bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Diabetes Occur Long Before Diabetic Complications
Authors: Jung Hwanseok , Rhee Eun-Jung , Lee Mi Yeon , Park Jung Ho , Park Dong Il , Jeon Woo Kyu , Sohn Chong Il 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations are common in patients with diabetes complications such as autonomic neuropathy. However, the prevalence of GI symptoms before the development of diabetes complications remains unclear.Method: We performed an interview survey of functional gastrointestinal disorders in diabetes patients who visited the endocrinology clinic of a general hospital using the ROME III criteria. The investigation consisted of various questions on functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, and functional constipation including functional defecation disorder.Results: A total of 509 patients were included in this analysis. The patients were analyzed in three groups, prediabetes patients (n = 115), diabetes patients without neuropathy (n = 275), and diabetes patients with neuropathy (n = 119). The prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in prediabetes patients, diabetes patients without neuropathy, and diabetes patients with neuropathy was estimated at 16.52%, 27.27%, and 23.53% for functional dyspepsia; 8.7%, 11.68%, and 16.81% for irritable bowel syndrome; and 8.85%, 11.85%, and 15.25% for functional constipation. In the subgroup analysis, postprandial distress syndrome symptoms such as postprandial fullness and early satiation were more prevalent than epigastric pain symptoms. In the constipation group, pelvic outlet obstruction symptoms such as the sensation of anorectal obstruction or blockage and manual maneuvers to facilitate defecation were more frequently observed than slow transit constipation symptomsConclusions: The prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders increased with diabetes severity. Diabetes-related GI symptoms appeared long before the diabetes complications
Antiproliferative Effects of AAV-Delivered CRISPR/Cas9-Based Degradation of the HPV18-E6 Gene in HeLa Cells
Authors: Noroozi Zahra , Shamsara Mehdi , Valipour Elahe , Esfandyari Sahar , Ehghaghi Alireza , Azizi Zahra , Motevaseli Elahe , Modarressi Mohammad Hossein 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Human papillomavirus infections are associated with most cervical cancers, which are the fourth most common cancer in women. HPV-E6 protein binds to protein p53 and inhibits its function, leading to the switching of normal cells toward cancer cells. Here, we disrupted the HPV-E6 gene and investigated its effects on the proliferation and apoptosis of HeLa cells. The HPV18-E6 gene was targeted with two designed sgRNAs cloned into an AAV-CRISPR-based plasmid. The AAV-E6-CRISPR/Cas9 virions were prepared and titrated in HEK293t cells. The cleavage created in the HPV-E6 gene was detected using the T7E1 assay. Cell cycle profiling, MTT assay, and annexin V/PI staining were performed. Also, the p53 protein level was measured by Western blotting. Our data showed that disruption of the HPV-E6 gene led to increased cell apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation. A significant accumulation of infected cells in sub-G1 phase was observed in the cell profiling assay. Also, HPV-E6 gene disruption resulted in a significant increase in the level of P53 protein. Our findings indicated that AAV-mediated delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 can effectively target the HPV-E6 gene in HeLa cells, and its antiproliferative effects may provide therapeutic benefits of local administration of this gene-editing system for HPV-related cervical cancers.
Clusterin in Alzheimer’s Disease: An Amyloidogenic Inhibitor of Amyloid Formation
Authors: Spatharas Panagiotis M. , Nasi Georgia I. , Tsiolaki Paraskevi L. , Theodoropoulou Marilena K. , Papandreou Nikos C. , Hoenger Andreas , Trougakos Ioannis P. , Iconomidou Vassiliki A. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Clusterin is a heterodimeric glycoprotein (α- and β-chain), which has been described as an extracellular molecular chaperone. In humans, clusterin is an amyloid associated protein, co-localizing with fibrillar deposits in Alzheimer’s disease. To clarify its implication in the disease, we provide evidence that clusterin has intrinsic amyloidogenic properties, which are intertwined with its inhibitory effect on amyloid-β fibril formation.Methods: Aggregation-prone regions of human clusterin were predicted by AMYLPRED. Synthetic peptide-analogues of each region underwent in vitro aggregation assays, namely, examination with transmission electron microscopy, X-Ray diffraction from oriented fibers, ATR FT-IR spectroscopy, and Congo Red birefringence assays. The same peptide-analogues were co-incubated with amyloid-β and their potential as inhibitors was tested with thioflavin T fluorescence emission measurements and transmission electron microscopy. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to gain insight into the interaction between amyloid-β and the peptide-analogues.Results: Clusterin peptide-analogues form amyloid-like fibrils, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy. They can form fibers that give cross-β X-ray diffraction patterns and ATR FT-IR spectroscopy confirms the dominance of β-strand secondary structure. They also exhibit apple-green birefringence, when stained with Congo Red and examined between crossed polars of a polarizing light microscope. Furthermore, when amyloid-β is co-incubated with clusterin’s peptide analogues, it shows decreased thioflavin T fluorescence emission over time, while the formation of amyloid-β amyloid fibrils is diminished, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The inhibitory effect of clusterin-peptide analogues on amyloid-β fibril formation was ascertained though molecular dynamics simulations. Conclusions: Clusterin has multiple aggregation-prone regions in its α-chain and these regions have a functional role in the inhibition of amyloid-β fibril formation.
Use of Sickness Benefits by Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer – A Swedish Cohort Study
Authors: Altena Renske , Gernaat Sofie A.M. , Wilking Ulla , Kiani Narsis A. , Johnsson Aina , Hedayati Elham 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Advances in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (mBC) have led to improved life expectancy. Many cancer survivors desire to return to paid work to enhance their sense of well-being. For patients with mBC, little is known about how the diagnosis impacts ability to work or the factors that increase the need for sickness benefits.
Patients and methods
Data were collected from two Swedish national registers, for females ages 18 to 63 years in the Stockholm-Gotland healthcare region with a new diagnosis of mBC from 1997 through 2011. Type of first-line palliative treatment was identified in medical records of a subset of the study population. Use of sickness absence (SA) and disability pension (DP) by these patients during the year before and one and two years after mBC diagnosis was determined from a third register. Regression analysis was performed to ascertain which covariate factors were associated with long-term (> 30 days) SA.
Results
A total of 1,240 patients were evaluated the year before and the first year after mBC diagnosis; only 805 patients were still alive and evaluated the second year after diagnosis. The proportions of patients having SA and DP were 56.0% and 24.8% the year before, 69.9% and 28.9% the first year after, and 64.0% and 34.7% the second year after diagnosis, respectively. Adjusted odds of having long-term SA were significantly higher at 1 and 2 years after diagnosis for patients with age < 45 years (AOR = 3.43 and AOR = 1.70, respectively), early calendar year of diagnosis (AOR = 1.72 and AOR = 1.79, respectively), metachronous mBC (AOR = 4.85 and AOR = 4.52, respectively), and SA ≥ 90 days the year before diagnosis (AOR = 3.44 and AOR = 1.98, respectively). Odds were also significantly higher the second after diagnosis for patients treated with chemotherapy (AOR = 1.81) or radiotherapy (AOR = 2.23), compared to those treated with hormonal therapy,
Conclusions
Rates of SA and DP increase after a diagnosis of mBC. Women who are younger, develop metachronous mBC, use SA heavily before mBC, and receive chemotherapy or radiotherapy have a greater need for sickness benefits after an mBC diagnosis.
Isolation and Identification of Lactobacillus plantarum C010 and Growth Kinetics of its Batch Fermentation
Authors: Dai Jinyue , fang Limin , Zhang Manmin , Deng Huaili , Cheng Xin , Yao Mingyin , Huang Lin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Chilled pork is pursuit by people due to its delicious and delicate taste, but it is still susceptible to microbial contamination even under refrigerated conditions. Consequently, to explore microbial preservatives for chilled pork, in this study, the specific spoilage organism Pseudomonas koreensis PS1 from spoiled chilled pork as the indicator was used to isolate the bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria from the soils and fresh cow dungs. Among six bacteriocin-producing bacteria from 182 isolates, the strain C010 with higher-yielding, broad-spectrum, subculture stability and protease (pepsin, trypsin and proteinase K) sensitive was selected and identified as Lactobacillus plantarum based on morphological, biochemical and 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis. Simultaneously, the crude bacteriocin of L. plantarum C010 was stable under high temperature and ultraviolet conditions. The kinetics of bacterial growth and bacteriocin production of L. plantarum C010 were analyzed in batch fermentation. Bacteriocin was produced throughout the logarithmic growth phase and the Leudeking-piret model could characterize the synthesis of bacteriocin well. This present study indicates that bacteriocin-producing L. plantarum C010 has promising potentials to control the specific spoilage organism and can be used as the bio-preservative in food.
CBCT Evaluation in a Growing Patient With Mandibular Asymmetry Treated With Rapid Palatal Expander and Frankel-III. Case Report.
Authors: Macrì Monica , Rendina Fabiola , Perrella Giada , Festa Felice 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThis study aims to evaluate the development and the compensation mechanisms of the mandibular asymmetry in a growing patient, using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). In this case, the menton was deviated on the right, an extremely rare condition, which may be the consequence of a disorder in the mandibular growth. Case presentationThe patient was treated with Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) and Fränkel Functional Regulator III (FR-3). The initial CBCT was acquired at the beginning of therapy, when patient was 8 years old (y.o), the final CBCT was acquired at the end of the treatment, when patient was 12 y.o. Patient’s CBCT was performed with the head oriented according to the Natural Head Position (NHP); the NHP is a physiological and reproducible posture defined for morphological analysis.The 3D image of the cranium was oriented in the Dolphin software according to NHP posture; the cephalometric measurements were performed in frontal, laterolateral right and left, posteroanterior and submentovertex views in the aforementioned software. The therapy lasted 3.8 years and ended with a significant regression of the mandibular asymmetry from moderate grade (4.2 mm) to slight grade (1.3 mm). Conclusion The left hemi-mandible has grown more than right side, in accordance with the literature, which affirm that in case of deviation of the menton greater than 4 mm, the bone volume increases on the nondeviated side.
Hydrophilic Quaternary Trimethyl Chitosan Stabilized Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity.
Authors: Alli Yakubu Adekunle , Adewuyi Sheriff , Amolegbe Saliu Alao , Thomas Sabu 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) endangers the effective management of an increasing range of bacterial and fungal infections, alternative antimicrobial drugs are thus, expedient. In this study, Quaternary Trimethyl Chitosan (QTMC) was prepared by improved two step reductive methylation of Chitosan (CTS) employed as a capping agent for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (QTMC-AgNPs). The hydrophilic QTMC and QTMC-AgNPs were characterized using various analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ( 1 HNMR) was used to determine the degree of quaternization (DQ) and degree of dimethylation (DT) of QTMC as 63.33 and 11.75 % respectively. The Ultraviolet-Visible (Uv-Vis), Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDS) and X-ray Photoelectron (XPS) Spectroscopic results evidently indicated high degree of quaternization of CTS and configured QTMC-AgNPs. Thermogravimetric Analysis/Derivative Thermogravimetry (TGA/DTG) were used to study the decomposition process of QTMC and QTMC-AgNPs. The surface morphological difference of QTMC and QTMC-AgNPs was explored via Scanning Electron and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopies (SEM and HR-TEM) whereas particle size distribution was analyzed using Dynamic Light Scattering. Furthermore, HR-TEM indicated QTMC stabilized AgNPs with average nanoparticulate size of 10 nm while DLS revealed 12.5 nm. This well-tailored QTMC-AgNPs exhibited strong antibacterial and antifungal activities against the tested bacteria and fungi infections.
A Discrete Choice Experiment on Factors Influencing Attrition and Motivation of Frontline Health Workers in Remote and Rural Areas in Nigeria
Authors: Okoroafor Sunny C , Nwachukwu Chukwuemeka , Osubor Martin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background The current policy thrust in Nigeria is to ensure that there exists qualified, skilled, and adequate health workforce for the achievement of universal health coverage. To achieve this, evidence combination of strategies/interventions on factors influencing attraction, retention, and motivation of the health workforce is needed to ensure the equitable distribution of the health workforce across the country.Methods We conducted a discrete choice experiment study to determine the combinations of incentives that may increase the retention of frontline health workers in rural and remote areas in Nigeria. The study was undertaken across rural and urban locations in Bauchi State between August and October 2018 amongst 145 students and practicing health workers. Results Health workers are 14.6 and 14.4 times more likely to take up a rural posting or continue to stay in their present rural posts if there was basic housing and improvement of the quality of the facilities respectively. The preference for rural job location increased by 6.17 times if good schools for children's education were provided. The highest willingness-to-pay was for the provision of basic housing or housing allowance with a high utility of 0.609 followed by improved quality of facility with sufficient staff number and type, equipment, drugs, and medical supplies with a utility value of 0.607. Conclusion Improving the working conditions of health workers will support retention in rural health posts. Based on the findings, we recommend the introduction of housing incentives in rural and remote areas to support the retention of health workers. This should be accompanied by deliberate interventions to improve the quality of the health facilities ensuring adequate and functional equipment and uninterrupted supplies.
101 Filtering Face Mask Batches – A Comprehensive Study on Particle Passage
Authors: Hirschwald Lukas Tobias , Herrmann Stefan , Felder Daniel , Kalde Anna Maria , Stockmeier Felix , Wypysek Denis , Alders Michael , Tepper Maik , Rubner Jens , Brand Peter , Kraus Thomas , Wessling Matthias , Linkhorst John 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
During the first wave of Covid-19 infections in Germany in April 2020, clinics reported a shortage of filtering face masks with aerosol retention > 94% (FFP2 & 3, KN95, N95). Companies all over the world increased their production capacities, but the quality control of once-certified materials and masks came up short. To help identify falsely labeled masks and ensure safe protection equipment, we tested 101 different batches of masks in 993 measurements with a self-made setup based on DIN standards. An aerosol generator provided a NaCl test aerosol which was applied to the mask. A laser aerosol spectrometer measured the aerosol concentration in a range from 90 to 500 nm to quantify the masks' retention. Of 101 tested mask batches, only 31 batches kept what their label promised. Especially in the initial phase of the pandemic in Germany, we observed fluctuating mask qualities. Many batches show very high variability in aerosol retention. In addition, by measuring with a laser aerosol spectrometer, we were able to show that not all masks filter small and large particles equally well. In this study, we demonstrate how important internal and independent quality controls are, especially in times of need and shortage of personal protection equipment.
Effect of Electron Beam Welding Parameters on Temperature and Stress Field of AISI P20 Tool Steel in Vacuum Roll-cladding Process
Authors: mao lanyu , Luo Zongan , Feng Yingying , Zhang Xiaoming 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Vacuum roll-cladding (VRC) is an effective method to produce high quality ultra-heavy AISI P20 plate steel. In the process of VRC, reasonable welding process of electron beam welding (EBW) can significantly avoid welding cracks and reduce the cost. In this paper, the electron beam welding process of AISI P20 tool steel was simulated by using a combined heat source model based on finite element method, and the temperature field and stress field under different welding parameters were studied respectively . The results showed that welding parameters have a greater effect on weld penetration than that of weld width, which making the aspect ratio increases with the increase of welding current, and decrease with the increase of welding speed. The weld morphologies were consistent with those of the modeling and the measured thermal heat curves were good agreement with those of simulated, which was verified the feasibility and effectiveness of temperature fields. The results of stress fields under different welding parameters indicat ed that lower welding speed and higher welding current resulting in lower residual stress at welded joint, which means lower risk of cracking after EBW. The results of this study have been successfully applied to industrial production.
Tissue-resident M2 Macrophages Directly Contact Primary Sensory Neurons in the Sensory Ganglia after Nerve Injury
Authors: Iwai Haruki , Ataka Koji , Suzuki Hajime , Dhar Ashis , Kuramoto Eriko , Yamanaka Atsushi , Goto Tetsuya 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Macrophages in the peripheral nervous system are key players in the repair of nerve tissue and the development of neuropathic pain due to peripheral nerve injury. However, there is a lack of information on the origin and morphological features of macrophages in sensory ganglia after peripheral nerve injury, unlike those in the brain and spinal cord. We analyzed the origin and morphological features of sensory ganglionic macrophages after nerve ligation or transection using wild-type mice and mice with bone-marrow cell transplants.Methods: After protecting the head of C57BL/6J mice with lead caps, they were irradiated and transplanted with bone-marrow-derived cells from GFP transgenic mice. The infraorbital nerve of a branch of the trigeminal nerve of wild-type mice was ligated or the infraorbital nerve of GFP-positive bone-marrow-cell-transplanted mice was transected. After immunostaining the trigeminal ganglia, the structures of the ganglionic macrophages, neurons, and satellite glial cells were analyzed using two-dimensional or three-dimensional images.Results: The number of damaged neurons in the trigeminal ganglia increased from day 1 after infraorbital nerve ligation. Ganglionic macrophages proliferated from days 3 to 5. Furthermore, the numbers of macrophages increased from days 3 to 15. Bone-marrow-derived macrophages increased on day 7 after the infraorbital nerve was transected in the trigeminal ganglia of GFP-positive bone-marrow-cell-transplanted mice but most of the ganglionic macrophages were composed of tissue-resident cells. On day 7 after infraorbital nerve ligation, ganglionic macrophages increased in volume, extended their processes between the neurons and satellite glial cells, and contacted these neurons. Most of the ganglionic macrophages showed an M2 phenotype when contact was observed, and little neuronal cell death occurred.Conclusions: Most of the macrophages that appear after a nerve injury are tissue-resident, and these make direct contact with damaged neurons that act in a tissue-protective manner in the M2 phenotype. These results imply that tissue-resident macrophages signal to neurons directly through physical contact.
Expression and Prognostic Significance of NPC1L1 in Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kwon Ryuk Jun , Son Soo Min , Park Eun Ju , Lee Sang Yeoup , Choi Jungin , Lee Sae Rom , Lee Youngin , Kim Yun Jin , Lee Jeong Gyu , Yi Yu Hyeon , Tak Young Jin , Lee Seung Hun , Kim Gyu Lee , Ra Young Jin , Hwang Chungsu , Kim Choongrak , Cho Young Hye 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant tumor of the large intestine. Studies have shown that the development and prognosis of CRC are associated with altered lipid metabolism. Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1), the target of ezetimibe, plays an essential role in the absorption of intestinal cholesterol. However, the role of altered NPC1L1 expression in the development and prognosis of CRC has not yet been determined.Methods: Datasets of patients with CRC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. To compare the expression of NPC1L1 in normal and CRC tissues, datasets obtained from the GDAC platform were used. To support these results, we also analyzed other datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Student’s t-test and chi-square test were used for the analyses. The log-rank test and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were performed to determine whether NPC1L1 is a significant factor affecting the prognosis of CRC.Results: The mRNA expression of NPC1L1 was found to be upregulated in CRC, and was significantly associated with the N- and pathological stages, but not with the histological type, age, and sex. Moreover, an increase in NPC1L1 expression in CRC was associated with poorer survival, based on the Kaplan–Meier and multivariate regression analyses.Conclusions: High expression of NPC1L1 is associated with CRC development, pathological stage, and prognosis. The present study suggests that NPC1L1 represents a potential independent prognostic marker for CRC.