bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Molecular Anatomy”: A New Multi-Dimensional Hierarchical Scaffold Analysis tool&nbsp;
Authors: Manelfi Candida , Gemei Marica , Talarico Carmine , Cerchia Carmen , Beccari Andrea R. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The scaffold representation is widely employed to classify bioactive compounds on the basis of common core structures or correlate compound classes with specific biological activities. In this paper, we present a novel approach called “Molecular Anatomy” as a flexible and unbiased molecular scaffold-based metrics to cluster large set of compounds. We introduce a set of nine molecular representations at different abstraction levels, combined with fragmentation rules, to define a multi-dimensional network of hierarchically interconnected molecular frameworks. We demonstrate that the introduction of a flexible scaffold definition and multiple pruning rules is an effective method to identify relevant chemical moieties. This approach allows to cluster together different molecular species with similar biological activity, capturing most of the structure activity information, in particular when libraries containing a huge number of singletons are analyzed. We also propose a procedure to derive a network visualization that allows a full graphical representation of compounds dataset, permitting an efficient navigation in the scaffold’s space and significantly contributing to perform high quality SAR analysis.
WITHDRAWN: IgG4-related Disease Presenting With Ataxia&nbsp;
Authors: Tse George Hondag , Hadjivassiliou Marios , Devgire Vikrant , Hobson Esther , Connolly Daniel JA , Hoggard Nigel 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background:Immunoglobulin G4 related disease is a relatively rare multi-system disorder which can present with diverse manifestations including mass-lesions and, or, organ dysfunction. Although the orbits, salivary glands and sinuses are comparatively common sites of involvement there are few reports of isolated intracranial presentation. Case presentation:Although large vessel IgG4-RD vasculitis is an uncommon entity we report a case of a 84-year old male presenting with cerebellar ataxia. CT at presentation demonstrated bilateral low-density change in the middle cerebellar peduncles, which corelated to areas of elevated T2 signal demonstrating restricted diffusion on MRI. CT angiogram demonstrated marked thickening of the common carotid arteries and branches extending to the skull base. In addition, the vertebral arteries also demonstrated significant wall thickening and occlusive narrowing. Serum immunoglobulin IgG and IgA were elevated and in particular IgG immunoglobulin was extremely high.Conclusions:Bilateral symmetrical restricted diffusion in the middle cerebellar peduncles is a striking radiological feature and reported to occur with multiple aetiologies, we believe this is the first report to associate this with IgG4-RD and ataxia.
WITHDRAWN: Delivery of Ferulic Acid with PEGylated Diphenylalanine Nanoparticles for Pre-arthritis Therapy
Authors: He Liming , Zeng Yingchun , Qin Xianyan , Pan Lihua , Chen Tao , Wang Qin , Ma Yiping , Fang Jiyu 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: In the therapy of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), treatment starting at the late stage of disease is probably associated with a worse disease outcome. Thus, blocking the RA developments at the early stage of inflammation with efficacious and safe agents might present a promising strategy. Ferulic acid (FA), a safe and active component extracted from Chinese medicine, shows excellent anti-inflammatory properties in various inflammatory diseases. However, the application of FA as an anti-inflammatory drug is hindered by its instability and short half-life in vivo. The aim of this study is to design a feasible drug delivery system to improve the therapeutic efficacy of FA in the treatment of RA and investigate whether treatment initiated at early stage of arthritis would effectively prevent the development of arthritis.Method: A diphenylalanine-based nanoparticle was constructed by the self-stacking of NH2-Phe-Phe-COOH and poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether amine (PEG5k-NH2) using the glutaraldehyde (GTA) as a cross-linker. The therapeutic outcomes of treatment using FA-loaded PEGylated Phe-Phe nanoparticles were explored at both pre-arthritis stage and fully-developed arthritis stage. Results: We find that the FA-loaded PEGylated Phe-Phe nanoparticles are biocompatible and could effectively inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species in inflammatory condition. After being intravenously administrated in vivo, the FA-loaded PEGylated Phe-Phe nanoparticles show prolonged circulation time and enhanced accumulation in arthritic joints. More importantly, the pre-arthritis treatment with the FA-loaded PEGylated Phe-Phe nanoparticles can significantly block the progression of RA compared with treatment started at the late stage of arthritis.Conclusions: Our results demonstrated FA-loaded PEGylated Phe-Phe nanoparticles could greatly improve the therapeutic efficacy of FA and ultimately prevent the progression of arthritis in a low activity when applied in pre-arthritis phase. This therapeutic outcome confirmed the treatment initiated in very early disease phases is effective to prevent arthritis progression to full-blown disease.
Effect of COVID-19 on Epidemiological Characteristics of Road Traffic Injuries in Suzhou:A Retrospective Study
Authors: Huang Wenjuan , Lin Qi , Xu Feng , Chen Du 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: To present the new trends in epidemiology of road traffic injuries (RTIs) in Suzhou under the impact of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and control measures.Methods: Pre-hospital care records of RTIs in January-May 2020 and January-May 2019 were collected from the database of Suzhou emergency center, Jiangsu, China， and relevant clinical data were extracted for a retrospective study. RTIs in 2020 and 2019 were defined as observation group and control group respectively.Results: There were 7288 RTIs in the observation group, accounting for 82.17% of the control group. The number of RTIs per month from January to May in the observation group were 79.72%, 47.69%, 79.30%, 85.72% and 99.39% of the control group, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that the number and composition ratio of electric bicycle related RTIs in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (2641, 36.24% vs 2380, 26.84%, P<0.001). We observed a statistically significant increase in proportion of RTIs with consciousness disorder in the observation group compared to the control group (7.22% vs 6.13%, P = 0.006).Conclusions: Under the impact of COVID-19, the total number of RTIs in Suzhou from January to May 2020 decreased obviously. Nevertheless, there was an obvious rise in electric bicycle related RTIs, and the proportion of RTIs with consciousness disorder also increased. It is necessary for electric bicycle riders to wear helmets.
Probiotic supplementation reduces systemic inflammation in dialysis patients: the effect on circulating regulatory T-cells and pro-inflammatory monocytes
Authors: Choi Eunho , Yang Jihyun , Ji Geun-Eog , Park Myeong Soo , Seong Yeongje , Oh Se Won , Kim Myung Gyu , Cho Won Yong , Jo Sang Kyung 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundEmerging evidence suggests that intestinal dysbiosis contributes to systemic inflammation and cardiovascular diseases in dialysis patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on various inflammatory parameters in hemodialysis (HD) patients.MethodsTwenty-two patients with maintenance HD were enrolled (Institutional Review Board No. 2018AN0346). These patients were treated twice a day with 2.0 × 1010 colony forming units of a combination of Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4 and Bifidobacterium longum BORI for 3 months. The microbiome and fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were analyzed. The percentages of CD14+ CD16+ pro-inflammatory monocytes, and CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T-cells (Tregs) before and after probiotic supplementation were determined by flow cytometry. Serum levels of calprotectin and cytokine responses upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge were compared before and after probiotic supplementation.ResultsFecal SCFAs increased significantly after probiotic supplementation. Serum levels of calprotectin and IL-6 upon LPS stimulation significantly decreased. The anti-inflammatory effects of probiotics were associated with a significant increase in the percentage of CD4+ CD25+ Tregs (3.5% vs 8.6%, p < 0.05) and also with a decrease of CD14+ CD16+ pro-inflammatory monocytes (310 vs. 194/mm2, p < 0.05).ConclusionProbiotic supplementation reduced systemic inflammatory responses in HD patients and this effect was associated with an increase in Tregs and a decrease in pro-inflammatory monocytes. Hence, targeting intestinal dysbiosis might be a novel strategy for decreasing inflammation and cardiovascular risks in HD patients.Trial registrationThe study was retrospectively registered in Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) (KCT0005417) (09/09/2020).
A high-resolution, spatially explicit estimate of fossil-fuel CO2 emissions from the Tokyo Metropolis, Japan
Authors: Cong Richao , Saito Makoto , Fukui Tetsuo , Hirata Ryuichi , Ito Akihiko 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The quantification of urban greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is an important task in combating climate change. Emission inventories that include spatially explicit emission estimates facilitate the accurate tracking of emission changes, identification of emission sources, and formulation of policies for climate-change mitigation. Many currently available gridded emission estimates are based on the disaggregation of country- or state-wide emission estimates, which may be useful in describing city-wide emissions but are of limited value in tracking changes at subnational levels. Urban GHG emissions should therefore be quantified with a true bottom-up approach. Results: Multi-resolution, spatially explicit estimates of fossil-fuel carbon dioxide (FFCO2) emissions from the Tokyo Metropolis, Japan, were derived. Spatially explicit emission data were collected for point (e.g., power plants and waste incinerators), line (mostly traffic), and area (e.g., residential and commercial areas) sources. Emissions were mapped on the basis of emission rates calculated for source locations. Activity, emissions, and spatial data were integrated, and the results were visualized using a geographic information system approach.Conclusions: The annual total FFCO2 emissions from the Tokyo Metropolis in 2014 were 43,916 Gg CO2, with the road-transportation sector (16,323 Gg CO2) accounting for 37.2% of the total. Spatial emission patterns were verified via a comparison with the East Asian Air Pollutant Emission Grid Database for Japan (EAGrid-Japan) and the Open‐source Data Inventory for Anthropogenic CO2 (ODIAC), which demonstrated the applicability of this methodology to other prefectures and therefore the entire country.
Continuous monitoring of plant sodium transport dynamics using clinical PET
Authors: Ruwanpathirana Gihan P. , Plett Darren , Williams Robert C. , Davey Catherine E. , Johnston Leigh A. , Kronzucker Herbert J. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background The absorption, translocation, accumulation and excretion of substances are fundamental processes in all organisms including plants, and have been successfully studied using radiotracers labelled with 11C, 13N, 14C and 22Na since 1939. Sodium is one of the most damaging ions to the growth and productivity of crops. Due to the significance of understanding sodium transport in plants, a significant number of studies have been carried out to examine sodium influx, compartmentation, and efflux using 22Na- or 24Na-labeled salts. Notably, however, most of these studies employed destructive methods, which has limited our understanding of sodium flux and distribution characteristics in real time, in live plants.Positron emission tomography (PET) has been used successfully in medical research and diagnosis for decades. Due to its ability to visualise and assess physiological and metabolic function, PET imaging has also begun to be employed in plant research. Here, we report the use of a clinical PET scanner with a 22Na tracer to examine 22Na-influx dynamics in barley plants (Hordeum vulgare L. spp. vulgare – cultivar Bass) under variable nutrient levels, alterations in the day/night light cycle, and the presence of sodium channel inhibitors.Results 3D dynamic PET images of whole plants show readily visible 22Na translocation from roots to shoots in each examined plant, with rates influenced by both nutrient status and channel inhibition. PET images show that plants cultivated in low-nutrient media transport more 22Na than plants cultivated in high-nutrient media, and that 22Na uptake is suppressed in the presence of a cation-channel inhibitor. A distinct diurnal pattern of 22Na influx was discernible in curves displaying rates of change of relative radioactivity. Plants were found to absorb more 22Na during the light period, and anticipate the change in the light/dark cycle by adjusting the sodium influx rate downward in the dark period, an effect not previously described experimentally.Conclusions We demonstrate the utility of clinical PET/CT scanners for real-time monitoring of the temporal dynamics of sodium transport in plants. The effects of nutrient deprivation and of ion channel inhibition on sodium influx into barley plants are shown in two proof-of-concept experiments, along with the first-ever 3D-imaging of the light and dark sodium uptake cycles in plants. This method carries significant potential for plant biology research and, in particular, in the context of genetic and treatment effects on sodium acquisition and toxicity in plants.
Analysis of Bioavailable Toluene by Using Recombinant Luminescent Bacterial Biosensors with Different Promoters
Authors: Wang Guey-Horng , Tsai Teh-Hua , Kui Chun-Chi , Cheng Chiu-Yu , Huang Tzu-Ling , Chung Ying-Chien 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In this study, we constructed recombinant luminescent Escherichia coli with T7, T3, and SP6 promoters inserted between tol and lux genes as toluene biosensors and evaluated their sensitivity, selectivity, and specificity for measuring bioavailable toluene in groundwater and river water. The luminescence intensity of each biosensor depended on temperature, incubation time, ionic strength, and concentrations of toluene and coexisting organic compounds. Toluene induced the highest luminescence intensity in recombinant lux-expressing E. coli with the T7 promoter [T7-lux-E. coli, limit of detection (LOD) = 0.05 μM], followed by that in E. coli with the T3 promoter (T3-lux-E. coli, LOD = 0.2 μM) and SP6 promoter (SP6-lux-E. coli, LOD = 0.5 μM). Luminescence may have been synergistically or antagonistically affected by coexisting organic compounds other than toluene; nevertheless, low concentrations of benzoate and toluene analogs had no such effect. In reproducibility experiments, the biosensors had low relative standard deviation (4.3%–5.8%). SP6-lux-E. coli demonstrated high adaptability to environmental interference. T7-lux-E. coli biosensor—with low LOD, wide measurement range (0.05–500 μM), and acceptable deviation (−14.3% to 9.1%)—is an efficient toluene biosensor. This is the first study evaluating recombinant lux E. coli with different promoters for their potential application in toluene measurement in actual water bodies.
Why do pregnant women prefer cesarean birth? A qualitative study in a tertiary care center in Southern Thailand
Authors: Suwanrath Chitkasaem , Chunuan Sopen , Matemanosak Phawat , Pinjaroen Sutham 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Increasing worldwide rates of cesarean section are of global concern. In recent years, cesarean births upon maternal request have become a hotly debated issue. Hence, this study aimed to explore maternal reasons for cesarean preference without medical indications.Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted, using in-depth interviews with 27 pregnant women who preferred cesarean birth, attending antenatal care in Songklanagarind Hospital from September 2018 to June 2019. Data were analyzed using content analysis.Results: Maternal reasons for cesarean preference were classified into six main categories: fear of childbirth, safety concerns related to health risk perceptions, negative previous birth experiences, positive attitudes toward cesarean birth, access to biased information and superstitious beliefs in auspicious birth dates. Most women had more than one reason for opting cesarean birth. Conclusion: Several reasons for cesarean birth preference have been elucidated. One striking reason was superstitious beliefs in auspicious birth dates, which are challengable for obstetricians to deal with. Obstetricians should explore the exact reasons why women request cesarean birth in order to prevent or diminish unnecessary cesarean births.
Patient perceptions of students in a longitudinal integrated clerkship in Taiwan: a qualitative study
Authors: Chang Yaw-Wen , Hirsh David A. , Fang Wen-Hui , Li Honghe , Tzeng Wen-Chii , Kao Senyeong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Longitudinal integrated clerkships (LICs) are a model of clinical education growing rapidly in Western contexts. LICs use educational continuity to benefits students’ clinical learning and professional identity formation. Patient-centered care is a core component of medical professionalism in the West. To support patient-centered care, education leaders in Taiwan restructured clinical education and implemented the first longitudinal integrated clerkship in East Asia. We aimed to investigate patients’ perceptions of longitudinal relationships with the LIC students within Taiwan’s Confucian cultural and social context.Methods: We invited patients or their family members who were cared for longitudinally by a LIC student to participate in the study. Participating patients or their family members undertook semi-structured interviews. We analyzed data qualitatively using a general inductive approach to identify themes in the patients’ descriptions of their experiences interacting with the LIC students. Results: Twenty-five patients and family members participated in interviews: 16 patients and 9 family members. Qualitative analysis of interview transcripts identified three themes from patients’ experience receiving care from their LIC students: care facilitation, companionship, and empathy. To provide care facilitation, LIC students served as a bridge between the physicians and patients. Students served patients by reminding, consulting, tracking disease progression, and researching solutions for problems. To provide companionship, students accompanied patients interpersonally like a friend or confidant who listens and provides a presence for patients. To provide empathy, patients reported that students showed sincere concern for patients’ experience, feelings, and mood.Conclusion: In our study, Taiwanese patients’ perspectives of LIC students suggested the value of care facilitation, companionship, and empathy. We discuss these themes within the context of Confucian culture and the Taiwanese context of care.
Prognostic factors in patients who underwent surgery for common peroneal nerve injury：a nest case-control study
Authors: Liu Zhenhui , Yushan Maimaiaili , Liu Yanshi , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background：Common peroneal nerve (CPN) injury is one of the most common nerve injuries in the lower extremities and the motor functional recovery of injured common peroneal nerve (CPN) was often unsatisfactory, the mechanism of which is still controversial. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the prognostic factors in patients who underwent surgery for CPN injury and provide a tool for clinicians to assess the patients’ prognosis. Methods：This is a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent neural exploration for injured CPN from 2009 to 2019. A total of 387 patients with postoperative follow-up more than 12 months were included in the final analysis. We used univariate logistics regression analyses to explore explanatory variables which were associated with recovery of neurological function. By applying multivariable logistic regression analysis, we determined variables incorporated into clinical prediction model, developed a nomogram by the selected variables, and then assessed discrimination of the model by the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results：The case group included 67 patients and the control group 320 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that area (urban vs rural, OR=3.35), occupation(“blue trouser” worker vs “white-trouser” worker, OR=4.39), diabetes (OR=11.68), cardiovascular disease (OR=51.35), knee joint dislocation (OR=14.91), proximal fibula fracture (OR=3.32), tibial plateau fracture (OR=9.21), vascular injury (OR=5.37) and hip arthroplasty (OR=75.96) injury increased the risk of poor motor functional recovery of injured CPN, while high preoperative muscle strength (OR=0.18) and postoperative knee joint immobilization (OR=0.11) decreased this risk of injured CPN. AUC of the nomogram was 0.904 and 95% CI was 0.863-0.946.Conclusions：Area, occupation, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, knee joint dislocation, proximal fibula fracture, tibial plateau fracture, vascular injury and hip arthroplasty injury are independent risk factors of motor functional recovery of injured CPN, while high preoperative muscle strength and postoperative knee joint immobilization are protective factor of motor functional recovery of injured CPN. The prediction nomogram can provide a tool for clinicians to assess the prognosis of injured CPN.
UGT1A1 Mutation Association with Increased Bilirubin Levels and Severity of Unconjugated Hyperbilirubinemia in ABO Incompatible Newborns of China
Authors: Yang Hui , Lin Fen , Chen Zikai , Zhang Lin , Xu JiaXin , Wu YongHao , Gu JingYing , Ma YuBin , Li JianDong , Yang Liye 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia causing jaundice is common in East Asian population. Uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase isoenzyme (UGT1A1) glucuronidates bilirubin and converts the toxic form of bilirubin to its nontoxic form.Method: A retrospective study was conducted to review clinical information of ABO hemolysis neonates (ABO HDN) admitted to the Department of Neonatology, referred for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, in a large general hospital of southern China from 2011 to 2017. Variation status of UGT1A1 was determined by direct sequencing or genotype assays.Result: Sixty-nine ABO HDNs were included into the final analysis. UGT1A1 c.211 G>A mutation (UGT1A1*6, p.Arg71Gly, rs4148323) was significantly associated with the increased bilirubin level in ABO HDNs, after adjusted by age, sex and feeding method (P=0.019 for TBIL, P=0.021 for IBIL). Moreover, heterozygous and/or homozygous UGT1A1 mutations in the coding sequence region were significantly associated with the increased risk of developing hazardous hyperbilirubinemia (as defined by TSB>427 umol/L) as compared those with a normal UGT1A1 genotype (ORadj=9.16, 95%CI 1.99- 42.08, P=0.002) in the study cohort.Conclusion: UGT1A1 variant in coding region is actively involved in the pathogenesis of ABO hemolysis related neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Genetic assessment of UGT1A1 may be useful for clinical diagnosis of neonatal unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia.