bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of TGF-β1 Polymorphisms on Pulmonary Disease Progression in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Trojan Tobias , von Maessenhausen Maxine , Schneider Peter , Fink Gregor , Rietschel Ernst , Alcazar Miguel Alejandre , Koningsbruggen-Rietschel Silke van , Thomassen Jan Christoph 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a genetic modifier in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TGF-β1 are associated with neutrophilic inflammation, lung fibrosis und loss of pulmonary function.Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between genetic TGF-β1 polymorphisms and pulmonary disease progression in CF patients. Furthermore, the effect of TGF-β1 polymorphisms on inflammatory cytokines in sputum were investigated.Methods: 56 CF-patients and 62 controls were genotyped for three relevant SNPs in their TGF-β1 sequence using the SNaPshot® technique. Individual slopes in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) for all patients were calculated by using documented lung function values of the previous five years. The status of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) infection was determined. Sputum concentrations of the protease elastase, the serine protease inhibitor elafin and the cytokines IL-1β, IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α were measured after a standardized sputum induction and processing.Results: The homozygous TT genotype at codon 10 was associated with a lower rate of chronic Pa infection (p<0.05). The heterozygous GC genotype at codon 25 was associated with lower lung function decline (p<0.05). Patients with homozygous TT genotype at the promotor SNP showed higher levels of TNF-α (p<0,05). Higher levels of TGF-β1 in plasma were associated with a more rapid FEV1 decline over five years (p<0.05). Conclusions: Our results suggest that polymorphisms in the TGF-β1 gene have an effect on lung function decline, Pa infection as well as levels of inflammatory cytokines. Genotyping these polymorphisms could potentially be used to identify CF patients with higher risk of disease progression. TGF-β1 inhibition could potentially be developed as a new therapeutic option to modulate CF lung disease.
Endobronchial Therapy With Gentamicin and Dexamethasone After Airway Clearance by Bronchoscopy in Exacerbation of Non-cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis: a Real-world Observational Study
Authors: Li Qiuhong , Huang Beijie , Gu Hongyan , Zhou Ying , Shan Xizheng , Meng Siming , Qin Meng , Shi JingYun , Chen YaNan , Li Huiping 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose To retrospectively analyze the clinical efficacy and safety of endobronchial therapy with gentamicin and dexamethasone after airway clearance (AC) by bronchoscopy in exacerbation of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 2156 patients with bronchiectasis between January 2015 and June 2016, and 367 consecutive patients with exacerbation of bronchiectasis who had complete data and underwent AC by bronchoscopy. The final cohort included 181 cases of intratracheal instillation with gentamicin and dexamethasone after AC (a group with airway drugs, named Drug group) and 186 cases of AC only (a group without airway drugs, named Control group). The last follow-up was on June 30, 2017. Results The total cough score and the total symptom score in the Drug group were improved compared to the Control group during exacerbation and three months after discharge (P < 0.001). Re-examination of chest HRCT within 4–6 months after discharge revealed that the extent of mucous plugging, collapse/consolidation, and the Bhalla score were all significantly improved in the Drug group. Moreover, the re-exacerbations in the Drug group were significantly decreased within one year after discharge. Univariate analysis showed a highly significant prolongation of the time to first re-exacerbation in bronchiectasis due to treatment with airway drugs compared without. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the risk of first re-exacerbation in the Drug group decreased by 29.7% compared with the Control group. Conclusions Endobronchial therapy with gentamicin and dexamethasone after AC by bronchoscopy is a safe and effective method for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Trial registration http://www.chictr.org.cn. No.: ChiCTR1900022247.
Continuous and Binary Sets of Responses are Not the Same: Evidence from the Field
Authors: Rivera-Garrido Noelia , Ramos-Sosa M. P. , Accerenzi Michela , Brañas-Garza Pablo 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This paper conducts a pre-registered study aimed to compare binary and continuous set of responses in questionnaires. Binary responses consist of two possible opposed responses (Yes/No). Continuous are numerical, where respondents can indicate an answer in a 0 to 10 horizontal blind line. We study whether binary and continuous feasible sets of responses yield to the same outcome (distribution) and the same cost (duration in minutes). We collect data from 360 households in Honduras who were randomly assigned to Yes/No questions or given a slider (visual scaling 0-10) to mark their responses, therefore, we provide causal evidence. We find that respondents are 13% more likely to say “Yes” and spend 2.1 minutes less in the binary setting. Besides, we find that most of the differences between binary and continuous settings arise from questions which include negative wording.
Factors Associated With Habitual Sleep Duration in US Adults with Hypertension: A Cross-sectional Study of the 2015-2018 National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Ogugu Everlyne G. , Catz Sheryl L. , Bell Janice F. , Drake Christiana , Bidwell Julie T. , Gangwisch James E. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: The relationship between inadequate sleep duration and hypertension risk has been established in the general population, but there is a gap in the literature on predictors of habitual sleep duration in adults with hypertension. This study examined factors associated with habitual sleep duration among adults with hypertension in the United States (US).Methods: Data of 5,660 adults with hypertension were obtained by combining the 2015 – 2018 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Survey weighted multinomial logistic regression models were fit to examine factors associated with short (<7 hours) and long (>9 hours) sleep duration with adequate sleep duration (7 – 9 hours) as the reference. Results: The prevalence of self-reported adequate sleep duration was 65.7%, while short sleep duration was 23.6%, and long sleep duration 10.7%. Short sleep duration (compared to adequate sleep duration) was positively associated with history of seeking help for sleeping difficulties (relative risk ratio [RRR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02 – 1.53), Non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity (RRR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.61 – 2.67), working ≥45 hours/week (RRR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.32 – 2.48), and negatively associated with older age ≥ 65 years (RRR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.45 – 0.91) and female gender (RRR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.56 – 0.88). Long sleep duration was positively associated with female gender (RRR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.001 – 1.54), chronic kidney disease (RRR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.14-1.92), moderate depressive symptoms (RRR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.08 – 2.44), moderately severe to severe depressive symptoms (RRR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.05 – 3.43), being in retirement (RRR, 3.46; 95% CI, 2.18 – 5.49), and not working due to health reasons (RRR, 4.87; 95% CI, 2.89 – 8.22) or other reasons (RRR, 3.29; 95% CI, 1.84 – 5.88).Conclusion: This population-based study identified factors independently associated with habitual sleep duration in adults with hypertension. These included help-seeking for sleeping difficulty, gender, age, chronic kidney disease, depressive symptoms, race/ethnicity, and employment status. These findings can help in the development of tailored approaches for promoting adequate sleep duration in adults with hypertension.
Cell Cycle Arrest, An Important Mechanism of Action of Compound Kushen Injection, Prevents Colorectal Cancer: Network Pharmacology Analysis and Experimental Validation
Authors: Sun Jie , Li Mei , Wang Di , Lin Tingru , Chen Jingyi , Zhang Yu , Mu Qing , Su Huiting , Wu Na , Liu Aiyu , Yu Yimeng , Liu Yulan , Wang Shaojie , Yu Xin , Guo Jingzhu , Yu Weidong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Compound Kushen injection (CKI) is the most widely used traditional Chinese medicine preparation for the comprehensive treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) in China, but its underlying molecular mechanisms of action are still unclear. The present study employed a network pharmacology approach, in which we constructed a “bioactive compound-target-pathway” network. Experimental RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis was performed to identify a key “bioactive compound-target-pathway” network for subsequent experimental validation. Cell cycle, proliferation, autophagy, and apoptosis assays and a model of azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate-induced colorectal carcinogenesis in mice were employed to detect the biological effect of CKI on CRC. Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry were performed to verify the selected targets and pathways. We constructed a predicted network that included 82 bioactive compounds, 34 targets, and 33 pathways and further screened an anti-CRC CKI “biological compound (hesperetin 7-O-rutinoside, genistein 7-O-rutinoside, and trifolirhizin)-target (p53 and checkpoint kinase 1 [CHEK1])” network that targeted the “cell cycle pathway”. Validation experiments showed that CKI effectively induced the cell-cycle arrest of CRC cells in vitro and suppressed the development of CRC in vivo by downregulating the expression of p53 and CHEK1. Our findings confirmed that inducing cell-cycle arrest by CKI is an important mechanism of its anti-CRC action, which provides a direct and scientific experimental basis for the clinical application of CKI.
Field Performance of Mass PCR Screening and Targeted Treatment in an Amazonian Low Malaria Transmission Setting
Authors: Mosnier Emilie , Lazrek Yassamine , Carbunar Aurel , Priam Rodolphe , Landier Jordi , Gaillet Mélanie , Michaud Céline , Mathieu Luana , Roux Emmanuel , Pelleau Stéphane , Gaudart Jean , Nacher Mathieu , Demar Magalie , Epelboin Loïc , Douine Maylis , Djossou Félix , Musset Lise 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The three main obstacles to the elimination of malaria in French Guiana are asymptomatic carriers of Plasmodium vivax, relapses and, to a lesser extent, Plasmodium falciparum. This study aims to assess the impact of PCR-based mass screening and treatment (MSAT) interventions in this malaria-endemic area.Two MSAT interventions were conducted twelve months apart in inhabitants of Saint Georges de l’Oyapock village, which has the highest malaria burden in French Guiana. Symptomatic malaria incidence was also passively monitored through the local health center from 12 months before the first intervention until the end of the second intervention.At the time of the first intervention, malaria prevalence was 6.7% [CI95 5.4-7.9%], including 90% of Plasmodium vivax cases and 10% Plasmodium falciparum (n=1,501 participants). Twelve months later, it had decreased by 53.7% to a value of 2.5% [CI95 2.0-3.9%] (p<0.05; n=1,271 inhabitants), of which 83% and 17% of cases showed Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum carriage, respectively. Similarly, the passive malaria detection carried out by the health center during the 12-month surveillance period that followed the first MSAT noted a decrease in symptomatic Plasmodium spp..This study suggests that the implementation of mass PCR testing and the subsequent malaria treatment of positive cases could reduce the prevalence of both symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria infections in the Amazonian context.
E. Coli Nissle 1917 Modulates Host Glucose Metabolism Without Directly Acting On Glucose
Authors: Chavkin Theodore , Pham Loc-Duyen , Kostic Aleksandar 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Managing postprandial glycemic response, or the increase in blood sugar following a meal, is a crucial component to maintaining healthy blood sugar in patients with diabetes. To test whether oral probiotics can impact postprandial glycemic response, E. coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) was evaluated in an oral glucose tolerance test. Oral gavage of EcN concurrent with a glucose bolus reduced the post-gavage glycemic response in mice. However, there was no difference in glycemic response when comparing EcN to a mutant deficient in glucose metabolism. This suggests that while EcN can alter glycemic response to a glucose bolus, this effect is not mediated by direct uptake of glucose. Of the possible indirect effects EcN could have, gastric emptying rate was highlighted as a likely cause, but EcN had no effect on gastric emptying rate in mice. This leaves many more possible indirect explanations for the interaction between EcN and host glucose metabolism to be explored in future work.
Synergetic Effect of Cationic Starch (Ether/Ester) and Pluronics for Improving Inkjet Printing Quality of Office Papers
Authors: Sharma Mohit , Aguado Roberto , Murtinho Dina , Valente Artur J. M. , Ferreira Paulo J. T. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Improving the printability of paper is still a relevant challenge, despite the fast development of digital communications. While it is well-known that cationic starches enhance ink density, their commercial paper-grade forms are limited to ethers with low degree of substitution. This work addresses the underexplored potential of highly substituted cationic starch for paper coating and its combination with tri-block polymers, namely Pluronics (P123 and F127), taking advantage of their supramolecular interactions with amylose chains. For that purpose, cationic starch ether and ester (starch betainate), both with a degree of substitution of 0.3, were synthesized by alkaline etherification and by transesterification, respectively. Paper without any surface treatment was subjected to one-side bar coating with suspensions encompassing those products and Pluronics, besides other common components. Black, cyan, yellow and magenta inks were printed on all coated papers through an inkjet printer. Key properties of printing quality such as the gamut area, gamut volume, optical density, print-through, inter-color bleed and circularity were measured in a controlled temperature-humidity environment. For instance, a formulation with cationic starch (ether/ester) and P123 improved the gamut area by 16–18% in comparison to native starch-coated paper sheets. Interestingly, the individual assessment of each component showed that cationic starch ether, starch betainate and P123 only improved the gamut area by 5.6%, 8.9% and 6.8%, respectively. Finally, but not less importantly, starch betainate was found to quench optical brightening agents to a lesser extent than cationic starch ethers.
Development and Clinical Application of a Deep Learning Model to Identify Acute Infarct on Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Bridge Christopher P , Bizzo Bernardo C , Hillis James M , Chin John K , Comeau Donnella S , Gauriau Romane , Macruz Fabiola , Pawar Jayashri , Noro Flavia T C , Sharaf Elshaimaa , Takahashi Marcelo Straus , Wright Bradley , Kalafut John F , Andriole Katherine P , Pomerantz Stuart R , Pedemonte Stefano , González R Gilberto 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundStroke is a leading cause of death and disability. The ability to quickly identify the presence of acute infarct and quantify the volume on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has important treatment implications. MethodsWe developed a machine learning model that used the apparent diffusion coefficient and diffusion weighted imaging series. It was trained on 6,657 MRI studies. All studies were labelled positive or negative for infarct (classification annotation) with 377 having the region of interest outlined (segmentation annotation). The different annotation types facilitated training on more studies while not requiring the extensive time to manually segment every study. We initially validated the model on studies sequestered from the training set. We then tested the model on studies from three clinical scenarios: consecutive stroke team activations for 6-months at the hospital that provided training data, consecutive stroke team activations for 6-months at a hospital that did not provide training data, and an international site. The model results were compared to radiologist ground truth interpretations.ResultsThe model performed better when trained on classification and segmentation annotations (area under the receiver operating curve [AUROC] 0.995 [95% CI, 0.992-0.998] and median Dice coefficient for segmentation overlap of 0.797 [IQR, 0.642-0.861]) compared to segmentation annotations alone (AUROC 0.982 [95% CI, 0.972-0.990] and Dice coefficient 0.776 [IQR, 0.584-0.857]). The model accurately identified infarcts for training hospital stroke team activations (AUROC 0.964 [95% CI, 0.943-0.982], 381 studies), non-training hospital stroke team activations (AUROC 0.981 [95% CI, 0.966-0.993], 247 studies), and at the international site (AUROC 0.998 [95% CI, 0.993-1.000], 171 studies). The model accurately segmented infarcts with Pearson correlation comparing model output and ground truth volumes between 0.968-0.986 for the three scenarios.ConclusionsAcute infarct can be accurately detected and segmented on MRI in real-world clinical scenarios using a machine learning model.
Nutrient Source Location and Biofilm Viscoelasticity Control Biofilm Growth Rate, Migration Rate, and Morphology in Shear Flow
Authors: Nguyen Hoa , Ybarra Abraham , Basagaoglu Hakan , Shindell Orrin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
We present a numerical model to simulate the growth and deformation of a viscoelastic biofilm in shear flow under different nutrient conditions. The mechanical interaction between the biofilm and the fluid is computed using the Immersed Boundary Method with viscoelastic parameters determined a priori from measurements reported in the literature. Biofilm growth occurs at the biofilm-fluid interface by a stochastic rule that depends on the local nutrient concentration. We compare the growth, migration, and morphology of viscoelastic biofilms with a common relaxation time of 18 minutes over the range of elastic moduli 10-1000 Pa in different nearby nutrient source configurations. Simulations with shear flow and an upstream or a downstream nutrient source indicate that soft biofilms grow more if nutrients are downstream and stiff biofilms grow more if nutrients are upstream. Also, soft biofilms migrate faster than stiff biofilms toward a downstream nutrient source, and although stiff biofilms migrate toward an upstream nutrient source, soft biofilms do not. Simulations without nutrients show that on the time scale of several hours, soft biofilms develop irregular structures at the biofilm-fluid interface, but stiff biofilms deform little. Our results agree with the biophysical principle that biofilms can adapt to their mechanical and chemical environment by modulating their viscoelastic properties. We also compare the behavior of a purely elastic biofilm to a viscoelastic biofilm with the same elastic modulus of 50 Pa. We find the elastic biofilm underestimates growth rates and downstream migration rates if the nutrient source is downstream, and it overestimates growth rates and upstream migration rates if the nutrient source is upstream. Future modeling can use our comparison to identify errors that can occur by simulating biofilms as purely elastic structures.
An Intrinsic Parameter Calibration Method for R-LAT System Based on CMM
Authors: Su Wenjun , Guo Junkang , Liu Zhigang , Jia Kang 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Rotary-laser automatic theodolite (R-LAT) system is a distributed large-scale metrology system, which provides parallel measurement in scalable measurement room without obvious precision losing. Each of R-LAT emits two nonparallel laser planes to scan the measurement space via evenly rotation, while the photoelectric sensors receive these laser planes signals and performs the coordinate calculation based on triangulation. The accurate geometric parameters of the two laser planes plays a crucial role in maintaining the measurement precision of R-LAT system. Practically, the geometry of the two laser plane, which is termed as intrinsic parameters, is unknown after assembled. Therefore, how to figure out the accurate intrinsic parameters of each R-LAT is a fundamental question for the application of R-LAT system. This paper proposed an easily operated intrinsic parameter calibration method for R-LAT system with adopting coordinate measurement machine. The mathematic model of laser planes and the observing equation group of R-LAT are established. Then, the intrinsic calibration is formulated as a nonlinear least square problem that minimize the sum of deviations of target points and laser planes, and the ascertain of its initial guess is introduced. At last, experience is performed to verify the effectiveness of this method, and simulations are carried out to investigate the influence of the target point configuration on the accuracy of intrinsic parameters.