bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regional cerebral blood flow decline can predict atrophy in Alzheimer’s disease spectrum
Authors: Nabizadeh Fardin , Rostami Mohammad Reza , Balabandian Mohammad 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by symptoms such as dementia, personality changes, and executive dysfunction. Brain atrophy and structural changes based on the MRI play an important role as a valid biomarker of AD and can support the clinical diagnosis of AD. The decline in the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) is believed to be among the first changes in Alzheimer’s continuum. The reason for this reduction in cerebral blood flow is not fully understood yet. Previous studies revealed the association between amyloid-beta and rCBF pattern and suggested that reduced rCBF is an early consequence of neural death and is prior to the considerable grey matter loss. In this study we investigated the association between rCBF and brain structural changes in three different groups of subjects consisted of control (CN), MCI, and AD groups. Our findings revealed a significant correlation between rCBF and structural changes including cortical volume, subcortical volume, surface area, and thickness in all groups after adjusting for age, sex, and APOE genotyping status. As our investigation, cerebral blood flow as measured by ASL-MRI might independent from Aβ and tau accumulation predict future structural changes and causes neurodegeneration in relation to AD development.
Matrix Metalloproteinases Neutralizing Agents: A Possible Treatment Modality for Oral Lichen Planus&nbsp;(Preliminary Study)
Authors: Elsabagh Hossam , Gaweesh Yasmine , Ghonima Jaylane 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Oral lichen planus is one of the most prevalent oral diseases. Matrix metalloproteinases have been implicated in its pathogenesis thus this study was executed to evaluate the effectiveness of matrix metalloproteinases neutralizing agents in the treatment of oral lichen planus. Methods: Patients were assigned to either control group who received topical corticosteroids and antifungal treatment, or test group who received matrix metalloproteinases neutralizing spray. All patients were evaluated for disease severity and pain at baseline, 1 week, and 4 weeks after treatment. Results: The mean pain score in test and control groups was 9.00 (0.89), and 9.33 (0.82), respectively, at baseline while it was 2.33 (1.75) and 2.83 (1.72) at 4th week follow up. The mean disease severity score was 4.33 (0.52) for test group and 4.50 (0.55) for control group at baseline and decreased to 1.83 (0.75) and 2.17 (0.98) at 4th week follow up. Despite the better results seen in test group on the expense of control group, no statistically significant differences could be detected between groups at any timepoint. Conclusion: The use of matrix metalloproteinases neutralizing agents might be an equally effective sole treatment for erosive oral lichen planus compared to the conventional treatment, without the risk of secondary candidiasis. Trial registration: The study was registered retrospectively at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04336488), date (07/04/2020)
Characteristics, Comorbidities, and Outcomes among Patients admitted with COVID-19 in Sheikh Khalifa Medical City: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Qadi Lara Al , Abdelwahab Moustafa , Jawabreh Mohammad Al , Sulaiman Hanan , Blooki Mariam Al 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Many studies were published to describe the clinical characteristics of COVID-19, however there is still lack of knowledge and it’s time to take stock of the war against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic before we hit another million in a matter of days. Simply Identifying COVID-19 features will help in mapping the disease and guiding pandemic management. A retrospective review, retrospective study was initiated in SKMC to describe the demographic data, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of COVID-19 cases who were hospitalized during that period. Methods: Confirmed positive COVID-19 sample patients from April 1st 2020 to May 31st 2020 in Sheikh Khalifa Medical City. Clinical characteristics, Demographic data, incubation periods, laboratory findings, and patient outcomes data retrieved from 336 cases in the electronic medical chart (SALAMTAK). Results: The median age was 44 years and 83.9% (n = 282) of the patients were men. The patients with diabetes mellitus being the most common risk factor (25.0%), followed by hypertension (22.9%) and Age ≥60 were (13.4%). Total 36 patients (10.7%) were asymptomatic. The most common symptoms were upper respiratory tract symptoms, manifested as dry cough (70.2%), and followed by fever (54.2%), shortness of breath (43.5%), headache (25.9%) and sore throat (25.3%). Less common symptoms were diarrhea (16.7%) chest pain (14.6%). The maximum length of stay is 32 days. The minimum length of stay in [ICU/HDU] was 1 day and the maximum was 21 days. Conclusion: In this retrospective study, fever and cough were common symptoms. Special attention should be given to patients with risk factors especially patients with one risk factor such as diabetic patients, patients with hypertension and older patients over 60 years as they are the most highly prevalent in this case series. Disease was affecting males and D-dimer was significantly elevated in deceased patients.
Preference of Proteomonas Sulcata Anion Channelrhodopsin for Nitrate Revealed Using a pH Electrode Method
Authors: Kikuchi Chihiro , Kurane Hina , Watanabe Takuma , Demura Makoto , Kikukawa Takashi , Tsukamoto Takashi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Ion channel proteins are physiologically important molecules in living organisms. Their molecular functions have been investigated using electrophysiological methods, which enable quantitative, precise and advanced measurements and thus require complex instruments and experienced operators. For simpler and easier measurements, we measured the anion transport activity of light-gated anion channelrhodopsins (ACRs) using a pH electrode method, which has already been established for ion pump rhodopsins. Using that method, we successfully measured the anion transport activity and its dependence on the wavelength of light, i.e. its action spectra, and on the anion species, i.e. its selectivity or preference, of several ACRs expressed in yeast cells. In addition, we identified the strong anion transport activity and the preference for NO3- of an ACR from a marine cryptophyte algae Proteomonas sulcata, named PsuACR_353. Such a preference was discovered for the first time in microbial pump- or channel-type rhodopsins. Nitrate is one of the most stable forms of nitrogen and is used as a nitrogen source by most organisms including plants. Therefore, PsuACR_353 may play a role in NO3- transport and might take part in NO3--related cellular functions in nature. Measurements of a mutant protein revealed that a Thr residue in the 3rd transmembrane helix, which corresponds to Cys102 in GtACR1, contributed to the preference for NO3-. These findings will be helpful to understand the mechanisms of anion transport, selectivity and preference of PsuACR_353.
Molecular Alterations in Basal Cell Carcinoma Subtypes
Authors: Nardo Lucia Di , Pellegrini Cristina , Stefani Alessandro Di , Ricci Francesco , Fossati Barbara , Regno Laura Del , Carbone Carmine , Piro Geny , Corbo Vincenzo , Delfino Pietro , Summa Simona De , Maturo Maria Giovanna , Rocco Tea , Tortora Giampaolo , Fargnoli Maria Concetta , Peris Ketty 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A number of genes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of BCC in addition to the Hedgehog pathway, which is known to drive the initiation of this tumour.We performed in-depth analysis of 13 BCC-related genes (CSMD1, CSMD2, DPH3 promoter, PTCH1, SMO, GLI1, NOTCH1, NOTCH2, TP53, ITIH2, DPP10, STEAP4, TERT promoter) in 57 BCC lesions (26 superficial and 31 nodular) from 55 patients and their corresponding blood samples. PTCH1 and TP53 mutations were found in 71.9% and 45.6% of BCCs, respectively. A high mutation rate was also detected in CSMD1 (63.2%), NOTCH1 (43.8%) and DPP10 (35.1%), and frequent non-coding mutations were identified in TERT (57.9%) and DPH3 promoter (49.1%). CSMD1 mutations significantly co-occurred with TP53 changes (p=0.002). A significant association was observed between the superficial type of BCC and PTCH1 (p=0.017) and NOTCH1 (p=0.018) mutations. In addition, PTCH1 mutations were significantly associated with intermittent sun exposure (p=0.046) and the occurrence of single lesions (p=0.021), while NOTCH1 mutations were more frequent in BCCs located on the trunk compared to the head/neck and extremities (p=0.001).In conclusion, we provide further insights into the molecular alterations underlying the tumorigenic mechanism of superficial and nodular BCCs with a view towards novel rationale-based therapeutic strategies.
3D Reconstruction of Coronary Artery Stents From Optical Coherence Tomography: Experimental Validation and Clinical Feasibility
Authors: Wu Wei , A. Khan Behram , Sharzehee Mohammadali , Zhao Shijia , Samant Saurabhi , Watanabe Yusuke , Murasato Yoshinobu , Mickley Timothy , Bicek Andrew , Bliss Richard , Burzotta Francesco , Samady Habib , Brilakis Emmanouil S. , Dangas George , Louvard Yves , Stankovic Goran , Dubini Gabriele , Migliavacca Francesco , Kassab Ghassan S. , Edelman Elazer R. , Chiastra Claudio , Chatzizisis Yiannis S. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The structural morphology of stents (e.g. expansion, lumen scaffolding, strut apposition, tissue protrusion, side branch jailing, strut fracture), and the local hemodynamic environment after stent deployment in coronary arteries are key determinants of procedural success and subsequent clinical outcomes. High-resolution intracoronary imaging has the potential to enable the geometrically correct 3D reconstruction of coronary stents. The aim of this work was to present a novel algorithm for 3D stent reconstruction of coronary artery stents by OCT and angiography, and test experimentally its accuracy, reproducibility, clinical feasibility and ability to perform CFD studies. Our method has the following steps: 3D lumen reconstruction by OCT and angiography, stent strut segmentation on OCT images, packaging, rotation and straightening of the segmented struts, and planar unrolling of the segmented struts, planar stent wireframe reconstruction, rolling back of the planar stent wireframe to the 3D reconstructed lumen, and stent volume reconstruction. We tested the accuracy and reproducibility of our method in stented patient-specific silicone models using micro computed tomography and stereoscopy as reference. The clinical feasibility and CFD studies were performed in clinically stented coronary bifurcations. Our experimental and clinical studies showed that our proposed algorithm can reproduce the complex stent configuration in space with high precision and reproducibility. Furthermore, our studies showed that the algorithm is feasible in clinical cases with stents deployed in diseased, bifurcated coronary arteries, enabling CFD studies to assess the hemodynamic environment. Notably, the high accuracy of our algorithm was consistent across different stent designs and diameters. Our method coupled with patient-specific CFD studies can facilitate stenting optimization, training in stenting techniques, and stent research and development.
Sustainability in Quality Improvement (SusQI): Challenges and Strategies for Translating Undergraduate Learning Into Clinical Practice
Authors: Marsden Oliver , Clery Philippa , Smith Stuart d'Arch , Leedham-Green Kathleen 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

The healthcare sector is a major contributor to climate change and there are international calls to mitigate environmental degradation through more sustainable forms of clinical care. The UK healthcare sector has committed to net zero carbon by 2040 and sustainable healthcare is a nationally mandated outcome for all UK graduating doctors who must demonstrate their ability to address social, economic and environmental challenges. Bristol Medical School piloted successful Sustainability in Quality Improvement (SusQI) teaching, but identified challenges translating classroom learning into clinical practice. This paper aims to identify and address those challenges.
Methods

We conducted five focus groups that identified and iteratively explored barriers and facilitators to practice among medical students, comparing a range of experiences to generate a conceptual framework. We then combined our findings with behaviour change theory to generate educational recommendations.
Results

Students that applied their learning to the clinical workplace were internally motivated and self-determined but needed time and opportunity to complete projects. Other students were cautious of disrupting established hierarchies and practices or frustrated by institutional inertia. These barriers impacted on their confidence in suggesting or achieving change. A minority saw sustainable healthcare as beyond their professional role.
Conclusions

We present a series of theoretically informed recommendations. These include wider curricular engagement with concepts of sustainable clinical practice; supportive workplace enablement strategies such as workplace champions and co-creation of improvement goals; and time and headspace for students to engage through structured opportunities for credit-bearing project work.
Identification of Core Gene Biomarkers in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Yang Xiaomeng , Jiang Hong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objective：Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a kind of common hereditary myocardial disease. However, there is still a lack of detailed research in the specific mechanism of HCM. In the present study, gene microarray data were used for bioinformatics analysis to explore differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and signaling pathways between HCM patients and normal control, which would provide suggestion for the prevention and treatment for the further study of HCM.Methods: Gene microarray data of HCM patients and normal control were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database affiliated to National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Gene microarray data of 15 HCM patients and 10 normal people were respectively included. We compared the number of DEGs between the two groups, performed gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis, construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network based on the DEGs detected above.Results: A total of 501 DEGs were selected through analysis, among which 275 were up-regulated and 226 were down-regulated. The DEGs are mainly concentrated in ribosomes, myocardial contractions and various signaling pathways. The down-regulated cellular components and molecular functions of HCM patients were mainly associated with ribosome-related components, and PPI network also found that the DEGs were mainly derived from the ribosome family. Upregulated pathways were mainly enriched in Hippo signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, AMPK signaling pathway, and adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes.Conclusion: By analyzing the DEGs between HCM and normal patients, differentially expressed genes, cellular components and biological processes were found. By exploring the specific mechanism of these DEGs and intervening HCM through various medical procedures, useful suggestions can be provided for targeted prevention, precise treatment and outcome improvement of HCM patients.
Association of Sarcopenic Obesity and Body Composition With Metabolically Unhealthy Overweight/Obese Phenotypes Among Iranian Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jibril Aliyu Tijani , Mirzababaei Atieh , Shiraseb Farideh , Rasaei Niloufar , Mirzaei Khadijeh 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objectives

Obesity is a major risk factor for metabolic syndrome, with its prevalence has increased over the past decade. Major changes in body composition with aging have a significant effect on many clinical outcomes. Sarcopenic obesity consists of both the presence of abnormal adipose tissue with a deficit of muscle mass.
Results

Of the 241 subjects in this study (average age 35.32 years), 176 (73.03%) were classified as MUO phenotype. Based on this study, the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity was 7.88%. We found that high fat-free mass was more strongly and significantly associated with MUO phenotype. Furthermore, we found that individuals with high fat-free mass and high skeletal muscle mass had a significantly low prevalence of MUO phenotype. A significant positive correlation between metabolic phenotypes and sarcopenic obesity was also observed after all potential covariates were adjusted for. These results of this study suggest that increased adiposity and decreased skeletal muscle mass are associated with unfavorable metabolic traits among overweight and obese Iranian women. SO was also found to be associated with a greater risk of developing MUO phenotype.
Age-Dependent Occurrence and Progression of White Matter Hyperintensities in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Sano Eri , Ishida Shimon , Takeuchi Tohru , Nakaya Yoshifumi , Arawaka Shigeki 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
To elucidate the process of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) deterioration in SLE, we here report the occurrence of WMH on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by age group and the WMH deterioration rate in patients with SLE. Age-adjusted ratios of periventricular hyperintensities (PVH) and deep white matter hyperintensities (DWMH) in the SLE group (n = 142) were higher than those in the control group (n = 216, p = 0.003 and p < 0.0001, respectively). The difference was remarkable in middle-aged patients (≥40 and <60 years) (p < 0.0001 for PVH and DWMH). In middle-aged patients with SLE, WMH were associated with factors related to atherosclerosis, including hypertension (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.1–15.8 for PVH and OR, 4.5; 95% CI, 1.1–18.5 for DWMH) and dyslipidemia (OR, 22.2; 95% CI, 1.6–300.5 for PVH). In Kaplan–Meier analysis, the overall rate of one grade WMH deterioration on the Fazekas scale was 8.2% per year after a 15-year follow-up (<60 years, n = 68). WMH in middle-aged patients declined more rapidly than younger patients. Our study reveals that middle-aged patients with SLE pose a risk for developing WMH because of atherosclerotic changes and also can have progressively worsening WMH.
Enhance Smooth Muscle Cells Apoptosis Associated With Pulmonary Arterial Remodeling in Dogs Affected With Pulmonary Hypertension Secondary to Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Sakarin Siriwan , Rungsipipat Anudep , Surachetpong Sirilak Disatian 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) is the most common cause of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in dogs. Medial thickening of the pulmonary artery is a major histopathological change in PH. A decrease in apoptosis of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) may be the cause of medial thickening. This study aimed to demonstrate the expression of apoptosis molecules in the pulmonary artery of dogs affected with PH secondary to DMVD (DMVD+PH) compared to DMVD without PH (DMVD) and healthy dogs (control). Lung samples were collected from three groups including control (n=5), DMVD (n=7) and DMVD+PH (n=7) groups. Masson trichrome and apoptotic proteins including Bax, Bcl2 and caspase-3 and -8, were stained. Results: The medial thickness in the DMVD and DMVD+PH groups was greater than in the control group and it was greatest in the DMVD+PH group. Bax, Bcl2 and caspase-3 and -8 were expressed mainly in the medial layer of the pulmonary artery. The percentages of Bax and caspase-3 and -8 positive cells were higher in the DMVD group compared to the DMVD+PH group, whereas the percentage of Bcl2-positive cells was increased in the DMVD and DMVD+PH groups. These findings suggested that apoptosis of pulmonary arterial SMCs occurred mainly in the DMVD group and decreased dramatically in the DMVD+PH group. Conclusions: An increase in the medial thickness in dogs affected with PH secondary to DMVD may occur due to a decrease in apoptosis of pulmonary arterial SMCs.
The Effect of Comorbidities on Glycemic Control Among Colombian Adults With Diabetes Mellitus: a Longitudinal Approach With Real-world Data
Authors: Urina-Jassir Manuel , Herrera-Parra Lina Johana , Vargas Juliana Alexandra Hernández , Valbuena-García Ana María , Acuña-Merchán Lizbeth , Urina-Triana Miguel 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Achieving an optimal glycemic control has been described to reduce the incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) related complications. The association between comorbidities and glycemic control remains unclear. Our aim is to evaluate the effect of comorbidities on glycemic control in people with DM.Methods: A retrospective longitudinal study on data from the National Registry of Chronic Kidney Disease from 2014 to 2019 in Colombia. The outcome was poor glycemic control (PGC = HbA1c ≥7.0%). The association between each comorbidity (hypertension (HTN), chronic kidney disease (CKD) or obesity) and PGC was evaluated through multivariate mixed effects logistic regression models. The measures of effect were odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). We also evaluated statistical interaction between each comorbidity and ethnicity. Results: From 969,531 people at baseline, 85% had at least one comorbidity; they were older and mostly female. In people with DM and CKD, the odds of having a PGC were 78% (OR: 1.78, CI 95%: 1.55-2.05) higher than those without CKD. Same pattern was observed in obese for whom the odds were 52% (OR: 1.52, CI 95%: 1.31-1.75) higher than in non-obese. Non-significant association was found between HTN and PGC. The association of interest was statistically modified by ethnicity (afro descendant). Conclusions: Prevalence of comorbidities was high in adults with DM. Patients with concomitant CKD or obesity had significantly higher odds of having a PGC.
Performance Evaluation of the Serological Test and Dynamic Changes of Anti-2019-nCoV Antibodies Among COVID‐19 Patients
Authors: Chen Lifeng , Chen Jun , Ren Yi , Du Ronghui , Li Na , Xiang Hao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSerological tests for anti-2019-nCoV antibodies have been developed, however, validation with clinical samples was insufficient and mixed. MethodsA total of 197 patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in the Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital and 114 healthy people were enrolled in this study. The IgM/IgG was measured by chemiluminescence detection kit and the performance of IgM/IgG was assessed through diagnostic test. A smooth spline function was used to fit a possible dynamic changes of antibody content.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity to diagnose COVID-19 were 96.95% and 92.98% for IgG, and 65.99% and 98.25% for IgM, respectively. The period with the highest IgM positive rate (93.75%) was 11 to 13 days after the onset, while the IgG positive rate was almost 100% in the patients whose serum was collected 7 days after onset. Small differences were found in IgM content among mild/regular, severe and critical patients. IgG content in critical patients were highest in the 2-week post-symptom onset group, while the IgG in the severe patients were highest in the 15-28 days and more than 28 days post-symptom onset.ConclusionsSerological testing performed well in the diagnosis for COVID-19, and the positive rate and variance of IgG are higher than those of IgM.