bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two novel biallelic mutations in PSMC3IP in a Chinese patient affected by primary ovarian insufficiency: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Mei Libin , Huang Lingling , Huang Yanru , Wu Xiaoling , He Huang , He XueMei , Su Zhiying , Li Ping 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a heterogeneous condition occurring when a woman experiences a loss of ovarian activity before the age of 40. It is one of the most common reproductive endocrine diseases in women of childbearing age. Here, we investigated the clinical manifestations and genetic features of a Chinese patient affected by POI.Methods: We applied next-generation whole-exome capture sequencing with Sanger direct sequencing to the proband and her clinically unaffected family members. Results: Two novel compound heterozygous mutations were identified in the PSMC3IP gene. The first is a splicing mutation (c.597+1G>T) that was inherited from her father, while the second mutation (c.268G>C p.D90H) was also discovered in her mother and younger sister. The two mutations were co-segregated with the disease phenotype in the family. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of PSMC3IP mutations causing POI in the Chinese population. Our findings further support the key role of the PSMC3IP gene in the etiology of POI. However, additional studies are required to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms involved.
Evaluation of Preventive, Supportive and Awareness Building Measures among International Students in China in Response to COVID-19: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Sarker Tanwne , Sarkar Apurbo , Rabbany Md. Ghulam , Barmon Milon , Roy Rana , Rahman Md. Ashfikur , Hossain Kh Zulfikar , Hoque Fazlul , Asaduzzaman Muhammad 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background:To prevent dissemination of COVID-19 among international students in China, educational institutions promptly took various preventive, supportive and awareness building measures like restricting outdoor activities, wearing mask, every day health reporting and so on. Success of such behavioral change campaigns largely depends on awareness building, satisfaction and trust on the authorities. The objective of this current study is to evaluate the preventive, supportive and awareness building measures taken for the international students in China during COVID-19 pandemic which will be helpful in designing such behavioral change campaign in other parts of the world in the future pandemic situation.Methods:In this study, we have evaluated how the level of awareness, satisfaction, and trust in authorities (i.e., government, local authorities, and institutions) shapes the behavior and close interconnection each other. Simple bivariate statistics was used to describe the background characteristics of the respondents along with adoption of the partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) as the final model to show the association between the variables.Results:Our study findings showed the great impact of preventive and supportive measures in the development of students’ satisfaction (R2 = 0.507 indicating moderate relationship). The satisfied students possessed a strong influence which eventually helped in building sufficient trust on their institutions (R2 = 0.797 indicating above substantial relationship). The extents of the R2 values were found significant in our model. Moreover, present study provides insight views of the selected latent variables by counteracting the interaction among them.Conclusions:The worldwide student group is one of the most affected and vulnerable communities in this situation. So, there is a profound ground of research on how different states or authorities handle such situation. In this study we have depicted the types and magnitude of care taken by Chinese government and educational institutions towards international students to relieve the panic of pandemic situation. Further research and such initiatives should be taken in to consideration for future emerging conditions.
Multiple Sclerosis incidence rate in southern Iran: A Bayesian epidemiological study
Authors: Asmarian Naeimehossadat , Sharafi Zahra , Mousavi Amin , Jacques Reis , Tamayo Ibon , Bind Marie-Abèle , abutorabi-zarchi Marzie , Moradian Mohammad Javad , Izadi Sadegh 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) remains to be a public health challenge, due to its unknown biological mechanisms and clinical impacts on young people. The prevalence of this disease in Iran is reported to be 5.30 to 74.28 per 100,000-person. Because of high prevalence of this disease in Fars province, the purpose of this study was to assess the spatial pattern of MS incidence rate by modeling both the associations s of spatial dependence between neighboring regions and risk factors in a Bayesian Poisson model, which can lead to the improvement of health resource allocation decisions.Method: Data from 5,468 patients diagnosed with MS were collected, according to the McDonald’s criteria. New cases of MS were reported by the MS Society of Fars province from 1991 until 2016. The association between the percentage of people with low vitamin D intake, smoking, abnormal BMI and alcohol consumption in addition to spatial structure in a Bayesian spatio-temporal hierarchical model were used to determine the relative risk and trend of MS incidence rate in 29 counties of Fars province. Results: County-level crude incidence rates ranged from 0.22 to 11.31 cases per 100,000-person population. The highest relative risk was estimated at 1.80 in the county of Shiraz, the capital of Fars province, while the lowest relative risk was estimated at 0.11 in Zarindasht county in southern of Fars. The percentages of vitamin D supplementation intake and smoking were significantly associated with the incidence rate of MS. The results showed that 1% increase in vitamin D supplementation intake is associated with 2% decrease in the risk of MS and 1% increase in smoking is associated with 16% increase in the risk of MS.Conclusion: Bayesian spatio-temporal analysis of MS incidence rate revealed that the trend in the south and south east of Fars province is less steep than the mean trend of this disease. The lower incidence rate was associated with a higher percentage of vitamin D supplementation intake and a lower percentage of smoking. Previous studies have also shown that smoking and low vitamin D, among all covariates or risk factors, might be associated with high incidence of MS.
Double plating with autogenous bone grafting as a salvage procedure for recalcitrant humeral shaft nonunion
Authors: Feng Dongxu , Wang Xiaolong , Sun Liang , Cai Xiao , Zhang Kun , Wang Zhan , Zhu Yangjun 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Although most cases of humeral shaft nonunion respond well to surgical intervention, surgeons still encounter patients with humeral shaft nonunion who have already undergone repeated surgeries for nonunion. This study retrospectively analyzed the efficacy of double locking compression plate (LCP) fixation in combination with autogenous iliac crest bone grafting for recalcitrant humeral shaft nonunion.Methods: A consecutive series of patients with aseptic recalcitrant humeral shaft nonunion underwent surgical treatment between May 2010 and August 2017 in our institution. Standardized treatment included thorough debridement, double LCP and screw fixation, and autogenous iliac bone grafting. The injury type and the duration of nonunion were recorded for all patients. The main outcome measurements were the Constant and Murley scale for shoulder function, Mayo elbow performance index (MEPI) for elbow function, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. In addition, all complications were documented.Results: The study cohort comprised six females and nine males with a mean age of 45.3±13.1 years. Each patient had already undergone at least one failed surgery for humeral shaft nonunion. The average duration of nonunion before the index intervention was 126.8±124.2 months. All patients achieved bone union without implant failure. At final follow-up, the mean Constant and Murley score and mean MEPI were significantly improved, and the mean VAS score was significantly decreased. Each patient was very satisfied with the treatment. Four patients had complications, including one with a superficial wound infection, one with radial nerve palsy, one with ulnar nerve palsy, and one with discomfort at the iliac crest.Conclusion: Double plate fixation combined with autogenous iliac crest bone grafting results in successful salvage of humeral shaft nonunion after prior failed surgical interventions.
Comprehensive analysis of NAC transcription factor family uncovers drought and salinity stress response in pearl millet ( Pennisetum glaucum)
Authors: Dudhate Ambika , Shinde Harshraj , Yu Pei , Tsugama Daisuke , Gupta Shashi Kumar , Liu Shenkui , Takano Tetsuo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is a cereal crop that possesses the ability to withstand drought, salinity and high temperature stresses. The NAC [NAM (No Apical Meristem), ATAF1 (Arabidopsis thaliana Activation Factor 1), and CUC2 (Cup-shaped Cotyledon)] transcription factor family is one of the largest transcription factor families in plants. NAC family members are known to regulate plant growth and abiotic stress response. Currently, no reports are available on the functions of the NAC family in pearl millet. Results: Our genome-wide analysis found 151 NAC transcription factor genes (PgNACs) in the pearl millet genome. Thirty-eight and 76 PgNACs were found to be segmental and dispersed duplicated respectively. Phylogenetic analysis divided these NAC transcription factors into 11 groups (A-K). Three PgNACs (-073, -29, and -151) were found to be membrane-associated transcription factors. Seventeen other conserved motifs were found in PgNACs. Based on the similarity of PgNACs to NAC proteins in other species, the functions of PgNACs were predicted. In total, 88 microRNA target sites were predicted in 59 PgNACs. A previously performed transcriptome analysis suggests that the expression of 30 and 42 PgNACs are affected by salinity stress and drought stress, respectively. The expression of 36 randomly selected PgNACs were examined by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Many of these genes showed diverse salt- and drought-responsive expression patterns in roots and leaves. These results confirm that PgNACs are potentially involved in regulating abiotic stress tolerance in pearl millet.Conclusion: The pearl millet genome contains 151 NAC transcription factor genes that can be classified into 11 groups. Many of these genes are either upregulated or downregulated by either salinity or drought stress and may therefore contribute to establishing stress tolerance in pearl millet.
Prevalence, predictors, and mortality of bloodstream infections due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in patients with malignancy: systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Zhouqi , Zhuang Hemu , Wang Guannan , Wang Hui , Dong Ying 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Cancer patients are more likely to develop and die of bloodstream infection (BSI) than noncancer patients. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is associated with immense mortality and economic burden worldwide, is not covered by the recommended initial antibiotic therapy for cancer patients with BSI. This systemic review was performed to estimate the global methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prevalence among bacteremia in patients with malignancy, and further study the predictors and mortality of cancer patients with MRSA bacteremia. Methods: The PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for studies published from Jan. 2000 to Mar. 2020 that provided primary data on the prevalence, predictors, or mortality of MRSA bacteremia in cancer patients. A random-effects model meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled prevalence of MRSA with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).Results: The pooled prevalence of MRSA was 3% (95% CI 2–5%) among all bloodstream infections (BSIs) and 44% (95% CI 32–57%) among S. aureus bacteremia in cancer patients. Based on geographical stratification, the pooled prevalence was 5% in Africa (95% CI 1–14%), 1% in Americas (95% CI 1–2%), 2% in Europe (95% CI 1–4%), 4% in Western Pacific (95% CI 2–7%), 8% in South-east Asia (95% CI 4–14%) and 0% in Eastern Mediterranean (95% CI 0–3%). No significant temporal change in MRSA rates was detected in this analysis (R2 = 0.06; P=0.24). Predictors for MRSA BSIs among cancer patients were identified by comparison with their methicillin-susceptible counterparts, and they were mainly related to healthcare-associated infections and immunosuppression. Finally, the 60-day mortality in adult cancer patients with MRSA BSIs was reported to be 12%, and the 6-month overall mortality was 43.2%, with community-onset infection, secondary BSI, and vancomycin MIC≥2g/mL being the risk factors for mortality.Conclusions: Although the prevalence of MRSA BSIs among cancer patients is relatively low, it did not decline over time as MRSA BSIs in the general hospital population and the high mortality rate was related to MRSA BSIs in patients with malignancy.
Measuring capabilities in health and physical activity promotion: a systematic review.
Authors: Till Maike , Abu-Omar Karim , Ferschl Susanne , Reimers Anne Kerstin , Gelius Peter 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The capability approach by Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum has gained increasing attention in the field of public health. As it combines individual, social and structural factors and shifts the focus of attention from the actual behavior towards available options for health behaviors that people can actually choose from, it may help advance our understanding of complex health issues. Objectives: The aim of this article is to identify and describe tools available to measure capabilities within the context of health, with a specific focus on capabilities for health-enhancing physical activity.Method: We conducted a systematic literature review using 11 databases covering scientific journal articles published in English or German between the years 2000 and 2020 with a focus on capabilities for health or physical activity. Results: We found a total of 51 articles meeting our inclusion criteria. Four articles measured capabilities using qualitative methods, one combined qualitative and quantitative methods, while the rest used quantitative methods. We identified a total 11 different capabilitzy questionnaires, all showing moderate to good validity/reliability. Only one questionnaire and one interview-based tool specifically dealt with capabilities for health enhancing physical activity. Conclusion: Although we were able to identify measurement tools for capabilities in health, this review has shown that there is no generic tool available for the measurement across all population- and age-groups, and tools focusing on physical activity are scarce. However, our results can be used as guide for future projects that aim at measuring capabilities.
CERTL reduces C16 ceramide, amyloid-β levels and inflammation in a model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Crivelli Simone Mwenda , Luo Qian , Stevens Jo A.A. , Giovagnoni Caterina , Kruining Daan van , Bode Gerard , Hoedt Sandra den , Hobo Barbara , Scheithauer Anna-Lena , Walter Jochen , Mulder Monique T , Exley Christopher , Mold Matthew J. , Mielke Michelle M. , De Vries Helga E , Wouters Kristiaan , Hove Daniel L.A. van den , Berkes Dusan , Ledesma María Dolores , Verhaagen Joost , Losen Mario , Bieberich Erhard , Martinez-Martinez Pilar 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Dysregulation of ceramide and sphingomyelin levels have been suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Ceramide transfer proteins (CERTs) are ceramide carriers which are crucial for ceramide and sphingomyelin balance in cells. Extracellular forms of CERTs co-localize with amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques in AD brains. To date, the significance of these observations for the pathophysiology of AD remains uncertain.Methods: A plasmid expressing CERTL, the long isoform of CERTs, was used to study the interaction of CERTL with amyloid precursor protein (APP) by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence in HEK cells. The recombinant CERTL protein was employed to study interaction of CERTL with amyloid-β (Aβ), Aβ aggregation process in presence of CERTL, and the resulting changes in Aβ toxicity in neuroblastoma cells. CERTL was overexpressed in neurons by adeno associated virus (AAV) in a mouse model of familial AD (5xFAD). Ten weeks after transduction, animals were challenged with behavior tests for memory, anxiety and locomotion. At week twelve, brains were investigated for sphingolipid levels by mass spectrometry, plaques and neuroinflammation by immunohistochemistry, gene expression and/or immunoassay.Results: Here, we report that CERTL, binds to APP, modifies Aβ aggregation and reduces Aβ neurotoxicity in vitro. Furthermore, we show that intracortical injection of AAV, mediating the expression of CERTL, decreases levels of ceramide d18:1/16:0 and increases sphingomyelin levels in the brain of male 5xFAD mice. CERTL in vivo over-expression has a mild effect on animal locomotion, decreases Aβ formation and modulates microglia by decreasing their pro-inflammatory phenotype.Conclusion: Our results demonstrate a crucial role of CERTL in regulating ceramide levels in the brain, in amyloid plaque formation and neuroinflammation, thereby opening research avenues for therapeutic targets of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Diet’s Cariogenicity and Healthfulness Index (DCHI) - A novel, comprehensive index for children
Authors: Shanbhog Raghavendra , HP Chanchala , KT Srilatha , B Madhushree , SN Manjunatha 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background:A realistic and tailored dietary advice plays a vital role in Preventive Dentistry. An appropriate diet analysis forms the bases for a precise dietary advice. Analysis of diet for its cariogenicity is a complex process thus performing a meaningful diet analysis is a challenge in routine clinical practice. Currently, very few tools are available for researchers or clinicians to assess children’s diet relating to caries risk. To the best of our knowledge an index that helps clinician to reduce composite diet diary information to a simple quantifiable interpretation is lacking. The current scientific paper presents a novel index that assesses the cariogenicity and healthfulness of child’s diet objectively and guides the professional to achieve pragmatic diet modification in the prevention of dental caries. Methods:A team comprised of specialist from division of Pediatric dentistry, Community medicine and Diet and Nutrition along with a pilot parent-child population of number 50 were involved in initial structuring of Diet’s Cariogenicity and Healthfulness Index.To obtain cut off values for cariogenicity of diet score a study was carried out with sample of 774 children correlating diet diary with caries status. A Receiver Operating Characteristic curve closest to the ideal of 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity was applied for statistical analysis.Results:Receiver Operating Characteristic curves plotted was 22.5 for diet scores for its cariogenicity. The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of these cut‐off values were 70 and 95.Conclusions:The current scientific paper presents a novel Diet’s Cariogenicity and Healthfulness Index that assesses the cariogenicity and healthfulness of child’s diet objectively so as to guide the professional to achieve a pragmatic diet modification.
Lifestyle Exercise Attenuates Immunosenescence; Flow Cytometry Analysis
Authors: Tylutka Anna , Morawin Barbara , Gramacki Artur , Zembron-Lacny Agnieszka 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Interaction of physical activity and overall immune profile is very complex and depends on the intensity, duration and frequency of undertaken physical activity, the exposure to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and the age-related changes in the immune system. Daily physical activity, which particularly influences immunity, declines dramatically with age. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explain whether physical activity sustained throughout life can attenuate or reverse immunosenescence. Methods: Ninety-nine older adults (60-90 years) were recruited for the study. According to the 6-min walk test (6WMT), the Åstrand-Ryhming bike test (VO2max) and Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire, the individuals were classified as physically active (n=34) and inactive (n=20) groups. The analysis of T lymphocytes between active vs. inactive participants was performed using eight-parameter flow cytometry.Results: Analysis of the baseline peripheral naïve and memory T lymphocytes showed a significant relationship of lifestyle exercise with CD4/CD8 ratio. Above 50% of physically active participants demonstrated the CD4/CD8 ratio ≥1 or ≤2.5 contrary to the inactive group who showed the ratio <1. The elderly with the result of 6WMT >1.3 m/s and VO2max >35 mL/kg/min had a significantly higher CD4+CD45RA+ T lymphocyte percentage and also a higher ratio of CD4+CD45RA+/CD4+CD45RO+.Interestingly, in active older adults with IgG CMV+ (n=30) the count of CD4+CD45RA+ T lymphocytes was higher than in the inactive group with IgG CMV+ (n=20). Conclusion: Based on the flow cytometry analysis, we concluded that lifestyle exercise could lead to rejuvenation of the immune system by increasing the percentage of naïve T lymphocytes or by reducing the tendency of the inverse CD4/CD8 ratio.
Risk Factors of Early Stage Residual Back Pain After Percutaneous Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty: A Retrospective Study of 853 Patients
Authors: Zhang Bo-bo , Yang Yi-min , Ren Zhi-wei , Yang Wei-zhou , Xiu Jin-tao , Zhang Yin-gang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: A small but significant proportion of patients experienced residual back pain after PVP or PKP treatment. The aim of the present study was to explore risk factors that may affect residual back pain after PKP or PVP. This study identified the risk factors of residual back pain after PKP or PVP, allowing proper intervention and improved clinical outcome.Methods: From January 2010 to January 2017, a total of 853 patients were treated by PVP or PKP at The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University. We recorded the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores. Patients with a VAS score > 3 post-operatively and at the 1 month follow-up evaluation were grouped into the “residual back pain” group. The others were grouped into the control group. The following possible risk factors were collected: age; gender; weight; bone mineral density (BMD); surgical approach; surgical type; cement distribution; anesthesia; hypertension; diabetes; smoking; alcohol consumption; vertebral fracture type, and vertebral fracture location. Risk factors associated with residual back pain were evaluated using logistic regression analysis.Results: The incidence of residual back pain after PVP/PKP is 9.61%. Results showed that cement distribution, smoking, vertebral fracture type and vertebral fracture location were independently associated with residual back pain after PVP or PKP in the early post-operative stage. Conclusion: Unsatisfactory cement distribution, smoking history, osteogenic vertebral tumors, osteolytic vertebral tumors, and thoracic fractures were independently associated with residual back pain after PVP or PKP at the early post-operative stage.