bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Poor Quality of Life among People Living with HIV/AIDS on Antiretroviral therapy in Jimma zone Public Hospitals, South West Ethiopia: A Mixed-method Study.
Authors: Gesese Abreha Addis 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Given the benefits of ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) for people living with HIV/AIDS, their quality of life continues to impair. Moreover, several studies have been investigated the magnitude of quality of life among developed countries with a paucity of behavioral and psychosocial factors. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify predictors of poor quality of life among people living with HIV on ART in Jimma Zone Public Hospitals, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods: Institution-based case-control study triangulated with a qualitative method was employed. The sample size was determined using Epi-info 7.1.1 using the ratio of 1:3 cases to controls. A simple random sampling technique was conducted to select cases and controls. Data were entered into Epi-Data and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Qualitative data were collected from purposely selected key informants and analyzed manually. The study was conducted from March 10 to April 30, 2018.Results: a total of 81(25.1%) cases and 242(75.9%) controls were included in the study. Those PLWHA who chew Khat occasionally (AOR: 4.3; 95% CI: 1.01,17.8) and at weakly intervals (AOR: 6.3, 95% CI:2.0, 20.7), Stigmatism(AOR: 9.2; 95% CI:3.5, 24.3), severe depression(AOR: 16.1; 95% CI:5.2, 49.6), fair baseline ART adherence (AOR: 10.4; 95% CI:2.4, 44.8), poor baseline ART adherence (AOR: 6.4;95% CI:2.0,20.7), baseline WHO stage III, IV(AOR4.9,95%CI:2.0,11.5), current WHO stage III,IV (AOR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.1, 13.5), current BMI <18.5 kg/m2 (AOR 2.37 95% CI (1.00, 5.62) and recent low hemoglobin level <12.8 mg/dl (AOR: 4.1; 95% CI:1.7, 9.7) were independently associated with poor quality of life. Key informant interviews identified that financial and food insecurity, stigma and discrimination, poor adherence, and side effect were the predictors that affect the quality of life.Conclusion: Multiple predictors of poor quality of life have been identified from the quantitative and key informant interviews. Khat chewing frequency (occasionally and weekly), stigma, depression, baseline drug adherence, duration on ART(less than 36 months), baseline WHO stage III/IV, Current WHO III, IV, being underweight in the current BMI, most recent hemoglobin level below 12.8mg/dl, including financial and food insecurity, stigma and discrimination, poor adherence and side effect from key informant interview. Therefore, effective interventions should be targeted by incorporating responsible bodies towards boosting the quality of life of PLWHIV by emphasizing avoiding behavioral factors like khat chewing, alcohol, shisha. Counseling and guidance on treatment adherence and follow-up should be done. Continuous awareness creation, dietary diversity, and modifications and guide on income-generating activities.
Fear of COVID-19, Internet Addiction, Learning Burnout, and Psychological Health On Teenagers in China at Post-Pandemic Era: A Serial Mediation Model
Authors: Hu Rui , Ye Maolin , Lai Bingbing , Luo Fen , Yang Minyi , Yuan Jinua , Tao QIan 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic produces a long-term effect on adolescent psychological health. There were two objectives of this study: (1) To compare psychological outcomes between an early stage of pandemic and post-pandemic era among junior high and high school students in China; (2) To investigate how COVID-19 fear impacts psychological health through a serial mediation of Internet addiction and learning burnout.Methods: Two cross-sectional online surveys were conducted among Chinese adolescents at April 2020 and at April 2021, respectively. Psychological consequence was assessed by the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). In addition, influencing factors were assessed by the Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S), Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS).Results: Our sample comprised 501 junior high school students and 540 high school students. There was a significant increase in symptoms of depression (χ2 = 7.03, P < 0.01), anxiety (χ2 = 35.50, P < 0.01), and stress (χ2 = 13.60, P < 0.01) at post-pandemic era compared with an early stage of COVID-19. Importantly, Internet addiction and learning burnout were identified the serial mediators between fear of COVID-19 and psychological health (β = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.03).Conclusions: During the post-pandemic era in China, an increased number of junior high and high school students' psychological health was affected compared with the number during the pandemic. Furthermore, fear of COVID-19 influenced psychological health through first Internet addiction and then learning burnout.
Joint Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies Twenty-One Novel Loci for Age at Menarche and Highlights Its Causal Association with Other Complex Diseases
Authors: Feng Gui-Juan , Xu Qian , Ni Jing-Jing , Yang Shan-Shan , Han Bai-Xue , Wei Xin-Tong , Zhang Hong , Zhao Qi-Gang , Zhang Lei , Pei Yu-Fang 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Age at menarche (AAM) is a sign of puberty of females. It is a heritable trait associated with various adult diseases. However, the genetic mechanism that determines AAM and links it to disease risk is poorly understood. Aiming to uncover the genetic basis for AAM, we conducted a joint association study in up to 438,089 participants from 3 genome-wide association studies of European and East Asian ancestries. Twenty-one novel genomic loci were identified at the genome-wide significance level. Besides, we observed significant genetic correlations between AAM and 67 complex traits, and the highest genetic correlation was observed between AAM and body mass index (rg=-0.19, P=6.11×10−31). Latent causal variable analyses demonstrate that there is a genetically causal effect of AAM on high blood pressure (GCP=0.47, P=0.02), forced vital capacity (GCP=0.63, P=0.02), age at first live birth (GCP=0.51, P=0.03), impedance of right arm (GCP=0.41, P<1×10-7) and right leg fat percentage (GCP=-0.10, P=0.02), etc. Enrichment analysis identified 5 enriched tissues and 51 enriched gene sets. Four of the five enriched tissues were related to the nervous system, including the hypothalamus middle, hypothalamo hypophyseal system, neurosecretory systems and hypothalamus. The fifth tissue was the retina in the sensory organ. The most significant gene set was the ‘decreased circulating luteinizing hormone level’ (P=2.45×10-6). Our findings may provide useful insights that elucidate the mechanisms determining AAM and the genetic interplay between AAM and some traits of women.
Tacrolimus Significantly Improved the Outcome of CIDP Patients With Autoantibodies Against Paranodal Proteins
Authors: Yang Meng-ge , Ji Suqiong , Xu Li , Gao Huajie , Zhang Qing , Bu Bitao 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an immune-mediated disabling neuropathy. CIDP with antibodies against the paranodal proteins has a low prevalence, poor prognosis and treatment difficulty. Moreover, there is currently a lack of data on the application of immunosuppressive agents. In this retrospective observational study, we aimed to evaluated the response to tacrolimus (a immunosuppressor with high efficacy) in CIDP with autoantibodies against paranodal proteins by reviewing 5 patients received daily tacrolimus. One patient started tacrolimus treatment at the first episode and eventually achieved full clinical remission without relapse. Four patients experienced worsening during corticosteroids tapering. They gradually improved after adding oral tacrolimus except one patient relapsed again due to tacrolimus discontinuation. Moreover, 3 patients were successfully withdrawn from corticosteroids and 2 patients took corticosteroids at low maintenance dose (10mg/d) after tacrolimus treatment. Furthermore, decreased nerve conduction velocity and action potential amplitudes gradually returned to a normal level after tacrolimus and corticosteroids treatment. In conclusions, tacrolimus significantly improved the outcome of CIDP patients with autoantibodies against paranodal proteins by preventing relapses, reducing corticosteroids dependence and enhancing nerve repair. Combination therapy with corticosteroids and tacrolimus may be an effective therapeutic regimen.
HAT2 CH2 Score Performance Predicting Neurologic Events After Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device
Authors: Chen Ju-Yi , Chen Tse-Wei , Lu Wei-Da 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The HAT2CH2 score has been evaluated for predicting new-onset atrial fibrillation in several clinical conditions, but never for adverse neurologic events. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of HAT2CH2 score in predicting neurologic events in patients with cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED), comparing with atrial high-rate episodes (AHRE). This case-control study enrolled 314 consecutive patients aged 18 years or older with CIED implantation between January 2015 and April 2021. Patient data were analyzed retrospectively. The primary endpoint was subsequent neurologic events (NE) after implantation. AHRE was defined as > 175 bpm (Medtronic®) lasting ≥ 30 seconds. Variables associated with independent risk of NE were identified using multivariate Cox regression analysis with time-dependent covariates. Patients’ median age was 73 years and 61.8% of them were male. During follow-up (median 32 months), 18 NE occurred (incidence rate 2.15/100 patient-years, 95% CI 1.32-4.30). Multiple Cox regression analysis showed that the HAT2CH2 score (HR 2.972, 95% CI 2.143-4.123, p < 0.001) was an independent predictor for NE. Optimal HAT2CH2 score cutoff value was 3 with highest Youden index (AUC, 0.923; 95% CI, 0.881–0.966; p < 0.001). Significant increase was observed in NE occurrence rates using the HAT2CH2 score (p < 0.001). The HAT2CH2 score and episodes of AHRE lasting ≥ 1 minute are independent risk factors for NE in patients with CIED.
Therapeutic Targeting of Histone Lysine Demethylase KDM4B Blocks the Growth of Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Duan Lingling , Chen Yu-An , Liang Yanping , Chen Zhenhua , Lu Jun , Fang Yong , Cao Jiazheng , Lu Jian , Zhao Hongwei , Pong Rey-Chen , Hernandez Elizabeth , Kapur Payal , Tran Tram Anh T , Smith Tristan , Martinez Elisabeth D. , Ahn Jung-mo , Hsieh Jer-Tsong , Luo Junhang , Liu Zhi-Ping 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Accumulating evidence points to epigenetic mechanisms as essential in tumorigenesis. Treatment that targets epigenetic regulators is becoming an attractive strategy for cancer therapy. The role of epigenetic therapy in prostate cancer (PCa) remains elusive. Previously we demonstrated a correlation of levels of histone lysine demethylase KDM4B with the appearance of castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and identified a small molecular inhibitor of KDM4B, B3. In this study, we aim to define the role of KDM4B in promoting PCa progression and test the efficacy of B3 using clinically relevant PCa models. Methods: KDM4B was overexpressed in LNCaP cells or knocked down (KD) in 22Rv1 cells. The specificity of B3 was determined in vitro using recombinant KDM proteins and in vivo using 22Rv1 cell lysates. The efficacy of B3 monotherapy or in combination with androgen receptor (AR) antagonist enzalutamide or the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin was tested using xenograft models in castrated mice. Comparative transcriptomic analysis was performed on KDM4B KD and B3-treated 22Rv1 cells to determine the on-target (KDM4B-dependent) and off-target (non-KDM4B-associated) effects of B3.Results: Overexpression of KDM4B in LNCaP cells enhanced its tumorigenicity whereas knockdown of KDM4B in 22Rv1 cells reduced tumor growth in castrated mice. B3 suppressed the growth of both 22Rv1 and VCaP xenografts and sensitized 22Rv1 cells to enzalutamide inhibition. B3 also inhibited 22Rv1 tumor growth synergistically with rapamycin that resulted in cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, B3 inhibited expression of AR-V7 and genes involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. DNA replication stress marker γH2A.X was upregulated by B3, which is further increased when combined with rapamycin. Based on transcriptomic and biochemical analyses, B3 inhibits both H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 demethylase activity, which is believed to underlie its anti-tumor action.Conclusions: Our studies establish KDM4B as a potent target for CRPC and B3 as a potential therapeutic agent. B3 as monotherapy or in combination with other anti-PCa therapeutics offers proof of principle for the clinical translation of epigenetic therapy targeting KDMSs for CRPC patients.
Stabile SERS Encoded Silver Silica Nanocomposites for Industrial Labeling – the Case of COVID-19 Diagnosis
Authors: Xiao Can , de Simón Bernat Mir , Gil Pilar Rivera 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Biosensors, especially those with a SERS readout, are required for an early and precise healthcare diagnosis. Unreproducible SERS platforms hampers the clinical translation of SERS. Here we report a synthetic procedure to obtain stabile, reproducible and robust highly-SERS performing nanocomposites for labelling. We control the NPs agglomeration and codification which results in an increased number of hot spots, thus exhibiting reproducible and superior Raman enhancement. We studied fundamental aspects affecting the plasmonic thiol bond resulting in pH exhibiting a determining role. We validated their biosensing performance by designing a SERS-based sandwich immunoassay against COVID-19. The limits of detection for the recombinant SARS-CoV-2 protein is below 0.01 ng/μL. We offered herein one nanostructure with robust and homogeneous SERS signal which can be potentially applied for biodiagnosis.
Study On Cutting Force and Tool Vibration For Optimization of Depth of Cut in Ultra-Precision Planing Process of the Master Mold For Retro-Reflection Film
Authors: Jeong Ji-Young , Han Jun Sae , Gwak Eun-Ji , Choi Doo-Sun , Je Tae-Jin 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The micro-triangular pyramid patterns are widely used in advanced optical components with retro-reflection characteristic. The performance of the retro-reflection is affected by an effective area, and it can be maximized by machined surface without defects such as edge blunt, burr, surface roughen. The ultra-precision planing process is well-known that can fabricate superior surface when the depth of cut (DOC) is applied to minimum depth above the critical value to prevent the size effect. However, it was very difficult to determine a DOC without comparing of quality of machined surfaces through the ultra-high magnification measuring instrument such as SEM. In this study, the critical DOC which is key parameter was analyzed using cutting force and tool vibration signals. These signals were converted to specific cutting resistance and frequency spectrum, respectively. As a result, spectrum frequency signal was more effective and accurate than specific cutting energy, and critical DOC was determined to 1µm. This proposed process was validated by comparing the quality variation of the machined surfaces with analysis result based on cutting signals. Finally, a master mold with area of 250mm2 for fabrication of the retro-reflection film was manufactured by applying optimized DOC, and the retro-reflection film was fabricated by press molding process. This retro-reflection film was clearly recognized at a distance of 100m from light source with low power.
Linking the Evolution of Development of Stem Vascular System in Nyctaginaceae and Its Correlation to Habit and Species Diversification
Authors: Neto Israel L. Cunha , Pace Marcelo Rodrigo , Hernández-Gutiérrez Rebeca , Angyalossy Veronica 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: The presence of alternative patterns of secondary growth in stems of Nyctaginaceae has been known for a long time. Still, the interpretation of types of cambial variants are controversial. The knowledge on stem anatomical diversity in Nyctaginaceae, which is diverse also in habits, offers the unique opportunity not only to investigate the evolution of complex developments, but also to address how these anatomies shifted within habits and how the acquisition of novel cambial variants and habit transitions impacted the diversification of the family. Methods: We integrated developmental data with a phylogenetic framework to investigate the diversity and evolution of stem anatomy in Nyctaginaceae using phylogenetic comparative methods, reconstructing ancestral states, and examining whether anatomical shifts correspond to species diversification rate shifts in the family. Results: Two types of cambial variants, interxylary phloem and successive cambia, were recorded in Nyctaginaceae, which result from four different ontogenies. These ontogenetic trajectories depart from two distinct primary vascular structures (regular or polycyclic eustele) yet, they contain shared developmental stages which generate stem morphologies with deconstructed boundaries of morphological categories (continuum morphology). Unlike our a priori hypotheses, interxylary phloem is reconstructed as the ancestral character for the family, with three ontogenies characterized as successive cambia evolving in few taxa. Cambial variants are not contingent in habits, and their transitions are independent from species diversification.Conclusions: Our findings suggests that multiple developmental mechanisms, such as heterochrony and heterotopy generate the transitions between interxylary phloem and successive cambia. Intermediate between these two extremes are present in Nyctaginaceae, suggesting a continuum morphology across the family as a generator of anatomical diversity.
Development of a Prognostic Nomogram and Risk Stratification System for Upper Thoracic Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lin Yu , Zheng Binglin , Chen Junqiang , Huang Qiuyuan , Ye Yuling , Yang Yong , Chen Yuanmei , Chen Bijuan , You Mengxing , Wang Qifeng , Xu Yuanji 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundEffective tools evaluating the prognosis for patients with upper thoracic esophageal carcinoma is lacking. We aimed to develop a nomogram model to predict overall survival (OS) and construct a risk stratification system of upper thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients.MethodsNewly diagnosed 568 patients with upper thoracic ESCC at Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital between February 2004 and December 2016 was taken as a training cohort, and additional 155 patients with upper ESCC from Sichuan Cancer Hospital Institute between January 2011 and December 2013 were used as a validation cohort. A nomogram was established using Cox proportional hazard regression to identify prognostic factors for OS. The predictive power of nomogram model was evaluated by using 4 indices: concordance statistics (C-index), time-dependent ROC (ROCt) curve, net reclassification index (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate clinical usefulness of prediction models. Patients were categorized into three risk groups by X-tile software on the survival scores of the training cohort.ResultsMultivariate analysis revealed that gender, clinical T stage, clinical N stage and primary gross tumor volume (GTVp) were independent prognostic factors for OS in the training cohort. The nomogram based on these factors showed favorable prognostic efficacy in the both training and validation cohorts, with C-index of 0.622, 0.713, and AUC value of 0.709, 0.739, respectively, which appeared superior to those of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. In addition, NRI and IDI of the nomogram presented better discrimination ability to predict survival than those of AJCC staging. Furthermore, DCA curve of the nomogram exhibited greater clinical performance than that of AJCC staging. Finally, the nomogram fairly distinguished the OS rates among low, moderate, and high risk groups, whereas the OS curves of clinical stage could not be well separated among clinical AJCC stage. ConclusionsWe built an effective nomogram model for predict OS of upper thoracic ESCC, which may improve clinicians’ abilities to predict individualized survival and facilitate to further stratify the management of patients at risk.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid Alleviates Cerebral Ischemic Injury-Induced Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Pathologies Through Modulation of GSK-3β in a Rat Model of Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Authors: Wu Ming-Hsiu , Chang Chia-Yu 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background

There are two main types of dementia: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and protects against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. We aimed to investigate the protective role of ALA in cerebral I/R injury-related cognitive impairment in a rat model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO), which mimics VCID in humans.
Methods

After I/R injury, rats were treated with either an intraperitoneal injection of ALA (25 mg/kg) or vehicle. Infarct volume, brain edema, modified neurologic severity scores, and Y-maze test for cognitive impairment were assessed. In addition, activation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and microglia, and expression of amyloid-β precursor protein (APP), β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), amyloid-β (Aβ), tau, and synaptophysin were measured 7 days after tMCAO.
Results

We found that administration of ALA after cerebral I/R injury reduced cerebral infarction, brain edema, and improved neurologic deficits and cognitive impairment. In parallel, ALA reduced the expression of APP, BACE1, Aβ, and phosphorylated tau in the hippocampus, down-regulated the activation of GSK-3β and microglia, and improved the integrity of neuronal synapses.
Conclusion

ALA alleviated the severity of cerebral I/R injury and AD-related pathologies, preserved neuronal integrity, and improved cognitive impairment by down-regulating the activation of GSK-3β and microglia.