bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and Worsening of Diabetes Among Adults Aged Over 40 Years: A 6-Year Follow-Up Study of 140,000 People in Japan – The Shizuoka Study
Authors: Nomura Shuhei , Sakamoto Haruka , Rauniyar Santosh Kumar , Shimada Koki , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Kohsaka Shun , Ichihara Nao , Kumamaru Hiraku , Miyata Hiroaki 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels are commonly measured during health check-ups and used as an indicator of diabetes. However, the contribution of screening tests to the prevention of the future development of diabetes is scarcely analyzed. We evaluated the relationship between HbA1c screening results and future risk of diabetes development and worsening.
Methods
We used the Shizuoka Kokuho Database, a Japanese administrative claims database of insured persons aged > 40 years. Individuals available for follow-up during 2012–2017 and who had not received any diabetes treatment before 2013 were considered. We constructed logistic regression models to evaluate the association of the likelihood of initiating diabetes treatment by 2017 with the number of health check-ups received after 2013, HbA1c levels, and trend changes at the 2013 health check-up and assess the likelihood of using injection drugs.
Results
Overall, 137,852 individuals were analyzed. Compared to the normal HbA1c Group (HbA1c < 6.5%) with no trend changes, the normal group with improving trends had higher odds (odds ratio 22.64; 95% confidence interval 14.66–34.99) of starting treatment within 4 years. Among people with diabetes treatment initiated by 2017, injection drugs were more likely used in the normal group than in the diabetes group (HbA1c ≥ 6.5%). Higher numbers of health check-ups were significantly associated with lower likelihoods of starting injection drugs.
Conclusions
Good control of HbA1c levels, as indicated by the results of the health check-ups, might have led to insufficient attention to lifestyle habits, which might have resulted in a deterioration of glycemic control.
TNF-α acutely enhances acid-sensing ion channel currents in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons via a p38 MAPK pathway
Authors: Hu Wang-Ping , Wei Shuang , Jin Ying , Liu Ting-Ting , Qiu Chun-Yu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in pain processing and hypersensitivity. It regulates not only the expression of a variety of inflammatory mediators but also the functional activity of some ion channels. Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), as key sensors for extracellular protons, are expressed in nociceptive sensory neurons and contribute to pain signaling caused by tissue acidosis. It is still unclear whether TNF-α has an effect on functional activity of ASICs. Herein, we reported that a brief exposure of TNF-α acutely sensitized ASICs in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons.

Methods

Electrophysiological experiments were performed on neurons from rat DRG. Nociceptive behaviour was induced by acetic acid in rats.

Results

A brief (5min) application of TNF-α rapidly enhanced ASIC-mediated currents in rat DRG neurons. TNF-α (0.1-10 ng/ml) dose-dependently increased the proton-evoked ASIC currents with an EC 50 value of 1.96 ± 0.15 ng/ml. TNF-α shifted the concentration-response curve of proton upwards with a maximal current response increase of 42.34 ± 7.89%. In current-clamp recording, an acute application of TNF-α also significantly increased acid-evoked firing in rat DRG neurons. The rapid enhancement of ASIC-mediated electrophysiological activity by TNF-α was prevented by p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor SB202190, but not by non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin, suggesting that p38 MAPK is necessary for this enhancement. Behaviorally, TNF-α exacerbated acid-induced nociceptive behaviors in rats via activation of local p38 MAPK pathway.

Conclusions

These results suggest that TNF-α rapidly enhanced ASIC-mediated functional activity via a p38 MAPK pathway, which revealed a novel peripheral mechanism underlying TNF-α involvement in rapid hyperalgesia by sensitizing ASICs in primary sensory neurons.
Performance Analysis of Free Space Optical Communication System Under Rain Weather Conditions: A Case Study for Inland and Coastal Locations of India
Authors: Singh Harjeevan , Mittal Nitin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This work aims to investigate the performance of Free Space Optical Communication link under average and worst rain weather conditions of India. The meteorological data related to rainfall, from 2014 to 2017, was obtained from the Indian Meteorological Department for six different locations of India, representing the inland and coastal areas. The attenuation coefficient due to rain for all the locations has been calculated using mathematical models. The performance analysis of Wavelength Division Multiplexing based Free Space Optical Communication system has been analyzed, by incorporating the attenuation due to rain for all considered locations, in terms of received power, signal to noise ratio, bit error rate and eye diagrams. The inland location of Hyderabad has given the best results in terms of above mentioned parameters as it has recorded minimum average rainfall of 2.35 mm/hr with minimum attenuation coefficient of 1.91 dB/km and can support a link range of 5.43 km, corresponding to bit error rate of order of 10-9 under average rain weather conditions. On the other hand, the average rainfall is maximum for the coastal area of Mumbai with a value of 7.31 mm/hr, resulting in maximum attenuation coefficient of 4.08 dB/km and the maximum link range is limited to 3.48 km, corresponding to bit error rate of order of 10-9 under average conditions of rain weather. Similarly, the inland locations of India have delivered a better link performance as compared to coastal areas under worst rain weather conditions also. So it has been concluded that the coastal areas of India have shown major degradation in the performance of the FSOC link as compared to inland locations of the country.
Comparative Immunomodulatory Efficacy of Rosemary and Fenugreek Against Escherichia Coli-Infection via Suppression of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Broilers
Authors: Farouk Sameh Mohamed , Abd-El-Rahman Haidy G. , Abdallah Osama A. , El-Behidy Nashwa G. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Broilers are frequently infected with Escherichia coli (E.Coli) bacteria, which often leads to the emergence of many diseases and high economic losses. Hence, the present study was performed to assess the comparative efficacy of dietary rosemary and fenugreek, under E.Coli-infection in broilers, via evaluation of growth performance, biochemical indices, immunological response and histo-morphological changes. Eighty Cobb broilers were allotted to four equal groups (n=20 chicks/group); control non-infected (CN), control infected (CI), rosemary infected (RI) and fenugreek infected (FI) groups. RI and FI groups showed a significant elevation in their body weight and body weight gain compared with CI group. Moreover, both groups revealed a significant decline in serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferase activities, as well as uric acid and creatinine levels. Significant decreases of total antioxidant capacity, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were noted among CI chicks. Moreover, distinctly higher levels were evident in both RI and FI groups. Immunomodulatory markers assessment showed a significant increase in immunoglobulin G with a significant decline in interleukin-6 level in both RI and FI groups, with the lowest IL-6 value within FI group. Histopathological evaluations focused on the deleterious effect associated with E-Coli infection of broilers’ liver, kidney, intestine, spleen, bursa of fabricius, and thymus. A partial histological improvement was noticed among RI group, and nearly normal tissues were recorded in FI group. Overall, these findings suggest the ability of fenugreek to mitigate the adverse effects of E.Coli-infection on broiler performance and tissue pictures, through improvement of the chicken general health condition.
Cionin, A Vertebrate Cholecystokinin/Gastrin Homolog, Induces Ovulation in the Ascidian Ciona Intestinalis Type A.
Authors: Osugi Tomohiro , Miyasaka Natsuko , Shiraishi Akira , Matsubara Shin , Satake Honoo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Cionin is a homolog of vertebrate cholecystokinin/gastrin that has been identified in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis type A. The phylogenetic position of ascidians as the closest living relatives of vertebrates suggests that cionin can provide clues to the evolution of endocrine/neuroendocrine systems throughout chordates. Here, we show the biological role of cionin in the regulation of ovulation. In situ hybridization demonstrated that the mRNA of the cionin receptor, Cior2, was expressed specifically in the inner follicular cells of pre-ovulatory follicles in the Ciona ovary. Cionin was found to significantly stimulate ovulation after 24-h incubation. Transcriptome and subsequent Real-time PCR analyses confirmed that the expression levels of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling genes and a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) gene were significantly elevated in the cionin-treated follicles. Of particular interest is that an RTK inhibitor and MMP inhibitor markedly suppressed the stimulatory effect of cionin on ovulation. Furthermore, inhibition of RTK signaling reduced the MMP gene expression in the cionin-treated follicles. These results provide evidence that cionin induces ovulation by stimulating MMP gene expression via the RTK signaling pathway. This is the first report on the endogenous roles of cionin and the induction of ovulation by cholecystokinin/gastrin family peptides in an organism.
Evaluation of the corticosteroid dose at Pneumocystis pneumonia onset in non-HIV patients receiving steroids and the period from the discontinuation of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis to the onset of Pneumocystis pneumonia
Authors: Inoue Daiki , Tamesada Hirotaka , Maetani Tomoki , Yamada Sho , Kikuchi Yujiro , Uyama Michihiro , Hayashi Yusuke , Imoto Takamitsu , Hamakawa Yoko , Kitajima Takamasa , Marumo Satoshi , Fukui Motonari 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a life-threatening opportunistic infection among non-human immunodeficiency virus (non-HIV) immunocompromised patients. The prophylactic use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) reduces PCP incidence. However, it remains unclear when TMP-SMX can be safely discontinued among patients for whom corticosteroid tapering is underway, and occasionally, PCP develops after TMP-SMX discontinuation despite tapering of corticosteroids to considerably lower dose.
Methods

We retrospectively reviewed non-HIV immunocompromised patients who were diagnosed with PCP in our institution during a 12-year period (January 2007 to December 2018). We analysed the clinical information including corticosteroid doses when PCP developed and the period from TMP-SMX discontinuation to PCP onset for these patients.
Results

In all, 39 patients were included. The median patient age was 70 years (range: 27–92 years), and 18 patients (46.2%) were female. Thirty-two patients (82.1%) were administered corticosteroids. The median daily corticosteroid dose converted to the prednisolone equivalent dose was 14 mg (range: 2–60 mg). Further, six (15.4%) patients were treated with a dose of 5 mg or less. Twenty-eight patients (71.8%) were never administered TMP-SMX, and TMP-SMX was discontinued before PCP development in the remaining 11 patients. The median period from TMP-SMX discontinuation to PCP development was 95 days (range: 44–175 days), and in nine patients, PCP developed 14 ± 2 weeks after TMP-SMX discontinuation.
Conclusions

PCP developed in non-HIV patients treated with corticosteroids at doses considerably lower than the daily 20 mg prednisolone equivalent dose. Non-HIV immunocompromised patients are more likely to develop PCP approximately 3 months after TMP-SMX discontinuation.
Structural and Functional Connectivity of the Ascending Arousal Network for Prediction of Outcome in Patients with Acute Disorders of Consciousness
Authors: Enciso-Olivera Cesar O. , Ordóñez-Rubiano Edgar G. , Casanova-Libreros Rosángela , Rivera Diana , Zarate-Ardila Carol J. , Rudas Jorge , Pulido Cristian , Gómez Francisco , Martínez Darwin , Guerrero Natalia , Hurtado Mayra A. , Aguilera-Bustos Natalia , Hernández-Torres Clara P. , Hernandez José , Marín-Muñoz Jorge H. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Object: To determine the role of early acquisition of blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signals and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for analysis of the connectivity of the ascending arousal network (AAN) in predicting neurological outcomes after acute traumatic brain injury (TBI), cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA), or stroke.Methods: A prospective analysis of 50 comatose patients was performed during their ICU stay. Image processing was conducted to assess structural and functional connectivity of the AAN. Outcomes were evaluated after 3 and 6 months.Results: Nineteen patients (38%) had stroke, 18 (36%) CPA, and 13 (26%) TBI. Twenty-three patients were comatose (44%), 11 were in a minimally conscious state (20%), and 16 had unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (32%). Univariate analysis demonstrated that measurements of diffusivity, functional connectivity, and numbers of fibers in the gray matter, white matter, whole brain, midbrain reticular formation, and pontis oralis nucleus may serve as predictive biomarkers of outcome depending on the diagnosis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated a correlation of the predicted value and the real outcome for each separate diagnosis and for all the etiologies together.Conclusion: Findings suggest that the above imaging biomarkers may have a predictive role for the outcome of comatose patients after acute TBI, CPA, or stroke.
Feasibility and Acceptability of Brief Individual Interpersonal Psychotherapy Among University Students with Mental Distress in Ethiopia
Authors: Negash Assegid , Khan Matloob Ahmed , Medhin Girmay , Wondimagegn Dawit , Pain Clare , Araya Mesfin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The prevalence of mental distress among university students in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) is increasing; however, the majority do not receive evidence-based psychological intervention. This calls for the provision of culturally adapted psychological therapy in higher education institutions in LMICs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of Interpersonal Psychotherapy adapted for Ethiopia (IPT-E) among Wolaita Sodo University students and to assess the preliminary outcomes of IPT-E in reducing symptoms of mental distress and in improving functioning.Methods: We used a quasi-experimental single-group pre-post-test study design. As indicators of feasibility of IPT-E, we used consent, treatment completion and attrition. We used Client Satisfaction Questionnaire and semi-structured interview to measure the acceptability of the intervention, self-reporting IPT-E checklist to assess treatment adherence and World Health Organization Disability Assessment and Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 tools to assess functional impairment and mental distress, respectively. We used percentage, frequency, mean and standard deviation to summarize the demographic variables, feasibility and acceptability of IPT-E. We analyzed changes from pre-to post-tests of mental distress and functioning results using paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Independent sample t-test, one way-ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests used to assess the difference in mean score of in demographic variables at baseline and eight weeks. The qualitative data was analyzed with the support of open code 4.02.Results: IPT-E was feasible (consent rate = 100%; completion rate = 92.31%; attrition rate = 7.69%; mean score of the sessions = 8 and mode of the session = 8). The total mean score of treatment satisfaction was 27.83 (SD = 4.47). After the delivery of IPT-E, symptoms of mental 2 distress were decreased, functioning was improved and therapist adherence to the treatment model was 100% (i.e. treatment delivered according to the IPT-E guideline). Conclusion: IPT-E was feasible and acceptable to treat university students with mental distress in low-income country setting. The preliminary results also suggest promising viability of IPT-E in higher education institutions of low-income country setting for students with symptoms of anxiety and depression.
The Association Between the Number of Visual Fields and the Accuracy of Future Prediction in Eyes With Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Asaoka Ryo , Oishi Akio , Fujino Yuri , Murata Hiroshi , Azuma Keiko , Miyata Manabu , Obata Ryo , Inoue Tatsuya 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the minimum number of visual fields (VFs) required to precisely predict future VFs in eyes with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). A series of 12 VFs (Humphrey Field Analyzer 10-2 test, (8.9 years in average) were analyzed from 102 eyes of 52 RP patients. The absolute error to predict the 12th VF using the prior 11 VFs was calculated in a pointwise manner, using the linear regression, and the 95% confidence interval (CI) range was determined. Then, using 3 to 10 initial VFs, next VFs (4th to 11th VFs, respectively) were also predicted. The minimum number of VFs required for the mean absolute prediction error to reach the 95% CI was identified. Similar analyses were iterated for the second and third next VF predictions. Similar analyses were conducted using mean deviation (MD). In the pointwise analysis, the minimum number of VFs required to reach the 95% CI for the 12th VF was 5 (first and second next VF predictions) and 6 (third next VF prediction). For the MD analysis, 3 (first and second next VF predictions) and 4 (third next VF prediction) VFs were required to reach 95% CI for the 12th VF.
Dynamic Balancing Responses in Unilateral Transtibial Amputees Following Outward-Directed Perturbations During Slow Treadmill Walking Differ Considerably for Amputated and Non-Amputated Side
Authors: Olenšek Andrej , Zadravec Matjaž , Burger Helena , Matjačić Zlatko 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundDue to disrupted motor and proprioceptive function lower limb amputation imposes considerable challenges associated with balance and greatly increases risk of falling in case of perturbations during walking. The aim of this study was to investigate dynamic balancing responses in unilateral transtibial amputees when they were subjected to perturbing pushes to the pelvis in outward direction at the time of foot strike on non-amputated and amputated side during slow walking.MethodsFourteen subjects with unilateral transtibial amputation and nine control subjects participated in the study. They were subjected to perturbations that were delivered to the pelvis at the time of foot strike of either the left or right leg. We recorded trajectories of center of pressure and center of mass, durations of in-stance and stepping periods as well as ground reaction forces. Statistical analysis was performed to determine significant differences in dynamic balancing responses between control subjects and subjects with amputation when subjected to outward-directed perturbation upon entering stance phases with non-amputated or amputated side.ResultsWhen outward-directed perturbations were delivered at the time of foot strike of the non-amputated leg, subjects with amputation were able to modulate center of pressure and ground reaction force similarly as control subjects which indicates application of in-stance balancing strategies. On the other hand, there was a complete lack of in-stance response when perturbations were delivered when the amputated leg entered the stance phase. Subjects with amputations instead used the stepping strategy and adjusted placement of the non-amputated leg in the ensuing stance phase to make a cross-step. Such response resulted in significantly higher displacement of center of mass. ConclusionsResults of this study suggest that due to the absence of the COP modulation mechanism, which is normally supplied by ankle motor function, people with unilateral transtibial amputation are compelled to choose the stepping strategy over in-stance strategy when they are subjected to outward-directed perturbation on the amputated side. However, the stepping response is less efficient than in-stance response. To improve their balancing responses to unexpected balance perturbation people fitted with passive transtibial prostheses should undergo perturbation-based balance training during clinical rehabilitation.
Combined Effects of Hot Water and Eucalyptus Leaf Extract on the Storability of Cyprus Local Mandarin
Authors: Kahramanoglu Ibrahim , Aldag Seyda , Umar Kenan , Helvaci Murat , Alas Turgut , Usanmaz Serhat , Askin Mehmet , Okatan Volkan , Wan Chunpeng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Current work was conducted to evaluate the influences of hot water dipping (HWD) treatment and its combination with Eucalyptus leaves on the postharvest storability of Cyprus local mandarins. This experiment consisted of five different treatments, which are: 1) control (dipping fruits into tap water for 3 min); 2) hot water dipping (HWD) at 55 °C for 2 min; 3) hot water dipping (HWD) at 55 °C for 3 min; 4) hot water dipping (HWD) + Eucalyptus leaf (EL) at 55 °C for 2 min; and 5) hot water dipping (HWD) + Eucalyptus leaf (EL) at 55 °C for 3 min. According to the main findings of current work, HWD alone or in combination with the Eucalyptus leaf are effective for preventing the weight loss and protection of some other quality parameters. Overall all, results suggested that the incorporating Eucalyptus leaves into the HWD treatment improves the efficacy of the HWD, and makes it possible to reduce the dipping duration required for higher positive impact on the postharvest fruit quality.
High Expression of RIPK2 is Associated with Taxol Resistance in Serous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Shen Yuqing , Lin Hui , Chen Kelie , Ge Wanzhong , Xia Dajing , Wu Yihua , Lv Weiguo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTaxol resistance of serous ovarian cancer is responsible for its poor prognosis, yet the underlying mechanism was still poorly understood. Thus, we probed the mechanism of taxol resistance in serous ovarian cancer with multiple bioinformatic methods to provide novel insights for potential therapy. MethodsThe differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their relationship with overall survival (OS) and progress-free interval (PFI) of ovarian cancer patients were analyzed using gene expression datasets from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The role of receptor interacting serine/threonine kinase 2 (RIPK2) was validated by identifying its co-expressed genes, making function analysis and generating protein-protein network (PPI). Single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA) method was used to explore the immune infiltration and genomic alterations of RIPK2 was also analyzed via cBio Cancer Genomics Portal (cBioProtal).ResultsRIPK2 was highly expressed in taxol resistant ovarian cancer cell lines, while its high expression was also linked with OS and PFI in serous ovarian cancer patients. The PPI network analysis and pathway analysis demonstrated that RIPK2 might take part in positive regulation of NF-κB transcription factor activity. Different expression level of RIPK2 was related to tumor microenvironment alteration, which might participate in formation of taxol resistance.ConclusionsOur studies suggested that high expression of RIPK2 was related to taxol resistance in serous ovarian cancer, while RIPK2 induced taxol resistance through NOD1/RIPK2/NF-κB inflammatory pathway activation and tumor microenvironment changes.