bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound Study of Layer-specific Strain and Perfusion of Left Ventricular Myocardium in Patients With Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Tang Sha , Guan Lina , Mu Yuming 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTo investigate the changes in deformation and myocardial microcirculation perfusion of left ventricular three-layer myocardium in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) by using speckle tracking imaging (STI) and myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE).MethodsTwenty-four patients with DCM and 19 healthy controls were selected. Two-dimensional and MCE dynamic images of apical four-chamber, two-chamber, and three-chamber sections and left ventricular mitral valve, papillary muscle and apex sections were collected. The peak values of longitudinal strain (LS), circumferential strain (CS), cross-sectional area of a microvessel (A) and average myocardial microvascular lesion (β) were obtained by Qlab 10.8 workstation values, and myocardial blood flow (MBF) was calculated with A×β to evaluate the deformation and coronary microvascular perfusion of left ventricular three-layer myocardium.ResultsThe brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVEDS), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), left atrial volume index (LAVI), E peak in early diastolic period/A peak velocity in late diastolic period (E/A) and average E/e' in the DCM group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05); left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening (FS) rate, stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), A peak, and the e' and a' velocities of both the lateral wall and interventricular septum were smaller than those in the control group (P<0.05). The LS, CS, A, β, and A×β of the DCM group were all lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The pattern of myocardial strain and perfusion among myocardial layers was subendocardial>middle>subepicardial. The correlation coefficients of LS with A, β, and A×β were -0.500, -0.279 and -0.190, respectively, and the correlation coefficients of CS with A, β, and A×β were -0.383, -0.255 and -0.208, respectively.ConclusionsThe deformation of the three-layer myocardium and coronary microcirculation perfusion in DCM patients were diffusely damaged from the endocardium to the epicardium, layer by layer. The longitudinal function of the left ventricular myocardium was closely related to changes in myocardial microcirculation perfusion.
Effects of Stand Features and Soil Enzyme Activity on Spontaneous Pedunculate Oak Regeneration in Scots Pine Dominated Stands – Implication for Forest Management
Authors: Dobrowolska Dorota , Kurek Przemysław , Olszowska Grażyna , Bolibok Leszek 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundA challenge in current forestry is adaptation of managed forests to climate change, which is likely to alter the main processes of forest dynamics, i.e. natural regeneration. Scots pine will probably lose some parts of its distribution area in Europe. However, two native oaks, pedunculate and sessile may maintain or expand the area of their occurrence in central Europe. The utilization of spontaneous (not initialized by foresters) oak regeneration in Scots pine stands for the creation of next generation stands is one of the adaptation methods to climate change. Many factors influencing pedunculate oak regeneration are well known, but there is a lack of knowledge on the relation between soil enzyme activity and the establishment and development of the species. The aim of the study was to identify the relationships among stand characteristics, herb species composition, soil enzyme activity and the establishment or recruitment of oak regeneration in Scots pine-dominated stands. ResultsThe one of the most influential factors shaping the oak seedling count was dehydrogenase activity in the humus horizon. We found that plots without litter and fern cover had higher seedling density. The raspberry ground cover and birch crown projection area had a positive influence on oak seedling number. The factor indicating good conditions for high density of oak saplings was phosphatase activity in the organic horizon. The same enzyme activity but in humus horizon described conditions in which more numerous recruits were observed.ConclusionsThe activity of soil enzymes can be treated as a predictor of site conditions but also as a predictor of the establishment and advancement of oak regeneration. The general density of spontaneous oak regeneration was not sufficient for the creation of new generation forest stands dominated by oak, but it is possible to use them as admixtures in new generation stands.
A Task-shifting and Family-focused Approach Towards Mental Health Care for Youth Living in Refugee Camps
Authors: Scharpf Florian , Hecker Tobias 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: In humanitarian emergencies with few specialist resources for mental health care, it is a practical and ethical necessity to allocate available resources to interventions that target youth most in need of support and address contextually relevant factors of influence. Based on the findings of an extensive epidemiological observational study with 230 Burundian refugee youth aged 7 to 15 years and both their caregivers in three refugee camps, we propose a multi-layered mental health service model that is characterized by task-shifting from professionals to non-professionals, close-meshed collaboration between different agencies within camps and inclusion of families at all stages. Discussion: The model prioritizes the identification of youth with clinically relevant mental health problems through extensive screening, who are then provided with trauma- and/or family-focused interventions depending on a more detailed assessment of needs. We emphasize the importance of incorporating evidence-based interventions and evaluating all model components and discuss caveats and limitations concerning the implementation of the model. Conclusion: The paper aims to sensitize researchers and practitioners in the field of mental health care for youth in refugee and other humanitarian settings to the importance of conducting epidemiological assessments of the specific need for interventions and of contextually relevant intervention targets.
LncRNA PSMG3-AS1 Downregulates miR-340 through Methylation to Upregulate ROCK1 and Promote Cell Invasion and Migration in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wang Xiyong , Yang Yang , Dai Yu , Zhang Hongming , Xia Honglin , Kan Qingsheng 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: LncRNA PSMG3‑AS1 plays oncogenic role in breast cancer. However, its role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is hardly known. We then studied the role of PSMG3‑AS1 in NSCLC.Methods: RT-qPCR was performed to determine the expression of PSMG3‑AS1 in NSCLC and non-tumor tissues from 60 NSCLC patients. A survival analysis was carried out to visit patients for 5 years to study the role PSMG3‑AS1 in prediction the survival of NSCLC. NSCLC cells were overexpressed with miR-340 or PSMG3‑AS1 to analyze the crosstalk between PSMG3‑AS1 and miR-340. MSP was performed to analyze the methylation of miR-340 miRNA gene. The invasion and migration abilities of cells were determind by Transwell assays.Results: PSMG3‑AS1 was highly expressed in NSCLC and was closely correlated poor survival. PSMG3‑AS1 and miR340 were inversely correlated. In NSCLC cells, PSMG3‑AS1 decreased the expression of miR-340 and increased methylation of miR-340 gene. However, miR-340 overexpression did not significantly affect the expression of PSMG3‑AS1. In addition, PSMG3‑AS1 overexpression resulted in upregulated expression of ROCK1. PSMG3‑AS1 and ROCK1 overexpression increased cell invasion and migration rates. MiR-340 overexpression suppressed cell behaviors and inhibited the role of PSMG3‑AS1.Conclusions: PSMG3‑AS1 may downregulate miR-340 through methylation to upregulate ROCK1 and promote cell invasion and migration in NSCLC.
Gender Differences in Parenting of Early Adolescents in Viwandani Informal Settlement, Nairobi: a Qualitative Study
Authors: Nyakangi Vivian Nyansarora , Maina Beatrice , Mbuthia Michelle , Bangha Martin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Parenting in adolescence is gendered in many dimensions including communication, control, discipline and styles of parenting. Gendered parenting reinforces harmful stereotypical gender norms which can lead to gender inequalities in society. Gender inequalities put adolescent boys and girls at a heightened risk of poor SRH outcomesMethods: The study was conducted in an informal urban settlement, Viwandani, in Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi. Focus group discussions were used to collect data from 48 parents of adolescents in grades 5 and 6 in two public day primary schools. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and uploaded to NVivo 12 for coding and thematic analysis.Findings: We found differences in parenting approaches based on the parent’s and/or adolescent’s gender. Based on parents’ gender, fathers had more differential parenting approaches for their sons and daughters while mothers were more consistent for both boys and girls. Fathers held different expectations for their adolescent girls and boys with respect to their roles and responsibilities presently and in the future. Based on the gender of the adolescent, boys had more freedom of movement than girls and girls were more likely to be engaged in SRH discussions with parents as compared to boys. There were also differences in the roles that mothers and fathers played in the family setting.Conclusion: Gender differences in parenting do exist along with male and female roles differing considerably within households. The disconnect in gendered beliefs between men and women implies a greater need to engage men in gender-equitable programming given they have been found to hold gender inequitable attitudes.
LncRNA GAS8-AS1 is a Novel Prognostic and Diagnostic Biomarker for Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Zhang Ling , Li Miao , Deng Lihong , Yang Dujiang , Yue Chao , Li Zhenlu , Hu Weiming , Lu Huimin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: LncRNA GAS8-AS1 inhibits thyroid carcinoma, but its function in other malignancies is unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the involvement of GAS8-AS1 in pancreatic cancer (PC). Methods: The present study included 68 PC patients (38 males and 30 females, 42- 66 years, 52.1±4.5) and 62 healthy volunteers (28 males and 24 females, 43- 67 years, 52.3 ±4.9). Real-time quantitative PCR, transient cell transfection and in vitro cell migration and invasion assay were applied for the research. In the present study we found that plasma GAS8-AS1 was lower in PC patients than in healthy controls. Downregulation of plasma GAS8-AS1 distinguished early stage PC patients from healthy controls. Results: Patients with low plasma levels of GAS8-AS1 showed significantly lower 5-year overall survival rate. Plasma levels of miR-1179 were also significantly lower in PC patients than in healthy controls, and were positively correlated with plasma levels of GAS8-AS1 only in PC patients. GAS8-AS1 overexpression resulted in the upregulation of miR-1179. MiR-1179 overexpression also led to the overexpression of GAS8-AS1. Overexpression of both GAS8-AS1 and miR-1179 led to inhibited migration and invasion of PC cells. Conclusions: Therefore, GAS8-AS1 may promote PC by positively interacting with miR-1179.
Demographics of Syncope in a Regional Australia
Authors: Chau Ivan , Dastagir Nizam 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Syncope is one of the commonest presentations to the Emergency Departments. There is limited data on the incidence of syncope in regional Australia. Syncope is classified by its aetiological causes and each cause is characterised by different clinical features and prognosis. Identifying the cause of syncope patients is essential to preventing patient morbidity and mortality. Investigating the demographics of syncope in regional Australia may lead to better outcome. Results The age-adjusted causes of syncope showed a significant rise in cardiac syncope in patients aged above 60 (P=0.03) whereas patients below 30 were more likely to suffer from reflex syncope (P=0.0001). There are considerable overlaps such as prodromal symptoms or prior positions of patients between different types of syncope. 77 from 178 Patients (43.3%) would be classified as high risk. 18 out of 24 (75%) cardiac syncope patients were classified as high-risk, whereas barely more than 35% (18 out of 51) of patients with reflex syncope were high-risk. Patients with cardiac syncope were more likely to be admitted or referred for further evaluation such as telemetry, Holter monitor and echocardiogram (P=0.0001). Cause-adjusted mortality showed that patients with orthostatic syncope had significantly worse outcome compared to other groups (P=0.04), cardiac syncope patients were not associated with increased mortality (P=0.37). Conclusions The current study showed that Syncope is a frequent diagnosis within the emergency department. The incidence of syncope of unknown cause remains very high despite extensive investigations. Clinical features such as prodromal symptoms, prior position or activities leading to syncope did not show significantly difference between causes, therefore are unreliable resources in determining the cause of syncope. Orthostatic syncope was associated with the highest mortality rate therefore we recommend paying particular attention, specialist referral and more extensive investigations in patients with orthostatic syncope.
Relationships among Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, Serum Albumin Level, and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio with In-stent Restenosis in Cerebrovascular Bare-Metal Stenting
Authors: Xie Zhuoxi , Wei Jiajun , Fan Ligen , Yang Fan , Fang Qiang , Zhu Zhouming , Wu Jing , Li Hao 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: In-stent restenosis (ISR) remains a serious clinical problem that affects the efficacy of endovascular treatment. Inflammation and platelet activation play an important role in the development of ISR after cerebrovascular bare-metal stenting. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), which are the indicators of inflammation, have been associated with stent restenosis, while low serum albumin (ALB) level has been associated with the adverse outcomes of cardiovascular diseases. We therefore explored the associations among preprocedural NLR, ALB level, and PLR with ISR after cerebrovascular bare-metal stenting and then investigated the value of preprocedural NLR, ALB level, and PLR for the development of ISR. Methods: In this study, we enrolled 223 patients who underwent cerebrovascular bare-metal stenting (both intracranial and extracranial) and retrospectively analyzed their clinical, hematological, and angiographic data. Radiographic evaluations were performed at 6 and 12 months after the procedure. Results: ISR was defined as ≥ 50% stenosis of the treated lesion. Patients were divided into two groups based on the occurrence of ISR. ISR occurred in 89 (39.91%) of the 223 included patients. Increased pre-procedural NLR (p < 0.001) and PLR (p < 0.001) and decreased pre-procedural ALB level (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with ISR. Conclusions: High pre-procedural NLR and PLR, and low pre-procedural ALB level may be used as predictors of ISR after cerebrovascular bare-metal stenting. Trial Registration: retrospective registration.
Maternal Steroid Levels and the Autistic Traits of the Mother and Infant
Authors: Tsompanidis Alexandros , Aydin Ezra , Padaigaite Egle , Richards Gareth , Allison Carrie , Hackett Gerald , Austin Topun , Holt Rosemary , Baron-Cohen Simon 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Elevated prenatal sex steroids and maternal conditions that are related to sex steroids (e.g., polycystic ovary syndrome) have been positively associated with autism likelihood. It is unclear if this is detectable in the maternal circulation, if it relates to maternal autistic traits, and whether it is also predictive of autistic traits in infants. Methods: Maternal serum samples were collected as part of routine prenatal screening from pregnant women taking part in the longitudinal Cambridge Ultrasound Siblings and Parents (CUSP) study (n=219) (gestational age: mean=12.7 [SD=0.8] weeks). Concentrations of the following were measured via immunoassays: testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), progesterone (P); sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Human choriogonadotropin (hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) were collected from clinical records corresponding to the same serum samples. Participants completed the adult Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Infants were followed-up with the Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT) between 18-20 months old (mean=570 days, SD=21.3 days). Results: Maternal AQ scores significantly correlated with circulating levels of total E2 (Pearson’s r=0.20, p=0.036) and the bioactive fraction of E2 (Pearson’s r=0.26, p=0.008) in univariate and multiple regression models. Total E2, DHEAS and a steroidogenic factor (derived from total E2, DHEAS and T) were all associated with Q-CHAT scores in multiple regression models that controlled for covariates and for an interaction with infant sex. This interaction also had a significant effect, leading to a positive correlation between hormone levels and Q-CHAT scores in males but not in females (interaction term: semipartial correlation r=0.23, p=0.018). The opposite was found for standardised hCG values and Q-CHAT scores, with a positive association in females but not in males (interaction term: semipartial correlation r=-0.22, p=0.009). Limitations: This longitudinal clinical study was relatively small and statistical power was further reduced by the need to account for different effects according to sex. The findings will need to be confirmed in a larger cohort and with clinically diagnosed cases of autism. Conclusion: In line with previous findings, this study’s results suggest that increased steroid synthesis prenatally is related to autistic traits and that this is detectable in the maternal circulation.
Exploring the mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus against uterine fibroids based on network pharmacology
Authors: tiantian qiu , DongHua Li , Yu Liu , LiFang Gao , Chao Wei , Hui Ren , Xuan Yang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Backgroud: Uterine fibroids (ULs) are the most common benign tumors of the reproductive tract in gynecology and their clinical presentations include menorrhagia, pelvic pressure, dysmenorrhea, and anemia. Surgical resection and the hormonal drug administration are the primary treatment. The plant Astragalus membranaceus (astragalus) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and studies have shown that it has antitumor effects. However, the role and mechanism of astragalus in ULs are not completely clear. The present study aimed to investigate the astragalus mechanism of action against ULs based on network pharmacology approach, in order to provid insights for the development of a safe and effective drug for the ULs treatment.Methods: The astragalus active ingredients and the potential drug targets were screened by the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database and Analytical Platform (TCMSP). The gene expression profiles of ULs were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The intersection of astragalus components target genes and differentially expressed genes between UL and normal patients were obtained using Perl software to provide the astragalus-ULs drug regulatory network. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was established using the STRING online database and Cytoscape software, followed by the topological properties analysis of the PPI networks. GO (Gene ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) enrichment analyses were conducted by R software. The KEGG relational network was constructed using Cytoscape software. Results: A total of 21 astragalus active ingredients and 406 drug targets were obtained from the TCMSP. Seventeen of these targets overlap with ULs disease targets and were considered potential targets for the ULs treatment by astragalus. The analysis of the regulatory network showed that the astragalus active components with the most targets are quercetin, kaempferol, mangiferin, tetrodotoxin and isorhamnetin. Target genes with the highest Dgree values obtained from the PPI network analysis are estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), tumor suppressor factor p53 (TP53), neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor 1 (NTRK1) and E3 ubiquitin ligase protein (CUL3). GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicate that these targets are mainly involved in biological processes related to cellular response to reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress and response to lipopolysaccharides. The main signal transduction pathways involved include the IL-17 and TNF signaling pathways, the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications and proteoglycans in cancer.Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that the astragalus therapeutic use against ULs have multicomponent and multi-target properties, providing a novel approach to further investigate the astragalus mechanism of action in the treatment of ULs.
Assessment of gross lesions preservation methods for the direct diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis: a constant search for improvement
Authors: Cárdenas Nicolás Céspedes , Ikuta Cássia Yumi , Rabaquim Vanessa Cristinne Victor , Filho Antonio Francisco Souza , Souza Gisele Oliveira , Heinemann Marcos Bryan , Neto José Soares Ferreira 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objectives

The present study assessed the sensitivity and biosafety of the FTA Elute Card® (FTA) (GE Healthcare) as an alternative preservation method of gross lesions for bovine tuberculosis diagnosis, that can endure large distances and high environmental temperatures, which are found in the Brazilian territory.
Results

The FTA card was compared to the freezing and sodium borate solution methods to preserve 134 gross lesions samples from slaughterhouses located in three Brazilian states. The calculated value for the sensitivity of sodium borate solution (SBS) stored for 30 days was higher than those estimated for the methods of freezing and SBS stored for 60 days, when the PCR and isolation results were interpreted in parallel (0.55). The FTA cards presented the lowest diagnostic sensitivity and did not inactivate all mycobacteria. Given the rush of a slaughterhouse routine, the quantity of lesions with different pathological stages cannot be measured on each FTA card. Thus, as a preservation method of gross tuberculosis lesions, the FTA cards can present infection risks for people who have direct or indirect contact with them.