bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Herpesvirus Infections and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Mendelian Randomization Study&nbsp;
Authors: Huang Shu-Yi , Yang Yu-Xiang , Kuo Kevin , Li Hong-Qi , Shen Xue-Ning , Chen Shi-Dong , Cui Mei , Tan Lan , Dong Qiang , Yu Jin-Tai 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundObservational studies have suggested that herpesvirus infection increased the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but it is unclear whether the association is causal. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the causal relationship between four herpesvirus infections and AD. MethodsWe performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to investigate association of four active herpesvirus infections with AD using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies. The four herpesvirus infections (i.e., chickenpox, shingles, cold sores, mononucleosis) are caused by varicella-zoster virus, herpes simplex virus type 1, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), respectively. A large summary statistics data from International Genomics of Alzheimer’s Project was used in primary analysis, including 21,982 AD cases and 41,944 controls. Validation was further performed using family history of AD data from UK Biobank (27,696 cases of maternal AD, 14,338 cases of paternal AD and 272,244 controls).ResultsWe found evidence of a suggestive association between mononucleosis (caused by EBV) and risk of AD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.634, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.092-2.446, P = 0.017) after Bonferroni correction. It has been verified in validation analysis that mononucleosis is also associated with family history of AD (OR [95% CI] = 1.392 [1.061, 1.826], P=0.017). Genetically predicted shingles were associated with AD risk (OR [95% CI] = 0.867 [0.784, 0.958], P = 0.005). While genetically predicted chickenpox was suggestively associated with increased family history of AD (OR [95% CI] = 1.147 [1.007, 1.307], P = 0.039).ConclusionsOur findings provided evidence supporting a positive relationship between mononucleosis and AD, indicating a causal link between EBV infection and AD. Further elucidations of this association and underlying mechanisms are likely to identify feasible interventions to promote AD prevention.
Influence of InP&nbsp;Coupling Cavity on Fano Resonance of Sub Wavelength MIM&nbsp;Waveguide
Authors: Ban Shihao , Liu Huangqing , Xiao Shifang , Mao Jingjing , Luo Jie 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this paper, influence of InP coupling cavity (height H2) on Fano resonance of sub wavelength MIM waveguide was studied by FDTD. It was observed redshift of the resonance peaks of mode mj (j=1, 2, 3) with H2 increase and the resonant wavelengths of mode mj (j=1, 2, 3) were a function of the height H2. Before and after the addition of air cavity, the relative farfield intensities I was a function of height H2. Therefore, InP as discrete state would be used as the filling dielectrics of Fano resonance in the MIM waveguide.
Atypical Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration with Variable Phenotypes in an Egyptian Family
Authors: Shalash Ali , Rösler Thomas , Abdelrahman Ibrahim , Abulmakarem Hatem , Müller Stefanie , Hopfner Franziska , Kuhlenbäumer Gregor , Höglinger Günter , Salama Mohamed 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) is a rare hereditary neurodegenerative disease characterized by an accumulation of iron within the brain. In the present report, we describe a family with 4 affected siblings presenting with variable clinical manifestations, e.g., parkinsonian features, dystonia and slow disease progression over 5 years. Exome sequencing revealed a causative variant in the pantothenate kinase 2 gene (PANK2). Variant NM_024960.6:c.710C > T was homozygous in all affected subjects. Our report describes the first genetically confirmed cases of PKAN in the Egyptian population. Studying genetics of neurodegenerative diseases in different ethnicities is very important for determining clinical phenotypes and understanding pathomechanisms of these diseases.
Vaccination strategy and anti - SARS-CoV-2 S titers in healthcare workers of the INT – IRCCS “Fondazione Pascale” Cancer Center (Naples, Italy)
Authors: Cavalcanti Ernesta , Isgrò Maria Antonietta , Rea Domenica , Capua Lucia Di , Trillò Giusy , Russo Luigi , Botti Gerardo , Miscio Leonardo , Buonaguro Franco Maria , Bianchi Attilio Antonio Montano 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the resulting disease, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), have spread to millions of people globally, requiring the development of billions of different vaccine doses. The SARS-CoV-2 spike mRNA vaccine (named BNT162b2/Pfizer), authorized by the FDA, has shown high efficacy in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection after administration of two doses in individuals 16 years of age and older. In the present study, we retrospectively evaluated the differences in the SARS-CoV-2 humoral immune response after vaccine administration in the two different cohorts of workers at the INT - IRCCS “Fondazione Pascale” Cancer Center (Naples, Italy): previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2 subjects and not exposed to SARS-CoV-2 subjects.Methods: We determined specific anti-RBD (receptor-binding domain) titers against trimeric spike glycoprotein (S) of SARS-CoV-2 by Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S immunoassay in serum samples of 35 healthcare workers with a previous documented history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and 158 healthcare workers without, after 1 and 2 doses of vaccine, respectively. Moreover, geometric mean titers and relative fold changes (FC) were calculated.Results: Both previously exposed and not exposed to SARS-CoV-2 subjects developed significant immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 after the administration of 1 and 2 doses of vaccine, respectively. Anti-S antibody responses to the first dose of vaccine were significantly higher in previously SARS-CoV-2-exposed subjects in comparison to titers of not exposed subjects after the first as well as the second dose of vaccine. Fold changes for subjects previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2 was very modest, given the high basal antibody titer, as well as the upper limit of 2500.0 BAU/mL imposed by the Roche methods. Conversely, for naïve subjects, mean fold change following the first dose was low ( =1.6), reaching 3.8 FC in 72 subjects (45.6%) following the second dose.Conclusions: The results showed that, as early as the first dose, SARS-CoV-2-exposed individuals developed a remarkable and statistically significant immune response in comparison to those who did not contract the virus previously, suggesting the possibility of administering only one dose in previously SARS-CoV-2-exposed subjects. FC for previously exposed subjects should not be taken into account for the generally high pre-vaccination values. Conversely, FC for not exposed subjects, after the second dose, were = 3.8 in >45.0% of vaccinees, and ≤3.1 in 19.0%, the latter showing a potential susceptibility to further SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Practices in the Helicopter Emergency Medical Services in Europe
Authors: Hilbert-Carius Peter , Struck Manuel F , Rudolph Marcus , Knapp Jürgen , Rognås Leif , Adler Jörn , Slagt Cor , Jacobsen Lars , Pich Henryk , Christian Michael D , Dandrifosse Didier , Abu-Zidan Fikri 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The extent to which Point-of-care of ultrasound (POCUS) is used in different European helicopter EMS (HEMS) is unknown. We aimed to study the availability, perception, and future aspects of POCUS in the European HEMS. Methods: A survey about the use of POCUS in HEMS was conducted by a multinational steering expert committee and was carried out from November 30, 2020 to December 30, 2020 via an online web portal. Invitations for participation were sent via email to the medical directors of the European HEMS organizations including two reminders. Results: During the study period, 69 participants from 25 countries and 41 different HEMS providers took part in the survey. 96% (n=66) completed the survey. POCUS was available in 75% of the responding HEMS organizations when needed (56% always, and 19% occasionally). 17% were planning to establish POCUS in the near future. Responders who provided POCUS used it in approximately 15% of the patients. Participants thought that POCUS is important in both trauma and non-trauma-patients (73%, n=46). The extended focused assessment sonography for trauma (eFAST) protocol (77%) was the most common used protocol. A POCUS credentialing process including documented examinations was requested in less than one third of the HEMS organizations.Conclusions: The majority of the HEMS organizations in Europe are able to provide different POCUS protocols in their services. The most used POCUS protocols were eFAST, FATE and RUSH. Despite the enthusiasm for POCUS, comprehensive training and clear credentialing processes are lacking in about two thirds of the European HEMS organizations.
Beneficial effects of traditional Chinese medicine Wuzhi Capsule on tacrolimus dose requirements in liver transplant patients with different donor-recipient CYP3A5 genotypes
Authors: Kou Kai , Sun Xiaodong , Li Mingqian , Li Ting , Hu Yuelei , Li Shuxuan , Lv Guoyue 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background/Aims: Tacrolimus (Tac) is an immunosuppressant that is widely used to prevent allograft rejection in patients after liver transplantation. Recently, a Chinese herbal medicine known as Wuzhi Capsule (WZC) was shown to increase Tac blood concentrations by inhibiting the activity of CYP3A5 in animal studies in rats. To date, it remains unexplored whether WZC can be used to reduce the dose requirement for Tac in liver transplant patients with different donor-recipient CYP3A5 genotypes. Materials and Methods: A total of 185 liver transplant patients were enrolled and were divided into four groups according to the combinations of donor-recipient CYP3A5 phenotypes. WZC was given to patients who had C0/D of Tac ≤ 1 ng/ml per mg and required a dose of Tac ≥ 4 mg. Results: The R+/D+ group had the lowest C0, C0/D, and C0/D/W among the four groups. Furthermore, a larger proportion of patients in the CYP3A5 expression groups required Tac dose adjustment to achieve a therapeutic effect and were given Tac with WZC. Notably, the use of WZC significantly increased the blood concentrations of Tac in the CYP3A5 expression groups. Conclusion: WZC significantly increased the C0, C0/D, and C0/D/W in the CYP3A5 expression groups.
Long Follow-up Surgical Results in 284 Cases of Clival Chordomas: The Risk Factors for Outcome and Tumor Recurrence
Authors: bai jiwei , Li Mingxuan , Shi Jianxin , Jing Liwei , Zhai Yixuan , Zhang Shuheng , Wang Junmei , Zhao Peng , Li Chuzhong , Gui Songbai , Zhang Yazhuo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Skull-base chordoma (SBC) is rare and one of the most challenging diseases to treat. We aimed to assess the optimal timing of adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) and evaluate the factors that influence resection and long-term outcomes.METHODS: In total, 284 patients with 382 surgeries were enrolled in this retrospective study. Postsurgically, 64 patients underwent RT before recurrence (pre-recurrence RT), and 47 patients underwent RT after recurrence. During the first attempt to achieve gross-total resection (GTR), when the entire tumor was resected, 268 patients were treated with an endoscopic midline approach, and 16 patients were treated with microscopic lateral approaches. Factors associated with the success of GTR were identified using c2 and logistic regression analyses. Risk factors associated with chordoma-specific survival (CSS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were evaluated with the Cox proportional hazards model.RESULTS: In total, 74.6% of tumors were marginally resected [GTR (40.1%); near-total resection (34.5%)]. History of surgery, large tumor volumes and tumor locations in the lower clivus were associated with a lower GTR rate. The mean follow-up period was 43.9 months. At last follow-up, 181 (63.7%) patients were alive. RT history, histologic subtype (dedifferentiated and sarcomatoid), non-GTR, no postsurgical RT, and the presence of metastasis were associated with poorer CSS. Patients with pre-recurrence RT had the longest PFS and CSS, while patients without postsurgical RT had the worst outcome.CONCLUSION: GTR is the goal of initial surgical treatment. Pre-recurrence RT would improve outcome regardless of GTR.
Poly (N-vinyl Imidazole)/Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Quantum Dot Hydrogel Adsorbent With Remarkable Capability for Metal Ion Removal From Aqueous Systems
Authors: Massoudi Solmaz , Bagheri Massoumeh , Hosseini Maryam 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Influence of Nordic Walking Training on Vitamin D Level in the Blood and Quality of Life Among Women Aged 65-74
Authors: Podsiadło Szymon , Skiba Agnieszka , Kałuża Anna , Ptaszek Bartłomiej , Stożek Joanna , Marchewka Anna 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Introduction. Demographic forecasts indicate the progressive aging process of societies in all countries worldwide. The extension of life span may be accompanied by deterioration of its quality resulting from a decrease in physical activity, mental or even social performance, and a deficit in certain chemical compounds responsible for proper functioning of the body. Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of a 12-week Nordic walking (NW) training intervention on the level of vitamin D in the blood and quality of life among women aged 65-74 years.Materials and methods. The study comprised 37 women aged 65-74 (x=68.08, SD=4.2). The subjects were randomly assigned to 2 groups: experimental group (NW), which consisted of 20 women who underwent an intervention in the form of Nordic walking training for 12 weeks, and the control group (C), including 17 women who underwent observation. In the experimental group, training sessions were held 3 times a week for 1 hour. At that time, the C group was not subject to any intervention. The SF-36 questionnaire was used to measure quality of life. Vitamin D was assessed based on the results of biochemical blood tests. The analysed parameters were assessed twice - before and after the completed intervention or observation.Results. Comparison of the results regarding trials 1 and 2 allowed to note statistically significant improvement in quality of life for all health components and factors in the NW group. Analysis of vitamin D levels demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the NW group. In group C, no significant changes in the analysed parameters were observed.Conclusions. Regularly undertaking Nordic walking training significantly influences the improvement of self-evaluation regarding the components of physical and mental health, as well as the concentration of vitamin D in women aged 65-74 years.
Identification of LOC338963 and AP3B2 as Potential Biomarkers for Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome
Authors: Yang Fei , Jing Feng , Li Yang , Kong Shanshan , Zhang Shimin , Huo Yunyun , Huang Xusheng , Yu Shengyuan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a rare neuromuscular junction disorder associated with muscle weakness and small-cell lung cancer. Here, we used microarray analysis to identify long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) that might serve as biomarkers for LEMS.Methods: Plasma lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles of three patients with paraneoplastic LEMS and three healthy controls were analyzed using Arraystar Human lncRNA Microarray v4.0. Differentially expressed lncRNAs and adjacent mRNAs were analyzed jointly, and candidates were verified in individual samples by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The identified lncRNAs and mRNAs were evaluated in nine patients with paraneoplastic LEMS, eight patients with non-tumor LEMS, and four patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Results: A total of 320 lncRNAs were differentially expressed in patients with paraneoplastic LEMS compared to healthy controls (fold change >1.5, P < 0.05), and nine were further evaluated. One of the identified lncRNAS, LOC338963 (NR_031439), is known to regulated the expression of the mRNA AP3B2, and both were upregulated more than 2-fold in patients with paraneoplastic LEMS compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analysis revealed significant upregulation of LOC338963 (NR_031439) and AP3B2 expression in patients with paraneoplastic LEMS compared to those with either non-tumor LEMS (2.37- and 5.06-fold, respectively) or SCLC (4.36- and 14.97-fold, respectively).Conclusions: Plasma LOC338963 (NR_031439) and AP3B2 were found to be upregulated in LEMS and might be used as diagnostic biomarkers for this disease.
Prognostic analysis of neutralizing antibody levels in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Liu Xu , Xian Loo Jun , Yang Bo , Zhang Rong , Zhou Juan , Chen Chen , Zheng Yang , Jing Zhang , Men Dong , Huang Lvshuai , Chen Yinghong , Daohai Lu , xiaohua chen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

In the high incidence period of COVID-19, it is very important to quickly classify and evaluate the prognosis of patients through limited clinical antibody data.
Methods

Chemiluminescence immunoassay was used to detect serum IgM and IgG concentrations in 1951 patients diagnosed with COVID-19, and R language was used to analyze the influence of factors such as antibody, age, gender and concomitant diseases on the prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 patients.
Results

The results showed that the incidence of COVID-19 was consistent with the characteristics of the elderly, and patients with hypertension, diabetes, stroke, hypoalbuminemia and anemia were at increased risk of critical illness (p < 0.05). The analysis of antibodies results showed that there were no significant difference in antibodies concentration between COVID-19 patients of different ages. While there were no significant difference in antibodies concentration between mild and severe patients, the expression levels of serum IgM and IgG in critically ill patients decreased (p = 0.000 and 0.013), and high IgM and IgG concentration could reduce the incidence of critical illness (p = 0.003 and 0.015). Except in the 41–60 and 91–100 age groups, the simultaneous low expression of IgM and IgG in COVID-19 patients was significantly positively correlated with the severity of illness (p = 0.000).
Conclusions

IgM and IgG were important prognostic factors for COVID-19 patients. It was hence vital to carry out special clinical classification for the management and early intervention for patients with low IgM/IgG concentrations and with concomitant diseases.
Knowledge, Practices and Factors Affecting Exclusive Breastfeeding among Lactating Mothers with Babies aged 6 months to 1 year attending Magomeni Reproductive and Child Health Clinic, Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam: Descriptive Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Bernard Anacletus , Musa Frank M. , Peter Dedius E. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Exclusive Breastfeeding defined as the infant has to receive only breast milk from his/her mother with the exception of other kinds of food for six months. Exclusive Breastfeeding helps to prevent diseases to infants and it reduces risk of ovarian cancer to mother. Methodology: Descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 124 lactating mothers with infants aged 6 months to one year attending Magomeni RCH Clinic in Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam. Simple random sampling procedure was used to obtain 124 lactating mothers. Data was collected from mothers who agreed to participate and signed the consent form by the use of close ended Swahili version questionnaire on assessing knowledge, practices and factors affecting Exclusive Breastfeeding among Lactating Mothers with Babies aged 6 months to 1 year attending Magomeni Reproductive and Child Health Clinic in Kinondoni district, Dar es Salaam.Result: About 74 (59.7%) respondents had high knowledge on EBF and 92 (74.2%) respondents initiated breastfeeding within one hour after delivery while 77 (62.1%) practiced exclusive breastfeeding. Findings show that 64(51.6%) respondents denied that exclusive breastfeeding causes loss of shape of their breasts while 48 (38.7%) respondents accepted that exclusive breastfeeding causes loss of shape of their breasts. Only 12 (9.7%) respondents didn’t know if EBF causes loss of breasts shape or not. Moreover, 19 (15.3%) respondents had physical difficulties/problems like cracking of nipples, inadequate milk, while 105(84.7%) didn’t get any physical difficult. Therefore there is significant association between mothers belief of losing shapes of their breasts and EBF (p=0.05). Physical difficulties/problems to lactating mothers study is significantly associated with EBF (p = 0.000).Conclusion: The overall knowledge among the lactating mothers with babies aged six months to one year was high and had good exclusive breast feeding practice. Although majority of the respondents are knowledgeable about EBF, the results show a gap between knowledge and actual practice within six months which is a recommended duration for Exclusive Breast feeding.
Hospital case-volume and mortality after ovarian cancer surgery: a population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kim Bo Rim , Kim Heewon , Joo Se-gyeong , Jang Eun Jin , Jo Junwoo , Lee Hannah , Ryu Ho Geol 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

The goal of ovarian cancer surgery has recently shifted from optimal cytoreduction to more complete resection. This study attempted to reassess and update the association between surgical case-volume and both in-hospital and long-term mortality after ovarian cancer surgery using recent data.
Methods

Data from all adult patients who underwent ovarian cancer surgery in Korea between 2004 and 2017 were obtained from the database of Korean National Health Insurance Service. Hospitals were categorized by average annual number of surgeries considering overall distribution of case-volume. Postoperative in-hospital and 1, 3, 5-year mortality were analyzed using logistic regression.
Results

During the study period, 23,487 ovarian cancer surgeries were performed in 354 hospitals. High-, medium-, and low-volume centers were defined as > 100 cases/year, 30–100 cases/year, and < 30 cases/year, respectively. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in medium-volume (1.63%; adjusted odds ratio, 2.28; confidence interval, 1.64–3.17; P < 0.001) and low-volume (1.62%; adjusted odds ratio; 2.12; confidence interval, 1.55–2.90; P < 0.001) centers compared to high-volume centers (1.13%). In addition, 1-year mortality after ovarian cancer surgery was 6.26%, 7.07%, and 8.06% for high-volume, medium-volume, and low-volume centers, respectively, and the differences among the groups were significant. However, case-volume effect was not apparent in 3- and 5-year mortality after ovarian cancer surgery.
Conclusions

Case-volume effect was observed for in-hospital and 1-year mortality after ovarian cancer surgery while no clear association was found between the case-volume and 3- or 5-year mortality.