bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Small Dense Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in the Prediction of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ma Ke-Lin , Liu Yi-Xiang , Lian Huang , Sun Li-Xian , Liu Chao , Zhang Ying 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a common acute and severe cardiovascular disease. A growing body of evidence suggests that small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of different lipid indicators, particularly sdLDL-C, in the assessment of AMI.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the hospital database for all consecutive participants who underwent coronary angiography due to the experience of chest pain in our hospital from September 2019 to June 2020. The basic demographic and clinical data and laboratory assay results for all participants were collected and evaluated at admission. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0.Results: A total of 216 patients with AMI, 154 patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP) and 103 healthy subjects were included. The levels of LDL3-7 were significantly different among the three groups (P<0.05). Significant positive correlations were observed between the Gensini score and several variables, including hypertension and levels of glucose, sdLDL-C, TC, and LDL-C (r > 0.1, P < 0.001). The sdLDL-C level in the AMI group was significantly higher than that in the control group in individuals with normal LDL-C (P < 0.001). Based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the area under the curve (AUC) of sdLDL-C for AMI risk was 0.666, which was better than that of other lipids. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the sdLDL-C level was significantly correlated with AMI. A logistic regression model were established based on sdLDL-C and other variables to identify people at high cardiovascular risk, with an AUC of 0.868.Conclusions: Increased sdLDL-C level was an independent risk factor for AMI. sdLDL-C may be a useful parameter for the assessment of AMI and help clinicians classify high-risk cardiovascular disease.
Unexpected DMD Gene Mutations Detected by CMA and CNV-seq in amniotic Fluid and Aborted Fetus Samples
Authors: Wu Qiuhua , Yang Lihui , Jin Qiujie , Wang Rui , Zhai Wen , Wang Yating , Shi Fengrui , Cheng Wenjing , Cai Bo , Qiang Rong , Lou Chao 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) are common X chromosome-linked recessive hereditary diseases. The mechanism is that the exon mutations of anti-myatrophy protein gene (Dystrophin gene) and lead to muscle dysfunction. Prenatal diagnosis can prevent the birth of children with defects and have good clinical significance. Methods: CMA and CNV-seq were used to detect the amniotic fluid after amniocentesis,. CNV-seq was used to detect spontaneous abortion tissue. The DMD gene mutations were found in 6 amniotic fluid samples and one spontaneous abortion sample. DMD gene mutations were confirmed by MLPA and new DMD mutations were found.Results: CMA found DMD mutations :1.Xp21.1, 75.5kb del (E52-53); 2.Xp21.2, 334.92kb dup (E61-79); 3.Xp21.2, 292.25kb dup (E58-74); 4.Xp21.1, 374.20 kb dup (E45-51). CNV-seq found DMD mutations: 5.X p21.2, E64-79 dup; 6.X p21.1, E1-7dup; 7.Xp21.1, E 44-52 del. Conclusions: 4 fetuses harboring DMD gene mutations were found by CMA, 2 fetuses and 1 induced abortion carrying DMD gene mutations was detected by CNV-seq. CMA/CNV-seq jointed with MLPA test can provide more comprehensive evidence for prenatal diagnosis.
Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Risk Perception and Challenges Towards COVID-19 in East Gojjam Zone, North West Ethiopia, Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Tesfaye Bekele , Alene Muluneh , Gietaneh Wodaje , Lamore Yonnas , Mola Mulu , Wube Moges , Mekonen Nackachew , Agazhe Moges , Tafere Yilkal , Gedif Getenet , Alle Atsede , kassie Bekalu , Degu Genet , Gebrie Alemu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Understanding how people perceive the risk of the coronavirus disease outbreak and its impact on undertaking protective behavior can guide the public health policymakers in taking the required measures to limit the magnitude of this outbreak.Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, risk perceptions, and uptake of preventive measures towards COVID-19 in East Gojjam zone.Methods: A mixed method study in order to obtain in-depth behavioral insights related to COVID-19 pandemic prevention measures was conducted in the four randomly selected Woredas of East Gojjam Zone. A flexible data collection tool adapted from World Health Organization (WHO) for quantitative component, and in-depth interview for qualitative component was used. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze quantitative data, and while content analysis was used for qualitative component.Results: In this study, a total of 661 study participants were included. Nearly two-third (65.5%) of respondents is residing in the rural area. Only 59.6% of respondents had better understanding of COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, less-than one-fifth (14.5%) of individuals had favorable attitude towards COVID-19. This study showed that only one-fifth (20.9%) of study participants had good preventive practices. Respondent’s residing in urban area (AOR: 0.1, 95%CI: 0.08, 0.2), who had age between 35 and 45 (AOR: 0.4, 95%CI: 0.2, 0.8), and having secondary and above education level (AOR: 0.2, 95%CI: 0.1, 0.5) had better awareness towards COVID-19 as compared to its counterparts. Similarly, study participants who had better knowledge ((AOR: 3.0, 95%CI: 1.7, 5.5), and residing in urban area had favorable attitude towards COVID-19. Furthermore, respondents with confirmed comorbidity had good preventive practice towards COVID-19.Conclusion and recommendation: In this study, the level of knowledge, attitude and preventive practice towards COVID-19 is low. Residing in rural area, not having formal education, being housewife were factors significantly associated with the poor level of knowledge, attitude, and preventive practice towards COVID-19. Address peoples living in rural area through health professional to create public awareness towards COVID-19 is recommended.
First Isolation, Molecular Characterization, and Serological Survey of Bovine Adenovirus Type 2 in Japan
Authors: Kubota Naoki , Orihara Sho , Kumagai Asuka , Kimura Kumiko , Hatama Shinichi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Bovine adenovirus type 2 (BAdV-2), a member of the Mastadenovirus genus of the Adenoviridae family, is involved in mild respiratory disease and is rarely isolated from cattle in the world. Here, we isolated BAdV-2 for the first time in Japan, from the feces of cattle with severe respiratory symptoms. The isolate, designated strain KY19-1, was identified morphologically and genetically. Electron microscopic observation of infected cells showed intranuclear, non-enveloped virus particles, approximately 70 nm in diameter and with typical adenoviral morphology. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the viral genome is 33,175 bp long, with 105 bp inverted terminal repeats and encoding 32 predicted genes. KY19-1 has a similar genomic organization to the prototype BAdV-2 strain No. 19 with overall 99.1% nucleotide identity. Notable differences were found in the E3 region of the genome, which may affect various biological properties, including pathogenicity. The seroepidemiology of BAdV-2 was also investigated, using a virus-neutralization test, and 92.8 % of the Japanese cattle (n=1,325) were seropositive, with the positivity rate increased by age. Further experimental infections with KY19-1 may elucidate the pathogenic properties of BAdV-2 and the importance of this virus as a causal agent of bovine respiratory disease.
Exploring the Attitudes of Men who Have Sex with Men on Anal Self-Examination for Early Detection of Primary Anorectal Syphilis: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Aung Ei T , Fairley Christopher K , Ong Jason J , Bilardi Jade E , Chen Marcus Y , Chow Eric P.F. , Phillips Tiffany R 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Studies show men who have sex with men (MSM) practising receptive anal sex are more likely to present with secondary syphilis, suggesting anorectal primary lesions are being missed. Regular anal self-examination might be able to detect anorectal syphilis lesions, hence potentially reducing transmission. This study aimed to explore the attitudes of MSM on performing anal self-examination to detect primary syphilis.Methods: In this qualitative study, 20 MSM over 18 years of age were purposively sampled from a sexual health clinic to participate in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and data analysed thematically.Results: Four major themes and 12 sub-themes emerged from the study: (1) reasons for performing anal self-examination, (2) preferred resources for anal self-examination, (3) attitudes towards partner anal examination, and (4) acceptability of anal self-examination.Most participants had performed some form of anal self-examination in the past, and, just over half performed regularly for mostly health-related concerns. Most participants who infrequently or never performed anal self-examination were agreeable to perform regularly if it was recommended by health professionals with appropriate guidance. Participants preferred education on anal self-examination from health professionals and trusted online learning resources. Conclusion: Our study showed MSM were agreeable to anal self-examination however would like to receive education and training to gain more confidence in conducting anal self-examination as a screening tool. Further studies are required to explore the adherence and acceptability of anal self-examination for syphilis prior to studies examining efficacy. Policy implications: The study provides foundation for any future policy aiming at utilising anal self-examination as a screening tool for syphilis among MSM.
Increased PD1 and Glycolysis in CD4+ T Cell Promotes Lymph Node Metastasis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Wu Kun , Han Nan-nan , Zhang Sheng , Li Yan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The presence of cervical lymph node metastasis is one of the poorest prognostic factors in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with 50% reduction in survival of patients with lymph node positive involvement compared to those without. However, it is unknown whether immune checkpoint contributed to metastatic lymph nodes in OSCC patients. Methods: Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining were used to analyze the differences of CD4+ PD1+ T cells between metastatic and negative lymph nodes. RT-PCR was performed to clarify the expression of immune checkpoints and glycolysis related enzymes in metastatic and negative lymph nodes. Kruskal-Wallis tests, Mann-Whitney tests or nonparametric paired test (Wilcoxon matched paired test) were used to analyze the non-parametric distribution of samples. Results: We found that frequency of CD4+ T cells decreased in metastatic lymph nodes (p = 0.0019). In following experiments, immune checkpoints (PD1, PDL1 and CTLA4) of CD4+ T cells were detected in metastatic lymph node (LN+) and paired negative lymph node (LN-) of OSCC patients. The PD1 expression of LN+ was increased markedly compared to LN- (p = 0.0205). Similarly, the PD1 of CD4+ T cells in LN+ was increased significantly compared to LN-. We also found that glycolysis related enzymes levels in CD4+ T cells from LN+ were elevated dramatically compared to LN-. Moreover, PD1 and Hk2 expression of CD4+ T cells was increased in metastatic lymph nodes of OSCC patients with prior surgical treatment compared to those without. Conclusions: These findings suggested that increased PD1 and glycolysis in CD4+ T cell may serve as a pivotal regulator of OSCC metastatic lymph nodes via elevating glycolysis related enzymes level, especially in Hk2.
Understanding Voter Turnout Through Big Data Analytics
Authors: Hua Kueh Chong , Jamil Jastini Mohd , Shaharanee Izwan Nizal Mohd , Sheng Ang Jin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In the concept of democracy, citizens can come out to vote and choose who they would prefer to lead the country in a competitive election. Malaysia is one of the countries that practicing democracy in shaping the country’s future. There is a total of 14 general elections held in Malaysia. The turnout rate of the 2013 general election, 84.8% is the highest record in Malaysia history. However, the actual participation rate is considered lower when voter turnout is compared to voting age population and the number of eligible voters. Thus, this study’s objective is to predict Malaysian turnout in the general election in Malaysia using classification tree algorithms. This dataset used in this study are the Asian Barometer Survey 2010 and 2014 dataset. The three selection decision tree algorithms used in this study are CHAID, CART, and C5.0. Among these three methods, CHAID perform the best to predict the Malaysian turnout in Malaysia’s general election.
Overexpression of the dystrophins Dp40 and Dp40L170P modifies neurite outgrowth and the protein expression profile of PC12 cells
Authors: García-Cruz César , Merino-Jiménez Candelaria , Aragón Jorge , Ceja Víctor , González-Assad Brenda , Reyes-Grajeda Juan Pablo , Montanez Cecilia 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Dp40 is ubiquitously expressed, including in the central nervous system. Dp40 mRNA and protein are detected in the early stages and postnatal stages of the mouse brain, respectively. In addition to being present in the nucleus, membrane, and cytoplasm, Dp40 is detected in neurites and postsynaptic spines in hippocampal neurons. Although Dp40 is expressed from the same promoter as Dp71, its role in the cognitive impairment present in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients is still unknown. Here, we studied the effects of overexpression of Dp40 and Dp40L170P (a mutant of Dp40) during the neuronal differentiation process of PC12 Tet-On cells. We found that Dp40 overexpression increased the percentage of PC12 cells with neurites and neurite length, while Dp40L170P overexpression decreased them compared to Dp40 overexpression. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis analysis carried out in nerve growth factor-differentiated PC12-Dp40L170P cells showed that the protein expression profile was modified compared to that of the control cells (PC12 Tet-On). The proteins with the highest upregulated expression were α-internexin and S100a6, which are involved in cytoskeletal structure. The expression of vesicle-associated membrane proteins increased in differentiated PC12-Dp40 cells, in contrast to PC12-Dp40L170P cells, while neurofilament light-chain was decreased in both differentiated cells. HspB1 was absent in undifferentiated cells and weakly detected in all differentiated cells. These results suggest that the subcellular distribution and expression of Dp40 has an important role in the neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells through the regulation of proteins involved in neurofilaments and exocytosis of synaptic vesicles, functions that might be affected in PC12-Dp40L170P.
Why Clinical Nurses Couldn’t Adhere to Standard Precautions Adequately Despite their High Adherence Intention? A Quantile Regression Approach
Authors: Kim Jin Suk , Lee Eunhee 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Standard precautions (SPs) are the minimum healthcare-associated infection (HAI) prevention practice, which is important for preventing HAIs in all healthcare settings. This study aimed to investigate adherence to SPs using a survey and surveillance, and the factors affecting observed adherence to SPs. Methods: This study included 163 clinical nurses who were directly involved in patient care to examine the adherence to SPs. We compared the adherence according to the investigative methods and represented them by box plots. Quantile regression analysis was used to identify the factors affecting the observed adherence to SPs to determine the factors influencing each adherence quantile. Results: The observed adherence to SPs was 76.8 out of 100 points, while the self-reported adherence to SPs was approximately 95 points. Among the SP components, the observed adherence to hand hygiene was under 70 points, which was the lowest score. The statistically significant factors were self-reported adherence and work experience in the 25% quantile, self-reported adherence and working department in the 50% quantile, and nothing in the 75% quantile. Conclusion: Since inadequate adherence to SPs might lead to increase HAIs, we should consider both individual and organizational risk factors and construct prevention strategies for adequate adherence to SPs.
The Effect of Thyroid Hormones on Sarcopenia in a Chinese Elderly Population
Authors: Chen Jihai , Xu Wenli , Zhu Xiaoxia , Shi Xiaolan , Ren Jia , Sheng Yunlu , Ding Guoxian , Ouyang Xiaojun , Duan Yu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose Sarcopenia is a common disease in the elderly. The change of hormone levels with age is proposed to be involved in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia, but the effect of thyroid hormones (THs) on sarcopenia is unclear. In this study, we aimed to analyze the effect of THs on sarcopenia.Methods Total 309 elderly subjects (122 females and 187 males) with an average age of 85.19 ± 7.8 years were enrolled. Participants were divided into four groups (non-sarcopenia, sarcopenia, possible sarcopenia and serve sarcopenia) based on the consensus of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia in 2019. Serum levels of total triiodothyronine (TT3), free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroxine (T4), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), reverse triiodothyronine (rT3), and thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) were measured. Muscle mass was measured by multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Grip was measured by spring-type dynamometer. Walking speed was represented by 6-minute walk test. Results The levels of FT3, TT3 and TSH were significantly different in four groups. Partial correlation analysis (adjusted by age and gender) indicated that FT3, TT3 and TSH had significant correlation with hand grip. In addition, TT3 was correlated with walking speed. Regression analysis showed that TT3 was a protective factor for sarcopenia and hand grip, and TSH was a protective factor for severe sarcopenia. Conclusions T3 plays a protective role in sarcopenia, and this effect is achieved by affecting muscle strength but not muscle mass and gait speed. Moreover, compared with FT3, this study suggested that TT3 was more suitable to evaluate the relationship between thyroid and sarcopenia in elderly.
Study Cellular Hypoxic Response under Cyclic Oxygen Gradients Generated in Microfluidic Devices Using Real-Time Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Chang Dao-Ming , Tung Yi-Chung 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In this paper, an integrated approach to study cellular hypoxic response under cyclic oxygen gradients is developed. In the experiments, a cell culture system based on a microfluidic device is constructed to generate cyclic oxygen gradients with fast response. The oxygen gradient is generated by alternatively introducing gases with specific compositions by a computer-controlled gas supply system into the microfluidic channels next to the cell culture one separated by thin channel walls. Observation of cellular hypoxic responses is performed using real-time fluorescence imaging of dyes sensitive to extra-and intra-cellular oxygen tensions as well as intracellular calcium concentrations. The capability of consistent cyclic oxygen gradient generation is confirmed by characterizing spatiotemporal oxygen tension profiles within the device. In the cell experiments, cellular hypoxic responses of human aortic smooth muscle cells (AoSMCs) and lung carcinoma epithelium (A549) cells including intracellular oxygen and calcium levels are measured. The relationships between the oxygen probe intensity and extracellular oxygen tension for both cell types are highly linear, and difference between the intensity measured from the two cell types is observed between 4 to 8% O2 culture environment. In addition, both cell types show detectable intracellular calcium concentration variation when the environmental O2 varies between normoxia and lower than 4%. The AoSMCs and A549 cells show decrease and increase of the intracellular calcium concentration during hypoxic response when facing change from normoxia to hypoxia environments, respectively. With the capability of real-time cellular responses monitoring under cyclic oxygen gradients, the developed approach provides a useful scheme to investigate cellular hypoxic response in vitro under microenvironments mimicking various in vivo physiological and pathological conditions.
Laser ablation of silicon with THz bursts of femtosecond pulses: an experimental and theoretical investigation
Authors: Gaudiuso Caterina , Terekhin Pavel N. , Volpe Annalisa , Nolte Stefan , Rethfeld Bärbel , Ancona Antonio 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In this work, we performed an experimental investigation supported by a theoretical analysis, to improve knowledge on the laser ablation of silicon with THz bursts of femtosecond laser pulses. Laser ablated craters have been created using 200 fs pulses at a wavelength of 1030 nm on silicon samples systematically varying the burst features and comparing to the Normal Pulse Mode (NPM). Using bursts in general allowed reducing the thermal load to the material, however, at the expense of the ablation rate. The higher the number of pulses in the bursts and the lower the intra-burst frequency, the lower is the specific ablation rate. However, bursts at 2 THz led to a higher specific ablation rate compared to NPM, in a narrow window of parameters. Theoretical investigations based on the numerical solution of the density-dependent two temperature model revealed that lower lattice temperatures are reached with more pulses and lower intra-burst frequencies, thus supporting the experimental evidence of the lower thermal load in Burst Mode (BM). This is ascribed to the weaker transient drop of reflectivity, which suggests that with bursts less energy is transferred from the laser to the material. This also explains the trends of the specific ablation rates. Moreover, we found that two-photon absorption plays a fundamental role during BM processing in the THz frequency range.
Arthrospira platensis Mediated Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles as Breast Cancer Proliferation and Differentiation Controlling agent: In-vitro and In-vivo Safety Approach
Authors: Deeb Nehal El , Abo-Eleneen Mai , Awad Omyma , Aboshady Atef 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Biogenic Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most fascinating nanomaterials used in biomedical purposes. In the current study, we biosynthesized AgNPs using Arthrospira platensis, Microcystis aeruginosa and Chlorella vulgarisactive metabolites and evaluate their efficacy against breast cancer. The recovered AgNPs was characterized using scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). The safety usage of bio-AgNPs was tested in-vitro on PBMCs cells and in-vivo. The obtained results indicated the safety usage of bio-AgNPs at concentration 0.1 mg/ml on PBMCs cells and 1.5mg/ml on the tested Albino mice. The bio-AgNPs displayed dose-dependent cytotoxicity (0.1 mg/ml) against HepG-2, CaCO-2 and MCF-7 cell lines via ROS induction and arresting treated cells in G0/G1 and sub G0 phases. In addition, Arthrospira bio-AgNPs treatment induced cellular apoptosis in breast cancer cells via the down regulation of survivin, MMP7, TGF and Bcl2 genes expressions. Upon Arthrospira bio-AgNPs treatment, a great delay in tumor growth and prolonged survival were recorded in breast cancer mice model. Furthermore, after Arthrospira bio-AgNPs treatment, a great reduction in Ki 67 protein marker from 60% to be 20% and was recorded and an elevation in Caspase 3 protein levels was recorded in treated groups with percentage 65% comparing with 45% in Doxorubicin treated groups.