protocol is written according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis Protocols 2015 statement (see Additional file 1).Discussion: This review shall provide evidence to support or disapprove the prescription of self-managed home exercise interventions in a particularly vulnerable population. We will equally explore the potential impact of technology in improving adherence. Our findings could help guide clinicians involved in the care of PLWH in prescribing exercise and inform the design of future trials and research. Systematic review registration: This protocol was submitted with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on 11/01/2021.
Association of Wolbachia with gene expression in Drosophila testes
Authors: Dou Weihao , Miao Yunheng , Xiao Jinhua , Huang Dawei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Wolbachia is a genus of intracellular symbiotic bacteria that are widely distributed in arthropods and nematodes. These maternally inherited bacteria regulate host reproductive systems in various ways to facilitate their vertical transmission. Since the identification of Wolbachia in many insects, the relationship between Wolbachia and the host has attracted great interest. Numerous studies have indicated that Wolbachia modifies a variety of biological processes in the host. Previous studies in Drosophila melanogaster (D. mel) have demonstrated that Wolbachia can affect spermatid differentiation, chromosome deposition, and sperm activity in the early stages of spermatogenesis, leading to sperm dysfunction. Here, we explored the putative effect of Wolbachia in sperm maturation using transcriptomic approaches to compare gene expression in Wolbachia-infected and Wolbachia-free D. mel adult testes. Our findings show that Wolbachia affects many biological processes in D. mel adult testes, and most of the differentially expressed genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, lysosomal degradation, proteolysis, lipid metabolism, and immune response were upregulated in the presence of Wolbachia. In contrast, some genes that are putatively associated with cutin and wax biosynthesis and peroxisome pathways were downregulated. We did not find any differentially expressed genes that are predicted to be related to spermatogenesis in the datasets. This work provides additional information for understanding the Wolbachia-host intracellular relationships.
Understanding the Geology of the Philippines through Gravity Anomalies
Authors: Casulla Mel Anthony Asis , Mizunaga Hideki , Tanaka Toshiaki , Dimalanta Carla 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The Philippine Archipelago is a complex island arc system, where many regions still lack geopotential studies. This study aims to present a general discussion of the Philippine gravity anomaly distribution. The high-resolution isostatic anomaly digital grid from the World Gravity Map (WGM) was processed and correlated with the Philippines’ established geology and tectonics. This study also investigated the gravity signatures that correspond to the regional features, e.g., geology, structures, sedimentary basins, and basement rocks of the study area. Upward continuation, high-pass, and gradient filters (i.e., first vertical derivative, horizontal gradient) were applied using the Geosoft Oasis Montaj software. The interpreted gravity maps’ results highlighted the known geologic features (e.g., trench manifestation, ophiolite distribution, basin thickness). They revealed new gravity anomalies with tectonic significance (e.g., basement characterization). The isostatic gravity anomaly map delineates the negative zones. These zones represent the thick sedimentary accumulations along the trenches surrounding the Philippine Mobile Belt (PMB). The Philippine island arc system is characterized by different gravity anomaly signatures, which signify the density contrast of subsurface geology. The negative anomalies (< 0 mGal) represent the thick sedimentary basins, and the moderate signatures (0 to 80 mGal) correspond to the metamorphic belts. The distinct very high gravity anomalies (> 80 mGal) typify the ophiolitic basement rocks. The gravity data’s upward continuation revealed contrasting deep gravity signatures; the central Philippines of continental affinity (20 – 35 mGal) was distinguished from the remaining regions of oceanic affinity (45 – 200 mGal). Local geologic features (e.g., limestone, ophiolitic rocks) and structures (e.g., North Bohol Fault, East Bohol Fault) were also delineated downward continuation and gravity gradient maps of Bohol Island. The WGM dataset’s effectiveness for geologic investigation was achieved by comparing the established geologic features and interpreted gravity anomalies. The processed gravity digital grids provided an efficient and innovative way of investigating the Philippines’ regional geology and tectonics.
Thoracoscopic infrared ablation to create a box lesion as a treatment for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kubota Hiroshi , Ohtsuka Toshiya , Ninomiya Mikio , Nonaka Takahiro , Hisagi Motoyuki , Endo Hidehito , Minegishi Sachito , Tsuchiya Hiroshi , Inaba Yusuke 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundCreating a box lesion in the posterior wall of the left atrium from the epicardial side of the beating heart remains a challenge. Although a transmural lesion can be created by applying radiofrequency (RF) energy at clampable sites, there is still no reliable energy source to use to create a roof and bottom linear lesion to connect bilateral pulmonary vein (PV) cuff lesions produced with RF energy, because the inner blood flow in the unclampable free wall weakens the thermal effect on the outside. Our aim was to apply the newly developed infrared coagulator to create linear transmural lesions on the beating heart thoracoscopically to treat atrial fibrillation (AF).Case presentationA 71-year-old male was referred to our hospital with a diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and permanent atrial fibrillation. The patient was first diagnosed with atrial fibrillation 20 years before. Direct current cardioversion had been performed every few years a total of four times, but sinus rhythm restoration had always been temporary. The patient wanted to be free from anticoagulant therapy, symptom of palpitations, and fear of possibility of cerebral infarction. Transthoracic echography revealed no valvular dysfunction. Cardiac scintigraphy showed no evidence of myocardial ischemia. The electrocardiogram indicated AF with a 0.2 mV of f-wave amplitude. On February 27, 2020, thoracoscopic PV isolation together with infrared roof- and bottom-line ablation to create a box lesion and left atrial appendage amputation (LAAA) were performed. The coagulator could be applied to clinical thoracoscopic surgery to successfully create a box lesion without any complication. The patient restored a regular sinus rhythm, it has been maintained for eleven months, and there have been no adverse events. ConclusionsThe infrared coagulator might have enough potential to create transmural lesions on the beating heart in thoracoscopic AF surgery.
Development and Validation of the EQ-5D in Taiwan Using Item Response Theory
Authors: Liu Tzu-Hung , Ho Andrew Dean , Hsu Yu-Tien , Hsu Chih-Cheng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background:Our study aims to provide validity evidence for the EuroQol five dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) in the National Health Interview Survey of Taiwan in the 2013 wave and further interpret the EQ-5D scores for patients with chronic diseases. Another goal of the study was to use item response theory (IRT) to identify items that are informative for assessing quality of life using EQ-5D.Methods: There were 17,260 participants, aged 12-64, who completed the interviews in our study. Psychometric methods, including factor analysis and the IRT model known as the Graded Response Model (GRM), were used to assess the unidimensionality of EQ-5D and its item properties. Correlation analysis was used to assess whether EQ-5D scores are associated with scores from the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36).Results: The EQ-5D scores have moderate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.60) and a scree plot suggests that the EQ-5D measure is unidimensional. The item information function analysis from the IRT model demonstrates that the first 3 items, “mobility,” “self-care,” and “usual activities” are the most informative items for patients who have chronic diseases and health-related quality of life below the 10th percentile. The EQ-5D scores have a moderate correlation (r: 0.61) with SF-36 scores.Conclusions: The EQ-5D scale shows promise for use in the general population. The IRT model informs our interpretation of the EQ-5D scores. Given the time constraints in clinical settings, we suggest using the first three items in EQ-5D to measure the health-related quality of life for patients with chronic diseases.
Intracellular Hedgehog signaling controls Th17 polarization and pathogenicity
Authors: Hanna Joachim , O'Brien Louise , Kapeni Chrysa , Chen Hung-Chang , Carbonaro Valentina , Kim Alexander , Beke Flavio , Adolph Timon E. , Skjoedt Mikkel-Ole , Skjoedt Karsten , Roche Marc de la , Roche Maike de la 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
T helper 17 (Th17) cells play a key role in barrier protection against fungal and bacterial pathogens but are also pathological drivers of many inflammatory diseases. Although the transcription factor networks governing Th17 differentiation are well defined, the signaling pathways that regulate the development and function of this important CD4+ T cell subset are still poorly understood. Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays important roles in regulating cell fate decisions during embryogenesis and adult tissue patterning. Using novel CD4-specific Hh knockout mice, we find that intracellular Hh signaling, independently of exogenous Hh ligands, selectively drives Th17 lineage differentiation but not the development of Th1, Th2, or iTreg CD4+ Th cells. We show that the endogenous Indian Hh (Ihh) ligand signals via the signal transducer Smoothened to activate both canonical and non-canonical Hh pathways, through the Gli3 transcription factor and AMPK phosphorylation, respectively. Using two models of intestinal inflammation, we demonstrate that inhibition of the Hh pathway with either the clinically approved small molecule inhibitor vismodegib or genetic ablation of Ihh in CD4+ T cells greatly diminishes disease severity. Taken together, we have uncovered Hh as a novel signaling pathway controlling Th17 differentiation and Gli3 as a crucial transcription factor in this process. Our work paves the way for a potential use of Hh inhibitors in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and other autoimmune diseases.
Prognostic Value of GDF-15 in Predicting Prolonged Intensive Care Stay following Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Barton Henry , Zechendorf Elisabeth , Ostareck Dirk , Ostareck-Lederer Antje , Stoppe Christian , Zayat Rashad , Simon-Philipp Tim , Marx Gernot , Bickenbach Johannes 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Predicting intensive care unit length of stay and outcome following cardiac surgery is currently based on clinical parameters. Novel biomarkers could be employed to improve the prediction models. Methods: We performed a qualitative cytokine screening array to identify highly expressed biomarkers in preoperative blood samples of cardiac surgery patients. After identification of one highly expressed biomarker, growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), a quantitative ELISA was undertaken. Preoperative levels of GDF-15 were compared in regard to duration of intensive care stay, cardio-pulmonary bypass time and indicators of organ dysfunction.Results: Preoperatively, GDF-15 was highly expressed in addition to several less highly expressed other biomarkers. After qualitative analysis we could show that preoperatively raised levels of GDF-15 was positively associated with prolonged ICU stay exceeding 48 h (median 713 versus 1041 pg/ml, p = 0.003). It was also associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation and rates of severe sepsis but not with dialysis rates or cardio-pulmonary bypass time. In univariate regression, raised GDF-15 levels were predictive of a prolonged ICU stay (OR 1.01, 95% Confidence Interval 1 – 1.02, p= 0.029). On ROC curves, GDF-15 was found to predict prolonged ICU stay (AUC= 0.86, 95% Confidence Interval 0.71 – 0.99, p= 0.003).Conclusion: GDF-15 showed potential as predictor of prolonged intensive care stay following cardiac surgery, which might be valuable for risk stratification models.
Proximal Gastrectomy with Gastric Tube Reconstruction or Jejunal Interposition Reconstruction in the Upper Third Gastric Cancer: Which is Better for the Surgical Short-Term Outcomes.
Authors: Li Zhiguo , Ma Yan , Liu Guiting , Fang Ming , Xue YingWei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objective: Proximal gastrectomy was acted as a function-preserving operation for upper third gastric cancer. The aim of this study is to compare the surgical short-term outcomes between proximal gastrectomy with gastric tube reconstruction and proximal gastrectomy with Jejunal interposition reconstruction in the upper third gastric cancer. Methods: A retrospective review of 301 patients who underwent proximal gastrectomy with jejunal interposition (JI) or gastric tube (GT) at the Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital between June 2007 and December 2016 was performed. The Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and Visick grade were used to evaluate the post-gastrectomy syndromes. The gastrointestinal fiberoscopy was used to evaluate the prevalence and severity of reflux esophagitis by Los Angeles (LA) classification system. Results: The JI group had a longer operation time than GT group (220±52 vs 182±50 min), whereas there was no significant difference in blood loss. Compared to the GT group, the Visick grade and GSRS score were significantly higher than that of the JI group. The reflux esophagitis of GT group was significantly higher than that of the JI group. Conclusion: Proximal gastrectomy is well tolerated, with excellent short-outcomes in patients with upper third gastric cancer . C ompared with GT construction, JI construction has clear functional advantages and may provide better quality of life for patients with upper third gastric cancer.
On the Examination of Temperature-Dependent Possible Current-Conduction Mechanisms of Au/(nanocarbon-PVP)/n-Si Schottky Barrier Diodes in Wide Range of Voltage
Authors: SEVGİLİ Ömer 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Au/(nanocarbon-PVP)/n-Si SDs were fabricated and their current-conduction mechanisms (CCMs) have been examined in elaborative by utilizing current-voltage (I-V) characteristics in temperature range of 60-340K at (± 3V) ranges. The values of ideality factor (n) and zero-bias barrier height (ΦBo) determined from the linear-part of semilogarithmic forward bias IF-VF properties based on Thermionic-Emission (TE) theory revealed that decrease in ΦBo and increase in n with deccreasing temperature. Additionally, Richardson constant (A*) value was found several orders lower than its theoretical value. The values of ΦBo and n changed from 0.173 eV to 0.837 eV and 6.60 to 2.85 with increasing temperature from 60 K to 340 K. This positive temperature-coefficient (α) of ΦBo is inagreement with the bandgap of semiconductor or barrier height (BH) for the ideal diode. The calculated higher value of n at low temperatures was attributed to the inhomogeneities of BH rather than the interlayer, surface-states (Nss), and image-force lowering. With lowing temperatures, CCMs may be governed by tunneling over the lower barriers, via Nss, and generation recombination (GR), as well as TE and hence a complete description of CCM and understanding of the formation BH, remain a compelling problem. Nss-(Ec-Ess) profile was also obtained from IF-VF data for each temperature.
Biomimetic Oxygen Delivery Nanoparticles for Enhancing Photodynamic Therapy in Triple-negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Fang Hanyi , Gai Yongkang , Wang Sheng , Liu Qingyao , Zhang Xiao , Ye Min , Tan Jianling , Long Yu , Wang Kuanyin , Zhang Yongxue , LAN xiaoli 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a kind of aggressive breast cancer with a high rate of metastasis, poor overall survival time, and a low response to targeted therapies. To improve the therapeutic efficacy and overcome the drug resistance of TNBC treatments, here we developed the cancer cell membrane-coated oxygen delivery nanoprobe, CCm-HSA-ICG-PFTBA, which can improve the hypoxia at tumor sites and enhance the therapeutic efficacy of the photodynamic therapy (PDT), resulting in relieving the tumor growth in TNBC xenografts.
Results
The size of the CCm-HSA-ICG-PFTBA was 131.3 ± 1.08 nm. The in vitro 1O2 and ROS concentrations of the CCm-HSA-ICG-PFTBA group were both significantly higher than those of the other groups (P < 0.001). In vivo fluorescence imaging revealed that the best time window was at 24 h post-injection of the CCm-HSA-ICG-PFTBA. Both in vivo 18F-FMISO PET imaging and ex vivo immunofluorescence staining results exhibited that the tumor hypoxia was significantly improved at 24 h post-injection of the CCm-HSA-ICG-PFTBA. For in vivo PDT treatment, the tumor volume and weight of the CCm-HSA-ICG-PFTBA with NIR group were both the smallest among all the groups and significantly decreased compared to the untreated group (P < 0.01). No obvious biotoxicity was observed by the injection of CCm-HSA-ICG-PFTBA till 14 days.
Conclusions
By using the high oxygen solubility of perfluorocarbon (PFC) and the homologous targeting ability of cancer cell membranes, CCm-HSA-ICG-PFTBA can target tumor tissues, mitigate the hypoxia of the tumor microenvironment, and enhance the PDT efficacy in TNBC xenografts. Furthermore, the HSA, ICG, and PFC are all FDA-approved materials, which render the nanoparticles highly biocompatible and enhance the potential for clinical translation in the treatment of TNBC patients.
Prognostic Impact of Different Subtypes of Severe Aortic Stenosis after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Pal Matyas , Dekany Gabor , Satish Sai , Mandzak Adrienn , Piroth Zsolt , Fontos Geza , Andreka Peter 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
PurposeOutcomes for different subtypes of aortic stenosis (AS) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are still subjects of debate. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of baseline flow rate (F) and mean gradient (G) on survival after TAVI. MethodsFrom 2008. to 06. 2017. TAVI was performed in 300 cases (127 men, 173 women, age 80,0±5,8 years) with severe AS. Follow-up was at least 3 years. Mortality tracking was 100%. Patients were divided into high gradient (HG: 237), low-flow low-gradient (LF-LG: 41), paradoxically low flow-low gradient (PLF-LG: 9) and normal flow-low gradient (NF-LG: 13) groups. Primary endpoint was 30-day, 1-year and 3-year all-cause mortality (M) . ResultsNF-LG had better prognosis (M: 30d 0, 1-year: 7,7%, 3-year: 46,2%). In HG patients mortality was low in the 1st year (30-day: 3,8%, 1-y: 14,3%), but higher (62,8%) after 3 year. PLF-LG had intermediate outcomes (30-day 0, 1-year 22,2%, 3-year 55,6%). LF-LG had the highest mortality (30-day 12,2%, p=0,03, 1-year 34,2% p=0,005, 3-year 75,6% p=0,009 vs.HG) and relative risk (2,44 [1,34-4,42] p=0,003 vs.HG). Independent predictors of 1-year mortality were only Grade 2+ paravalvular regurgitation (p=0,04) and severe renal dysfunction (p=0,04). ConclusionsTAVI survival is determined by the guideline-defined subtype of AS. Low flow – low gradient AS is associated with worse prognosis, therefore these patients need careful management after TAVI.
Effect of Socioeconomic Status on Risk of Developing COVID-19: a Community-based Case-control Study
Authors: Küçükali Hüseyin , Hayran Osman , İleri Şeyda , Kurt Berkay , Kuru Fatmanur , Nalbantoğlu Sena , Özbaş Burcu , Sezerol Mehmet Akif , Taşçı Yusuf 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMost of the studies regarding the relationship between socioeconomic status and occurrence of COVID-19 are usually ecological studies and have limitations due to ecological fallacy. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic status and individual-level risk of developing COVID-19.MethodsWe conducted a community-based, age and gender matched, case-control study in a district of Istanbul. The case group was defined as all confirmed COVID-19 cases (n=232) that were reported to the district health directorate in a week of August 2020. Control group was defined as people who were matched with cases in terms of age and gender and selected randomly from the directory of the same primary care provider in the district in 1:1 ratio. Participants were communicated via telephone. The socioeconomic status score was measured by Turkish Socioeconomic Status Index which considers three dimensions of it: education, occupation, and income.Results168 cases (72.4% response) and 168 controls are included in the study. 48.8% of participants are female and the mean age is 37.66±15.32 for each group. The mean socioeconomic status score is 70.28±7.09 for cases and 69.25±7.46 for controls (p=0.201). 15.2% (n=25) of cases and 22.4% (n=37) of controls is in lower socioeconomic status group (p=0.091). Neither bivariate nor logistic regression analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between study groups.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that socioeconomic status is not a significant predictor of COVID-19 occurrence at individual-level. The disease seems to be a common threat to all individuals of the global community.