bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Handgrip Strength With Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients in Taiwan: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chu Yu-Ting , Hsu Pai-Ching , Liu Chih-Han , Lee Wen-Chin , Wu Chien-Hsing , Chiou Terry Ting-Yu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background:Poor muscle quality has been associated with mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Handgrip strength (HGS) has gained considerable attention as a marker of nutritional status and muscle function. The aim of this study was to verify the association between HGS and mortality in patients undergoing maintenance HD in Taiwan.Methods: A total of 188 stable HD patients from January to December 2009 were enrolled in the study. We used a standard handgrip dynamometer to measure the HGS. HGS was measured on enrolment at the beginning of the study. Each measurement was repeated three times for each patient, and the average value was recorded for analysis.Results: During a mean follow-up period of 47 ± 11 months, 34 of the 188 patients died. The all-cause mortality rate was 18%. Higher HGS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.891, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.838–0.948; p < 0.001) and Kt/V (HR 0.086, 95% CI 0.018–0.421; p = 0.002) were independent factors associated with survival in HD patients. For female patients, an HGS < 17 kg had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 39% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 96% for predicting mortality. For male patients, an HGS < 26 kg had a PPV of 29% and an NPV of 84% for predicting mortality.Conclusion: HGS provides a good marker for survival in HD patients. Our results indicate that HGS can identify male and female patients undergoing maintenance HD with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, with different cut-off values for each sex.
Phosphorylation of BIK1 is critical for interaction of downstream signaling components
Authors: Choi Jae-Han , Oh Eun-Seok , Oh Man-Ho 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Botrytis-induced Kinase 1 (BIK1) is a receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase (RLCK) involved in the defense, growth, and development of higher plants. It interacts with various receptor-like kinases (RLKs) such as Brassinosteroid Insensitive 1 (BRI1), Flagellin Sensitive 2 (FLS2), and Perception of the Arabidopsis Danger Signal Peptide 1 (PEPR1), but little is known about signaling downstream of BIK1. Interestingly, Arabidopsis thaliana BIK1 (AtBIK1) displays strong autophosphorylation kinase activity on tyrosine and threonine residues, whereas Brassica rapa BIK1 (BrBIK1) does not exhibit autophosphorylation kinase activity in vitro. Herein, we demonstrated that four proteins (RGP2, PATL2, PP7, and SULTR4.1) interact with BrBIK1 but not AtBIK1 in a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) system. We subsequently employed bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) to confirm interactions between BIK1 and candidates in Nicotiana benthamiana, and found that only BrBIK1 bound the three proteins tested. We selected three phosphosites, T90, T362, and T368, based on amino acid sequence alignment between AtBIK1 and BrBIK1, and performed site-directed mutagenesis (SDM) on AtBIK1 and BrBIK. S90T, P362T, and A368T mutations in BrBIK1 restored autophosphorylation kinase activity on threonine residues comparable with AtBIK1. However, T90A, T362P, and T368A mutations in AtBIK1 did not alter autophosphorylation kinase activity on threonine residues compared with wild-type AtBIK1. Interestingly, BiFC results showed that BIK1 mutations restored kinase activity but not binding to RGP2, PATL2, or PP7 proteins. Our results suggest that phospho-BIK1 might be involved in plant innate immunity, while non-phospho BIK1 may regulate plant growth and development through interactions with RGP2, PATL2, and PP7.
METTL13 Inhibits Progression of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma with Repression on PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1α Pathway and c-Myc Expression
Authors: Liu Zhuonan , Sun Tianshui , Piao Chiyuan , Zhang Zhe , Kong Chuize 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common and aggressive type of renal malignancy. Methyltransferase like 13 (METTL13) functions as an oncogene in most of human cancers, but its function and mechanism in ccRCC remain unreported. Methods: qRT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect METTL13’s expressions in tissues. The effects of METTL13 on ccRCC cells’ growth and metastasis were determined by both functional experiments and animal experiments. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to annotate METTL13’s functions and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) was used to determine the interaction between two proteins. Results: METTL13 was lowly expressed in ccRCC tissues compared to normal kidney tissues and its low expression predicted poor prognosis for ccRCC patients. In vitro study indicated METTL13’s inhibition on ccRCC cells’ proliferation, viability, migratory ability and invasiveness as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Bioinformatic analyses showed various biological functions and pathways METTL13 was involved in. In ccRCC cells, we observed that METTL13 could negatively regulate PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1α pathway and that it combined to c-Myc and inhibited c-Myc expression. In vivo experiment confirmed that METTL13 inhibited ccRCC cell growth and metastasis. Conclusions: In general, our finding suggests that associated with favorable prognosis of ccRCC patients, METTL13 can inhibit growth and metastasis of ccRCC cells with multiple potential molecular mechanisms. Therefore, it’s likely for METTL13 to serve as a new diagnostic and therapeutic target for ccRCC in the future.
The Protective Mechanism of SIRT1 on Cartilage Through Regulation of LEF-1
Authors: Hu Xueyu , Feng Gangning , Meng Zhiqiang , Ma Long , Jin Qunhua 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Osteoarthritis as a chronic degenerative disease suppresses middle-aged and elderly people all over the world. In this study, we found the expression changes of lymphocyte enhancer factor 1 (LEF-1) from human specimens, and then found the regulatory relationship between silent information regulator 1（SIRT-1） and LEF-1 during osteoarthritis development and its effect on cartilage protection. Material/Methods: First, changes in the expression of LEF-1 protein were found in fresh specimens of the tibial plateau of patients with osteoarthritis, and then the hypothesis was verified mice model. Mice were randomly divided into three groups, including the normal group, model building, and drug spraying group. Each group is divided into two periods: 2 weeks after modeling and 8 weeks after modeling. Histological staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and qPCR experiments were used to detect the expression of SIRT-1, β-catenin, LEF-1, matrix metalloproteinase 13(MMP-13) and Collagen II.Result: LEF-1 increased with the severity of osteoarthritis in human specimens. We observed in animals: when osteoarthritis symptoms worsened, the expression of SIRT-1 and Collagen II gradually decreased, the expression of β-catenin, LEF-1, and MMP-13 and cartilage destruction gradually increased. Conclusion: Sirt-1 plays a protective role in cartilage by reducing the expression of β - Catenin, LEF-1 and MMP-13, and increasing the expression of collagen II.
A Rare Subtype of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: Report of 159 Resected Stage I-IIIA Pulmonary Lymphoepithelioma-like Carcinoma Cases
Authors: Jiang Rong-Rong , Dou Xiao-Meng , Feng Xiao-Li , Zhu Wen-Ting , Guo Man-Xia , Tan Xue-Li , Jiang Xiao-Juan , Cai Jing-Sheng , Liu Li 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background The current study analyzed resected stage I-IIIA pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) cases to define the clinical characteristics, prognosis and long-term outcomes of LELC, with the purpose of guiding clinical management for this rare tumor.Methods Resected stage I-IIIA LELC, adenocarcinoma (ADC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) cases from our center were enrolled. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to minimize the selection bias. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared between groups. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify the prognostic factors, and a nomogram was developed.Results A total of 159 LELCs, 2,757 ADCs, 1,331 SCCs and 155 ASCs were included. LELC, dominated among younger patients and nonsmokers, always presented without typical imaging manifestations of lung cancer. LELC was a poorly differentiated disease that lacked driver gene mutations and was positive for immunohistochemistry indicators of squamous cell lineage. Survival analyses revealed that OS was significantly better for LELC than for other common non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) both before PSM (all P < 0.001) and after PSM (all P < 0.05). Further analyses revealed that early pathological node stage and preoperative albumin level ≥35 were identified as independent prognostic factors favoring OS and DFS.Conclusions LELC, dominated among younger and nonsmoking populations, showed a lower extent of malignancy regarding CT characteristics. It lacked driver gene mutations and was positive for immunohistochemistry indicators of squamous cell lineage. The survival outcome of PSC was better than other common NSCLCs.
Resumption of Sexual Intercourse Among Postnatal Women Enrolled on Lifelong Antiretroviral Therapy in Uganda.
Authors: Naigino Rose , Makumbi Fredrick , Mukose Aggrey , Buregyeya Esther , Arinaitwe Jim , Musinguzi Joshua , Kiene Susan M. , Wanyenze Rhoda K. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe postnatal period is critical to the delivery of interventions aimed at improving maternal health outcomes. This study established the timing of sexual intercourse resumption after childbirth and associated factors among women living with HIV in Uganda.MethodsData were drawn from a larger prospective cohort of 507 HIV+ women who were recruited during pregnancy and followed-up for 18 months between August 2013 and May 2015. Analyses for this study were restricted to 385 women who had complete data on pregnancy outcomes. These women were followed-up for six months after childbirth and interviewed at 5 different time intervals (denoted as days since delivery) starting with 1-45 (acute), 46-90 (sub-acute) and 91-120, 121-150, 151-183 (delayed postpartum). At the initial visit, data were collected on women’s socio-demographic characteristics and the outcome of their latest pregnancy. At subsequent visits, women were asked about currently having a sexual partner, desire for another child, contraceptive use and resumption of sexual intercourse. The primary outcome was the time to resumption of sexual intercourse within six months after childbirth. Survival analysis was used to estimate the time to sexual intercourse resumption based upon the visit at which sexual intercourse was first reported. Factors associated with time to sexual intercourse resumption were established using Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. We obtained adjusted hazard ratios with their 95% confidence intervals. All data analyses were performed using STATA version 14.0. ResultsThe cumulative probability of sexual intercourse resumption increased up to 88.2% by the sixth month postpartum. The instantenous probability of sexual intercourse resumption was highest in the delayed postpartum period [68.6% (50.6, 89.3)]. The risk of sexual intercourse resumption was lower when a woman reported having a live-term baby [adj.HR=0.52 (0.31, 0.85)] and an advanced education [adj.HR=0.63 (0.40, 0.98)]. However, currently having a sexual partner [adj.HR=5.97 (3.10, 11.47)]; desire for another child [adj.HR=1.36 (1.08, 1.73)] and contraceptive use [adj.HR=2.21 (1.65, 2.95)] were associated with an increased risk of sexual intercourse resumption.ConclusionThe majority of women reported resuming sexual intercourse by the sixth month postpartum. Interventions aimed at improving contraceptive uptake should target the delayed postpartum period.
Effects of Endurance and Resistance Training and Garlic Supplementation on Cardiac Function, Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Apoptosis Indices in Rats With Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Rostami Alireza , Tadibi Vahid , Behpoor Naser , Ahmadiasl Naser 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 8 weeks endurance and resistance training with and without garlic extract supplementation and garlic extract supplementation alone on cardiac function, cardiovascular risk factors and apoptosis indices in rats with metabolic syndrome. Methods: A total of 48 rats with metabolic syndrome (aged 12-wk, weight range of 331.9±13.7g) were randomly divided into 6 groups of 8 each: endurance training (ET), resistance training (RT) garlic extract supplementation (GE), endurance training with garlic extract supplementation (ET+GE), resistance training with garlic extract supplementation (RT+GE) and metabolic syndrome-control (MetS-Con). Endurance and resistance training were performed 3 times per week and consisted of running on the treadmill or a rat climbing ladder with weights fastened to the tail. The supplementation consisted of 500 mg.kg-1 .day-1 of garlic extract. Results: Results showed that BCL2-associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) and Bax/Bcl2 ratio and insulin resistance (IR) were significantly lower in all intervention groups compared to the MetS-Con group. And except the RT+GE group, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and glucose were also significantly lower in all groups compared to the MetSCon group. Moreover, homocysteine (Hcy) were significantly lower in ET, ET+GE, RT+GE groups.Conclusion: In conclusion, endurance and resistance training with or without garlic extract supplementation and the supplementation alone could improve cardiac hemodynamic, inflammation and apoptosis indices in rats with metabolic syndrome. In this regard, it would appear that the combination of garlic supplementation with endurance exercise is more helpful than the resistance exercise. Name of the registry: IR.KERMANSHAH.REC.1395.108registration number: 16524
The Mechanism of Mitochondrial Fatty Acid Oxidation’s Involvement in Osteoporosis in Aggravating Cartilage Degeneration of Rabbit Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Jia Ying , Deng Ziting , Wen Li , Zeng Li , Chen Yanhua 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objective: To observe whether the oxidative metabolism of mitochondrial fatty acids is involved in osteoporosis by detecting the changes in the contents of interleukin 1β, osteoprotegerin (OPG) and osteoprotegerin ligand（OPGL) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase I B （CPT1B）in rabbit OA cartilage Regulation of experimental rabbit knee OA. Methods: 30 female New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups with 10 in each group: Normal group ,OP+OA group and OA group. After successful modeling, the knee articular cartilage of each group were taken; The BMC and BMD of each group were measured; Observe the results of HE staining of cartilage; immunohistochemical method Detection of IL-1β; The Q-PCR method and Western blot method were used to detect IL-1β, OPG, OPGL and CPT1B mRNA and protein expression in cartilage.Results: Compared with the normal group, the expression of IL-1β, OPGL and CPT1B in the OP+OA group and the OA group was significantly increased (P<0.01), while the expression of OPG decreased (P<0.01); Compared with OP+OA group ,The expression of OPG and the ratio of OPG/OPGL was significantly higher in the OA group (P<0.01). Compared with OA group, The expression of IL-1β, OPGL and CPT1B in the OP+OA group was significantly higher (P<0.01); Conclusion: Mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation metabolism can be involved in the effect of osteoporosis on osteoarthritis by up-regulating the expression of CPT1b, which can mediate changes in the OPG/OPGL ratio, increase the expression of IL-1β, and aggravate the Degeneration of OA cartilage and subchondral bone.
Infectious in Vitro Transcripts From cDNA Clone of a Japanese Gentian Isolate of Sikte Waterborne Virus, Which Shows Host-specific Low-temperature-preferred Multiplication
Authors: Fujisaki Koki , Tateda Chika , Abe Yoshiko , Dominguez John Jewish A. , Iwai Mari , Obara Kazue , Nakamura Taiki , Iwadate Yasuya , Kaido Masanori , Mise Kazuyuki 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Tombusviruses have been identified in several crops, which include gentian virus A (GeVA), in Japanese gentians. In this study, we isolated another tombusvirus, Sikte waterborne virus strain C1 (SWBV-C1) from Japanese gentian. Although SWBV-C1 and GeVA are not closely related among tombusviruses, SWBV-C1, like GeVA, showed host-specific low-temperature-preferred multiplication in gentians and Arabidopsis. The use of in vitro transcripts from full-length cDNA clones of SWBV-C1 genomic RNA as inocula confirmed these properties, which indicates that the identified genomic RNA sequences encode viral factors underlying characteristic SWBV-C1 features.
Non-Destructive Technologies for a Sustainable Assessment and Monitoring of Railway Infrastructures: A Focus on GPR and InSAR Methods
Authors: Ferrante Chiara , Ciampoli Luca Bianchini , Benedetto Andrea , Alani Amir M. , Tosti Fabio 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Health monitoring of ballast in railway infrastructures is crucial to assure structural stability and efficiency of the operations. To this extent, an efficient and sustainable management of maintenance is fundamental for asset managers in setting up strategic and effective action plans.
Amongst the available methods to assess the conditions of railway infrastructures, non-destructive technologies (NDT) are gaining popularity due to their capability to overcome main drawbacks of traditional routine methods, such as digging trenches and visually inspect locations assumed as critical along the track.
The present paper presents an overview of the use of the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and the Interferometric Synthetic Aperture (InSAR) technologies for a sustainable monitoring of railway infrastructures. Specifically, main traditional and non-destructive methods used for maintenance of railway ballast materials are presented with a special focus on their sustainability. A review about the research methods on the use of GPR and InSAR technologies for railway infrastructures also reported, including main investigations carried out in the laboratory and the real-life environments. Furthermore, a conceptual framework based on an integrated approach including satellite-based and ground-based investigations is proposed, where network and local level information can be merged for the detection of critical sections and the implementation of a more advanced predictive maintenance system.
Using a Stochastic Continuous-Time Markov Chain Model to Examine Alternative Timing and Duration of the COVID-19 Lockdown in Kuwait: What Can be Done Now?
Authors: Al-Zoughool Mustafa , Oraby Tamer , Vainio Harri , Gasana Janvier , Longnecker Joseph , Ali Walid Al , AlSeaidan Mohammad , Elsaadany Susie , Tyshenko Michael G. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Kuwait had its first COVID-19 in late February, and until October 6, 2020 it recorded 108,268 cases and 632 deaths. Despite implementing one of the strictest control measures-including a three-week complete lockdown, there was no sign of a declining epidemic curve. The objective of the current analyses is to determine, hypothetically, the optimal timing and duration of a full lockdown in Kuwait that would result in controlling new infections and lead to a substantial reduction in case hospitalizations. Methods: The analysis was conducted using a stochastic Continuous-Time Markov Chain (CTMC), eight state model that depicts the disease transmission and spread of SARS-CoV 2. Transmission of infection occurs between individuals through social contacts at home, in schools, at work, and during other communal activities. Results: The model shows that a lockdown 10 days before the epidemic peak for 90 days is optimal but a more realistic duration of 45 days can achieve about a 45% reduction in both new infections and case hospitalizations.Conclusions: In the view of the forthcoming waves of the COVID19 pandemic anticipated in Kuwait using a correctly-timed and sufficiently long lockdown represents a workable management strategy that encompasses the most stringent form of social distancing with the ability to significantly reduce transmissions and hospitalizations.
Defect Persuade Paramagnetic Properties of Nickel Doped ZnS Nanocrystals and Identification of Structural, Optical, Local Atomic Structure
Authors: Ghorai Soumendra , Bhattacharyya Dibyendu , Patra Nirmalendu , Jha Shambhu Nath , Ghosh Anup K 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We have methodically investigated the structural, spectroscopic, local atomic structure and magnetic properties of aquatic Zn1-xNixS (0≤x≤0.04) nanocrystals. The structural study of synthesized samples are observed by X-ray diffraction datas with Rietveld refinement. Proficient decrease of lattice parameters and inter-planar spacing are determined on Zn1-xNixS nanocrystals. The nanocrystalline microstructure is identified by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The sphalerite morphology of doped samples are observed by scanning electron microscopy. Shrinkage of energy band gap is observed for doped nanocrystals. Defect formation due to doping of Ni ion is observed by photoluminescence spectroscopy with cyan color emission. X-ray absorption spectroscopy is employed for identification of local structures surrounding of Zn and Ni sites of Zn1-xNixS nanocrystals. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure investigation evidenced the existence of nanocluster within the lattice of Zn1-xNixS nanocrystals. X-ray absorption near edge structure studies confirmed incorporation of Ni2+ in ZnS lattice of Zn1-xNixS nanocrystals. The single pre-edge feature at Ni K-edge is not relying on concentration of Ni dopant in Zn1-xNixS nanocrystals. The presence of interstitial Ni is identified by significant fraction of Ni-Ni scattering paths on doped samples. Zn1-xNixS nanocrystals exhibit defect persuaded paramagnetism at room temperature.
Perceived Human-Induced Causes of Landslide in Chattogram Metropolitan Area in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Zia , Hussain A H M Belayeth , Ahmed Mufti Nadimul Quamar , Alam Rafiul , Rezoan Hafiz-Al , Dola Dolan Das , Mahmud Sakib 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This study investigates Land Use Land Cover changes in the Chattogram metropolitan area, the second largest city in Bangladesh. Using a questionnaire survey of 150 local inhabitants, the study explores perceived human-induced causes of landslides. Using time series Landsat images this study also analyzes Land Use Land Cover changes from 1990 to 2020. The analysis reveals built-up area extended rapidly during 1990 to 2020. In 1990, total built up area was 82.13km², which in 30 years, stood at 451.34km². Conversely, total vegetative area decreased rapidly. In 1990, total vegetation area was 364.31km², which reduced to 130.44 km² in 2020. The survey respondents identified extensive rainfall, hill cutting, steep hill, and weak soil texture as several reasons for landslide. Findings show that age and experience of facing landslide are two significant predictors to explain whether excessive hill cutting is solely responsible for landslide. Level of education and experience of facing landslide are statistically significant in explaining building infrastructure as solitary cause to landslide. Gender, age and income of the respondents significantly explain deforestation as the only responsible for landslide. Finally, gender, level of education, and income of the respondents significantly explain only excessive sand collection causes landslide.