bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphatase Deficiency: A Pediatric Case Report
Authors: cao jiaying , xu lu , pan jiahua 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) deficiency is a rare disorder of glucose metabolism, mainly revealed by hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis. The disease is caused by a mutation of FBP1 gene, which is clustered in a 31-kb region on chromosome 9q22. Case presentation: We described a two-and-half-year-old boy diagnosed as FBPase deficiency. The result of gene analysis showed that the patient had a compound heterozygote for the G164S and P308R, respectively inherited from his father and mother. To some degree, mutations are associated with activity of enzyme, which is corresponding to the level of glucose and extent of brain damage. Patients are advised to reduce intake of fructose and sucrose and avoid long-term fasting in order to reduce the risk of metabolic decompensation. Conclusions: This report would like to provide profound insights of FBPase deficiency.
Gender difference in arsenic biotransformation is an important metabolic basis for arsenic toxicity
Authors: Muhetaer Maihaba , Yang Mei , Xia Rongxiang , Wu Jun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: There are gender differences in the biotransformation of arsenic. We investigated the effects of gender differences on arsenic metabolism and arsenic toxicity mechanisms in rat liver tissues. Methods: Rats were treated with different amounts of arsenic compounds. Arsenic form MMA and DMA in the liver was determined by high performance liquid chromatography-hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectroscopy. SAM, ARR, NAD, PNP, PK, and MPO in rat liver were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay. RT-qPCR was used to determine AS3MT in the liver. Results: Compared with male and female animals in the same group, MMA and DMA were statistically significant in the three groups of iAs3 + high, iAs3 + medium and iAs5+ low (P <0.05). The MMA of male rats in iAs3+ high and medium groups was higher than that of female rats, and the DMA of male rats was lower than that of female rats. As3MT mRNA in the male iAs3+ high group was higher than that of females. Besides, compared between male and female, only in iAS3+ low dose, iAS3+ medium dose, iAS5+ low dose, and iAS5+ medium dose groups, there was significant difference in SAM level (P<0.05). Compared with male and female animals in the same group, male rats had significantly higher PNP and ARR activities while lower PK activity than female rats (P<0.05). Between the male and female groups, only the iAS3+ high dose and medium dose group had a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). The NAD activity of females in iAS3+ high dose group was higher than that of males. Conclusion: Conclusively, under the same arsenic exposure, there were gender differences between female and male rats, and arsenic metabolism was more cytotoxic to male rats than to females.
Intraoperative cone beam CT in hybrid operating room set-up as an alternative to postoperative CT for pedicle screw breach detection
Authors: Peh Simon , Pfarr Julian , Schäfer Jost Philipp , Christensen Jan-Hendrik , Chatterjea Anindita , Nachabe Rami , Seekamp Andreas , Lippross Sebastian 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
CT is considered the gold standard for detecting pedicle breach. However, CBCT may be a viable and low radiation dose alternative, to provide intraoperative feedback to surgeons to permit in-room revisions of misplaced screws
Methods
To assess the ability and reliability of intraoperative cone-beam CT (CBCT) from a robotic C-arm in a hybrid operating room (OR) two hundred forty-one pedicle screws were inserted in cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine of 7 cadavers, followed by CBCT and CT imaging. The CT images served as the standard of reference. Agreement on screw placement between both imaging systems was assessed using Cohen’s Kappa coefficient (κ). Sensitivity, Specificity, Receiver operating characteristic (ROC), area under the empirical and fitted ROC curves (AUC) were computed to assess CBCT as a diagnostic tool compared to CT. The patient effective radiation dose (ED) was calculated for comparison. A systematic literature review was performed to provide perspective to the obtained results.
Results
Almost perfect agreement in assessing pedicle screw grading between CBCT and CT was observed (κ = 0.84). The sensitivity and specificity of CBCT were 0.84 and 0.98, respectively. The AUC derived from the empirical and fitted ROC curves were 0.95 and 0.96, respectively.
Conclusion
Intraoperative CBCT by C-arm in a hybrid OR is highly reliable in identification of screw placement at significant dose reduction.
Anti-PLA2R Antibodies Measured by ELISA&nbsp;Predict the Risk of Vein Thrombosis in Patients With Primary Membranous Nephropathy
Authors: Zhu Huizi , Xu Liang , Liu Xiang , Liu Bing , Yang Xiaowei , Wang Rong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundPrimary membranous nephropathy (PMN) is associated with the highest risk for developing venous thrombosis compared with other nephrotic diseases. The aim of the study was to assess the predictive value of the pathognomonic anti-PLA2R antibody with regard to incidence of venous thrombosis in PMN.Methods269 PMN patients with venous thrombosis examination were collected and analyzed. Anti-PLA2R antibodies were detected by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to detect the independent risk factors for venous thrombosis.Results28 patients (10.4%) had venous thrombosis. Patients with venous thrombosis had higher levels of CHOL, LDL, and D-dimer than those without venous thrombosis (P<0.05). Patients with venous thrombosis had significantly lower levels of ALB (23.26 ± 5.24 vs. 26.00 ± 6.69 g/L, P=0.037). No significant differences were found in urine proteinuria, SCR, eGFR, platelets and fibrinogen between patients with and without thrombosis. Anti-PLA2R antibody levels in patients with venous thrombosis were significantly higher than in patients without it (P=0.010). In the univariate logistic regression, Ln PLA2R (OR: 1.316; P=0.032), ALB (OR: 0.932; P=0.039), CHOL (OR: 1.189, P=0.015) , and LDL (OR: 1.288，P=0.009) were associated with venous thrombosis. PLA2R-Ab (OR=1.316; 95%CI: 1.024~1.691), and LDL (OR=1.229; 95%CI: 1.012~1.493) were the independent risk factors for venous thrombosis (P<0.05) in multivariate analysis.ConclusionAnti-PLA2R antibody was the independent risk factor for venous thrombosis in PMN. Larger prospective studies were warranted to verify the results in future.
Subthreshold Electrical Stimulation as A Low Power Electrical Treatment for Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Kim Kyungsoo , Yoo Seung-Jun , Kim So Yeun , Lee Taeju , Lim Sung-Ho , Jang Jae-Eun , Je Minkyu , Moon Cheil , Choi Ji-Woong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
As a promising future treatment for stroke rehabilitation, researchers have developed direct brain stimulation to manipulate the neural excitability. However, there has been less interest in energy consumption and unexpected side effect caused by electrical stimulation to bring functional recovery for stroke rehabilitation. In this study, we propose an engineering approach with subthreshold electrical stimulation (STES) to bring functional recovery. Here, we show a low level of electrical stimulation boosted causal excitation in connected neurons and strengthened the synaptic weight in a simulation study. We found that STES with motor training enhanced functional recovery after stroke in vivo. STES was shown to induce neural reconstruction, indicated by higher neurite expression in the stimulated regions and correlated changes in behavioral performance and neural spike firing pattern during the rehabilitation process. This will reduce the energy consumption of implantable devices and the side effects caused by stimulating unwanted brain regions.
Using Formative Research to Inform a BCC Strategy to Increase Food Security and Dietary Diversity Through a Kitchen Gardens Project in Low-Income Rural Communities
Authors: Turk Tahir , Safdar Nilofer , Hashmi Shahkamal , Shah Nadia , Zaheer Sidra 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Adequate nutrition is a public health priority, particularly in low-income rural communities where there is a high prevalence of malnutrition and stunting. Baluchistan is an arid desert and mountainous Province with the worst health indicators in Pakistan. The objective of this study was to identify current knowledge, attitudes and practices of vulnerable women with young children residing in remote areas of Balochistan and assess their information needs to guide the development of a BCC nutrition strategy materials and activities to support a Kitchen Gardens Project.
Methods

The needs assessment incorporated formative research via eight focus group discussions with demand and supply-side program beneficiaries (n = 124) to assess current nutrition knowledge, attitudes and beliefs toward kitchen gardens and proposed nutrition resources. Semi-structured interviews (n = 16) were also conducted with key stakeholders. A literature review supported the development of discussion agenda based on predominant behavioural theories. Data analysis was conducted with NVivo qualitative software coupled with grounded theory with triangulation of findings
Results

Opportunities categories for BCC identified more effective nutrition education, incentives of improved income and livelihoods from kitchen gardens, women’s empowerment and gender equality. Challenges included traditional cultural practices, entrenched food preparation behaviours, environmental and infrastructural constraints.
Conclusions

Lessons learned highlight the benefits of integrating a rapid assessment formative research method with a literature review including behavioural theories for BCC resource development for nutrition programs in culturally conservative, insecure and resource constrained settings.
Fractal Characteristic Analysis of Urban Land use Evolution with Remote Sensing Images in Shenzhen City
Authors: Cheng Luxiao , Li Jiabao , Feng Ruyi , Wang Lizhe , He Jijun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Changes in urban land use/land cover (LULC) are the result of national policy and the economic activities of the urban population.Determining the spatial pattern of land cover types in cities is of particular significance for sustainable regional development.To achieve a better understand the spatiotemporal patterns of land cover types, this study uses the fractal dimension of spatial distributions as an index of the complex evolution of urban land-use.A long-term sequences LULC datasets are collected to do analysis, which covers the period 1988-2015 by employing Landsat TM/ETM+/OLI.Last but not least, a granularity analysis is adopted to study the structural changes of each land cover.Over this period, the fractal dimension of grassland, waterbody, and bare land exhibited bi-fractal dimensionality, but grassland, and bare land showed a consistently increasing bi-fractal trend, while the waterbody bi-fractals trend is weakened. The development of urban land saw a process of a multi-scale differential development with a hierarchical spatial system, and information entropy indicates that the urban land-use structure was unevenly distributed. These findings offer a scientific references for regional planning decisions on the evolution of urban land use in Shenzhen.
Detection and Characterization of Small-Sized Microplastics (≥ 4 µm) in Milk Products
Authors: Filho Paulo A. Costa , Andrey Daniel , Ericksen Bjorn , Peixoto Rafael , Carreres Benoit M. , Ambühl Mark , Descarrega Josep Busom , Dubascoux Stephane , Zbinden Pascal , Panchaud Alexandre , Poitevin Eric 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have gained a high degree of public interest since they are associated with the global release of plastics into the environment. As a result, MPs have also been detected along the food chain. However, information on the ingestion of MPs via the consumption of many commonly consumed foods like dairy products are scarce due to the lack of studies investigating the “contamination” of this food group by MPs. This lack of occurrence data is mainly due to the absence of robust analytical methods capable of reliably quantifying MPs with size < 20 µm in foods. In this work, we have developed a new methodology to accurately determine and characterize MPs in milk-based products using μRaman technology, entailing combined enzymatic and chemical digestion steps. We demonstrate for the first time the presence of relatively low amounts of small-sized MP (≥ 4 µm) in raw milk collected at farm just after the milking machine and in some processed commercial liquid and powdered cow’s milk products.
Dynamic optimization of COVID-19 vaccine prioritization in the context of limited supply
Authors: Yu Hongjie , Han Shasha , Cai Jun , Yang Juan , Zhang Juanjuan , Wu Qianhui , Zheng Wen , Shi Huilin , Ajelli Marco , Zhou Xiao-Hua 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Strategic prioritization of COVID-19 vaccines is urgently needed, especially in light of the limited supply that is expected to last for most, if not the entire, 2021. Dynamically adapting the allocation strategy to the evolving epidemiological situation could thus be critical during this initial phase of vaccine rollout. We developed a data-driven mechanistic model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to explore optimal vaccine prioritization strategies in China that aim at reducing COVID-19 burden measured through different metrics. We found that reactively adapting the vaccination program to the epidemiological situation (i.e., allocate vaccine to a target group before reaching full coverage of other groups with initial higher priority) can be highly beneficial as such strategies are capable to simultaneously achieve different objectives (e.g., minimizing the number of deaths and of infections). The highest priority categories are broadly consistent under different hypotheses about vaccine efficacy, differential vaccine efficacy in preventing infection vs. disease, vaccine hesitancy, and SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility. Our findings also suggest that boosting the daily capacities up to 2.5 million courses (0.17% rollout speed) or higher could greatly reduce COVID-19 burden should a new wave start to unfold in China with reproduction number equal to 1.5 or lower. Finally, we estimate that a high vaccine supply in the early phase of the vaccination campaign is key to achieve large gains of strategic prioritizations.
Modeling the Evolution of Resistance in Cotton Bollworm to Concurrently Planted Bt Cotton and Bt Maize in China
Authors: Wang Wenhui , Xu Feng , Huang Yunxin , Feng Hongqiang , Wan Peng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTransgenic maize expressing toxins derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) may be commercially planted in northern China where Bt cotton has been planted for more than two decades. While Bt maize brings additional benefits for insect control, it complicates the resistance management of cotton bollworm (CBW), Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), a common target of Bt cotton and Bt maize.ResultsWe developed population genetic models to assess the risk of resistance in CBW when Bt cotton and Bt maize are planted concurrently. Model simulations showed that when natural refuges are absent, the time to resistance (TTR) is less than 10 generations in the case of one-toxin Bt cotton and one-toxin Bt maize, but is more than 30 generations in the case of two-toxin Bt cotton and two-toxin Bt maize. The differences in the TTR between the two cases become greater as the proportion of natural refuge increases. Among the parameters we investigated, the fitness cost has a relatively smaller effect on the TTR, while the dominance of resistance and the proportion of natural refuge have a much greater effect.ConclusionsWe concluded that planting the first generation Bt cotton with Bt maize could significantly increase the risk of CBW resistance to Bt toxins as compared to planting a pyramid two-toxin Bt cotton. The strategies for reducing the risk of CBW resistance include replacing the one-toxin Bt cotton with a pyramid two-toxin Bt cotton, adopting a pyramid two-toxin Bt maize, and maintaining a sufficient proportion of natural refuges.
The Circular RNA hsa_circ_000780 as a Potential Molecular Diagnostic Target for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Song Jian , Yu Shuyong , Zhong Dunjing , Yang Weizhong , Jia Zhen , Yuan Guihong , Li Ping , Zhang Ronglin , Li Yini , Zhong Guobing , Chen Zhaowei 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The present study aimed to identify a specific circular RNA (circRNA) for early diagnosis of gastric cancer (GC).Methods: Totally 82 patients with GC, 30 with chronic nonatrophic gastritis and 30 with chronic atrophic gastritis were included in this study. Four of the 82 GC patients were selected for screening. Total RNA from malignant and adjacent tissue samples was extracted, and circRNAs in four patients were screened. According to the screening results, the eight most upregulated and downregulated circRNAs with a statistically significant association with GC were identified by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Then, the most regulated circRNA was selected for further sensitivity and specificity assessments. CircRNA expression was examined by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR in 78 GC and adjacent tissue samples, as well as in gastric fluid samples from 30 patients with chronic nonatrophic gastritis, 30 with chronic atrophic gastritis, 21 with early GC, and 57 with advanced GC.Results: A total of 445 circRNAs, including 69 upregulated and 376 downregulated circRNAs, showed significantly altered expression in GC tissue samples. Hsa_circ_000780 was significantly downregulated in 80.77% of GC tissue samples, with levels in GC tissue samples correlating with tumor size, tumor stage, T stage, venous invasion, carcinoembryonic antigen amounts, and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels. Strikingly, this circRNA was found in the gastric fluid of patients with early and advanced GC.Conclusions: The present study uncovered a new circRNA expression profile in human GC, with hsa_circ_000780 significantly downregulated in GC tissue and gastric fluid specimens. These findings indicate that hsa_circ_000780 should be considered a novel biomarker for early GC screening.
Title: Risk Perception related to COVID-19 among Sub-Sahara Africans: A Web-based Comparative Survey of local and diaspora residents
Authors: Abu Emmanuel Kwasi , Oloruntoba Richard , Osuagwu Uchechukwu Levi , Bhattarai Dipesh , Miner Chundung Asabe , Goson Piwuna Christopher , Langsi Raymond , Nwaeze Obinna , Chikasirimobi Timothy G , Ovenseri-Ogbomo Godwin O , Ekpenyong Bernadine N , Charwe Deborah Donald , Mashige Khathutshelo Percy , Ishaya Tanko , Agho Kingsley Emwinyore 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Perceived risk towards the coronavirus pandemic is a key to improved compliance with public health measures to reduce the infection. This study investigated how Sub-Saharan Africans (SSA) living in their respective countries and those in the diaspora perceive their risk of COVID-19 outbreak and the factors associated.
Methods

A web-based cross-sectional survey on
1969 participants aged 18 years and above (55.1% male) was
conducted between April 27th and May 17th 2020.
The dependent variable was perception of risk for contracting COVID-19 scores. Independent variables included demographic characteristics; COVID-19 related knowledge and attitude scores. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses identified the factors associated with risk perception towards COVID-19.
Results
Among SSA respondents, majority were living in SSA (n = 1855, 92.8%) and 143 (7.2%) in the diaspora. There was no significant difference in the mean risk perception scores between the two groups (p = 0.117), however, those aged 18–28 years had lower risk perception scores (p = 0.003) than the older respondents, while those who were employed (p = 0.040) and had higher level of education (p < 0.001) had significantly higher risk perception scores than other respondents. After adjusting for covariates, multivariable analyses revealed that SSA residents aged 39–48 years (adjusted coefficient, β = 0.06, 95% CI [0.01, 1.19]) and health care sector workers (β = 0.61, 95% CI [0.09, 1.14]) reported a higher perceived risk of COVID-19. Knowledge and attitude scores increased as perceived risk for COVID-19 increases for both SSAs in Africa (β = 1.19, 95% CI [1.05, 1.34] for knowledge; β = 0.63, 95% CI [0.58, 0.69] for attitude) and in Diaspora (β = 1.97, 95% CI [1.16, 2.41] for knowledge; β = 0.30, 95% CI [0.02, 0.58] for attitude).
Conclusions
There is a need to promote preventive measures with focus on increasing people’s knowledge about COVID-19 and encouraging positive attitude towards the mitigation measures.
Such interventions should target older
participants and non-healthcare workers.
Exploring the interactions between vulnerability, resilience and adaptation to extreme temperatures
Authors: Nunes Ana Raquel 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Proposed ways of improving adaptation to climate change have most often been supported by narrowly framed and separate analysis. This article investigates how different levels of vulnerability and resilience interplay with adaptation to extreme temperatures, what is the nature of these relationships and whether lower vulnerability and higher resilience contribute to increased adaptation. This article explores the governance implications of a project that, unlike other brings together vulnerability, resilience and adaptation assessments. The project has made significant advances in addressing the current deficit integrated assessments for shaping governance propositions. Such propositions argue that the diverse levels of vulnerability and resilience convey important bases for (1) targeting at-risk older individuals; (2) developing vulnerability reduction actions; (3) resilience building actions; and (4) understanding ‘success cases’ and learn from them for developing appropriate policy measures. Taken together, these propositions offer a social, psychological and health framework not simply for governing extreme temperatures but for governing responses to climate change at large.
Enrichment of Rare Variants in E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Genes in Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Gu Xiaojing , Hou Yanbing , Chen Yongping , Ou Ruwei , Cao Bei , Wei Qianqian , Zhang Lingyu , Song Wei , Zhao Bi , Wu Ying , Li Chunyu , Shang Huifang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundDysfunction of the ubiquitination proteasome system (UPS) is important in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Patients with early onset PD (EOPD) are more susceptible to genetic factors. We systematically examined the overlaps between E3 ubiquitin ligase genes and EOPD. MethodsA total of 695 EOPD patients were sequenced with whole exome sequencing. Aggregate burden for rare variants (Minor allele frequency <0.001 and <0.0001) in a total of 44 E3 ubiquitin ligase genes causing disorders involved in the nervous system were analyzed.ResultsThere was significant enrichment of the rare and rare damaging variants in the E3 ubiquitin ligase genes in EOPD patients. Detailly, at the gene-based level, the strongest associations were found in HERC1, IRF2BPL, KMT2D, RAPSN, RLIM, RNF168 and RNF216. ConclusionOur findings highlight the importance of the UPS mechanism in the pathogenesis of PD from the genetic perspective. Moreover, our study also expanded the susceptible gene spectrum for PD.