bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Poor Physical Capacity in Bronchiectasis Patients Is Correlated with Poor Quality of Life
Authors: Mäntylä Jarkko , Törölä Tanja , Mazur Witold , Bergman Paula , Kauppi Paula 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTo study the risk factors associated with quality of life (QoL) in a cohort of Finnish non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (BE) patients. We aimed to evaluate which of the clinical characteristics were risk factors for poor quality of life, how patients with frequent exacerbations differed from those with only few exacerbations and if QoL symptom domains were correlated with dyspnoea or severity of BE.MethodsA cross-sectional study and part of the EMBARC study including questionnaire data and medical record data. Study participants were recruited between August 2016 and March 2018 from three different pulmonary clinics in Helsinki University Central Hospital (HUH) catchment area, Finland. The study included 95 adult patients with (mean age was 69 (SD± 13) years).A Finnish translation of the disease-specific quality of life-bronchiectasis (QoL-B) questionnaire was applied, and scores in the lowest quarter (25%) of the scale were considered to indicate poor QoL. The bronchiectasis severity index (BSI) and FACED (including FEV1, age, pulmonary bacterial colonization, affected lobes and dyspnoea) score were used. The severity of dyspnoea was examined using the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnoea scale.ResultsAlmost all (82%) presented with chronic sputum production and exacerbations, with a median rate of 1.7 (SD ±1.6). Exacerbations (OR 1.7, p < 0.01), frequent exacerbations (OR 4.9, p < 0.01), high BSI score (OR 1.3, p < 0.01) and extensive disease (OR 3.7, p = 0.05) were predictive of poor QoL. Frequent exacerbations were associated with bronchial bacterial colonisation, low forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and radiological disease severity. Based on the BSI, 34.1% of our cohort had severe disease, whereas 11.6% were classified as severe according to the FACED score. The mMRC dyspnoea score (r = -0.57) and BSI (r = -0.60) were negatively correlated with physical domain in QoL-B questionnaire. ConclusionFrequent exacerbations, radiological disease severity and high BSI score were predictive of poor QoL. Reduced physical capacity was correlated with dyspnoea and severity of disease. Interventions to reduce bacterial colonisation and to maintain physical functioning should be used to minimize exacerbations and to improve quality of life in BE patients.Study registrationUniversity of Helsinki, faculty of medicine; 148/16.08.2017
Results From an Early Economic Evaluation of the Use of a Novel Point of Care Device for Diagnosis of Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Patient Within the Emergency Department in the National Health Service in England.
Authors: Bajre Mamta Kumari , Towse Adrian , Stainthorpe Andrew , Hart Julie 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The objective of this study was to undertake an early economic evaluation to analyse the potential costs and benefits associated with adopting a high sensitivity troponin (hs-cTn) at the Point of Care (POC) in the emergency department (ED) diagnostic pathway for suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Diagnostics Guidance (DG15) and NICE Clinical Guideline (CG95) as practised in the NHS in England. Methods: A decision tree analysis was undertaken to compare the current 60 to 90 minutes turnaround time for the standard laboratory hs-cTn test with an expected 20-minute turnaround time for a POC hs-cTn test. Three routes through the chest pain pathway were modelled based on the hs-cTn pathway used in Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) NHS Foundation Trust. Sensitivity analysis was performed. Results: The results indicate that if a hs-cTn POC test is used to diagnose patients in routes 1 to 3 of the diagnostic pathway for suspected ACS patients at ED, it potentially saves per patient costs of £53.36 in Route 1, £76.72 in Route 2 and £64.72 in Route 3. Moreover, it can also help in easing the pressure at ED as it enables diagnosis to be made between 55 to 70 minutes earlier across the 3 pathway routes. A hs-cTn POC test also has potential in achieving a ‘rule-in’ diagnosis for patients to speed up the treatment pathway for improved prognosis. The sensitivity analysis results indicate that savings per patient increase as the turnaround time of the lab result goes from 60 minutes to 90 minutes in the standard care pathway.Conclusions: Use of a hs-cTn test at POC can save between £53.36 and £76.72 per patient in ED when compared to the standard laboratory test. When such a POC test is developed, an evaluation validating the accuracy of the device will be needed together with a study of its clinical performance in a health care setting. The study should include a formal economic evaluation with real-world data alongside an efficacy/effectiveness study.
Function and Potential Molecular Mechanism of High STIL&nbsp;Expression in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Ji Shu-fan , Wen Sheng-Lian , Sun Yu , Huang Pi-wei , Wu Hao , He Mao-lin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSCL/TAL1 interrupting locus (STIL) is associated with the progression of several tumors; however, the biological role of STIL in osteosarcoma remains poorly understood.MethodsIn this study, the clinical significance of STIL in osteosarcoma was analyzed by gene chip data recorded in public databases. STIL expression was silenced in osteosarcoma cell lines to observe the effects on proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the osteosarcoma chip were analyzed using The Limma package, and STIL co-expressed genes were obtained via the Pearson correlation coefficient. The potential molecular mechanism of STIL in osteosarcoma was further explored by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways.ResultsMeta-analysis revealed that STIL was highly expressed in osteosarcoma, and the standardized mean difference (SMD) was 1.52. STIL also had a good ability to distinguish osteosarcoma from non-osteosarcoma samples (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.96). After silencing STIL, osteosarcoma cell proliferation decreased, apoptosis increased, and the migratory and invasion ability decreased. A total of 294 STIL differentially co-expressed genes were screened, and a bioinformatics analysis found that differentially co-expressed genes were primarily enriched in the cell signaling pathways. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network indicated that the hub differentially co-expressed genes of STIL were CDK1, CCNB2, CDC20, CCNA2, BUB1, and AURKB.Conclusions﻿STIL is associated with osteosarcoma proliferation and invasion, and may represent a novel target for its diagnosis and treatment.
C1q/TNF-related Protein 4 Restores Leptin Sensitivity by Downregulating NF-κB Signaling and Microglial Activation
Authors: Ye Liu , Jia Gongwei , Li Yuejie , Wang Ying , Chen Hong , Yu Lehua , Wu Dandong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objective
C1qTNF-related protein 4 (CTRP4) acts in the hypothalamus to modulate food intake in diet-induced obese mice and has been shown to exert an anti-inflammatory effect on macrophages. Since high-fat diet-induced microglial activation and hypothalamic inflammation impair leptin signaling and increase food intake, we aimed to explore the potential connection between the anorexigenic effect of CTRP4 and the suppression of hypothalamic inflammation in mice with DIO.
Methods
Using an adenovirus-mediated hypothalamic CTRP4 overexpression model, we investigated the impact of CTRP4 on food intake and the hypothalamic leptin signaling pathway in diet-induced obese mice. Furthermore, central and plasma proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-6, were measured by Western blotting and ELISA. Changes in the hypothalamic NF-κB signaling cascade and microglial activation were also examined in vivo. In addition, NF-κB signaling and proinflammatory factors were investigated in BV2 cells after CTRP4 intervention.
Results
We found that food intake was decreased, while leptin signaling was significantly improved in mice with DIO after CTRP4 overexpression. Central and peripheral TNF-α and IL-6 levels were reduced by central Ad-CTRP4 administration. Hypothalamic NF-κB signaling and microglial activation were also significantly suppressed in vivo. In addition, NF-κB signaling was inhibited in BV2 cells after CTRP4 intervention, which was consistent with the decreased production of TNF-α and IL-6.
Conclusions
Our data indicate that CTRP4 reverses leptin resistance by inhibiting NF-κB-dependent microglial activation and hypothalamic inflammation.
Impact of Renewable Energy Utilization and Artificial Intelligence in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Hannan M , Al-Shetwi Ali , Begum R , Ker Pin , Mansor M , Rahman S , Dong Z , Tiong S , Mahlia T M , Muttaqi K 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Many countries around the world are planning to reach 100% renewable energy (RE) use by 2050. In this context and due to the recent sharp increase in RE utilization in the global energy mix along with its progressive impact on the world energy sector, the evaluation and investigation of its effect on achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) are not covered sufficiently. Here, we present an assessment of the emerging role of RE utilization and artificial intelligence (AI) toward achieving SDGs. A total of 17 SDGs were divided into three groups, namely, environment, society, and economy, as per the three key pillars of sustainable development. The RE has a positive impact toward achieving 75 targets across all SDGs by using an expert elicitation method-based consensus. However, it may negatively affect the accomplishment of the 27 targets. In addition, the AI can help the RE to enable the attainment of 42 out of 169 targets. With the current exponential growth of RE share and AI development together with addressing certain present limitations, this impact may cover additional targets in the future. Nevertheless, the present research foci neglect significant facets. The exponential growth of RE share and rapid evolution of AI need to be accompanied through the requisite regulatory insight and technology regulation to cover additional targets in the future.
Perceptions and Experiences Regarding Vasectomy Among Vasectomized Men at Larterbiokorshie.
Authors: Menlah Awube , Osei Evans Appiah Appiah , Garti Isabella , Appiah Stella , Awuah Dorothy Baffour , Menyah Sharon Baaba 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundVasectomy is an effective contraceptive method that has been approved worldwide and proven to be an effective method of contraception among males in the perspective of controlling a population. Although safer, simpler, less expensive and equally as effective as female sterilization, throughout the world, it is one of the least used and least known methods of contraception. It is perceived to be a form of castration, which can make men weak and incapable, thereby unable to satisfy their wives sexually, leading to marital conflicts. The study aimed at determining perceptions and experiences regarding vasectomy among vasectomized men at Larterbiokorshie. MethodsThis study adopted a qualitative method utilizing Phenomenological research design. The sample consisted of 18 vasectomized men selected through purposive sampling method. Face-face interviews were conducted with participants using a semi-structured interview guide. ResultsThe study discovered that the vasectomized men have a positive perception about vasectomy in terms of promoting couples sexual Health. Nevertheless, public perception regarding vasectomy was found to be poor. Socio-cultural and religious factors were also found to influence vasectomy uptake. In addition, several reasons were cited for motivating men regarding their decision on vasectomy and finally, participants shared their experiences following their vasectomy. ConclusionConclusively, despite all the misconceptions and concerns raised about vasectomy, the study revealed a positive perception among the vasectomized men. The study recommends that the government should formulate policies which will improve the utilization of vasectomy through ongoing monitoring and evaluation of services.
Comprehensive Analysis of circRNA&nbsp;Expression Pattern in Senescent EPCs
Authors: Wang Chunli , Liu Fang , Wang Fei , chen shuyan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Atherosclerosis(AS) is a major disease affecting the elderly health. CircRNAs are found to play important roles in AS. This study aims to explore the biological functions of circRNAs in senescent EPCs. Methods: Endothelial progenitor cells which can differentiate into endothelial cells and their replicative senescent cells were used. we analyzed the circRNA expression profiles using RNA-seq, picked up- and down- regulated circRNAs, next done gene ontology (GO) and KEGG analysis, and last circRNA-miRNA-target interactions were predicted. Results: Many circRNAs were identified as significantly dysregulated in senescent cells. GO analysis showed that differential expressed circRNAs origin genes were involved mainly in metabolic process, immune system process and response to stimulus. KEGG pathway enrichment is involved mainly in endocytosis, ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, mTOR signaling pathway and AMPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, we generated a dysregulated circRNA-miRNA binding and found four circRNAs (has_circ_0007710, _0067750, _0007029, _0002202) were related to atherosclerosis. Conclusions: These results show that circRNAs might play crucial roles in the development of atherosclerosis in aging.
Usefulness of Virtual Reality-Based Training to Diagnose Strabismus
Authors: Moon Hyun Sik , Yoon Hyeon Jeong , Park Sang Woo , Kim Chae Yeon , Jeong Mu Seok , Lim Sung Min , Ryu Jee Heon , Heo Hwan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To study the usefulness of virtual reality (VR) based training for diagnosing strabismusMethods: Fourteen ophthalmology residents performed at least 30 VR training sessions to diagnose esotropia and exotropia. Examinations of real patients with esotropia or exotropia before and after the VR training were video-recorded and presented to a strabismus expert to assess accuracy and performance scores for measuring the deviation angle and diagnosing strabismus with anonymization. A feedback survey regarding the usefulness and ease of use of the VR application was conducted for participants.Results: The mean age of 14 ophthalmology residents, including 10 men and 4 women, was 29.7 years. Before VR training, participants showed a mean accuracy score of 14.50 ± 5.45 and performance score of 9.64 ± 4.67 for measuring the deviation angle and diagnosing strabismus in real patients with strabismus. After VR training, they showed a significantly improved accuracy score of 22.14 ± 4.37 (p = 0.012) and performance score of 15.50 ± 1.99 (p = 0.011). According to the survey, most participants agreed on the usefulness of VR application.Conclusions: This study suggests that VR based training improves ophthalmology residents’ clinical diagnostic skills for strabismus in a short period.
WITHDRAWN: Nutrient Removal Effectivity of Seaweeds as Biofilter and Water Pollution Control in Hybrid Grouper Aquaculture Wastewater at Low Salinity
Authors: Adharini Ratih Ida , Murwantoko Murwantoko , Probosunu Namastra , Setiawan Riza Yuliratno , Satriyo Tony Budi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This research aims to determine the performance and nutrient uptake effectivity of seaweeds species, namely Ulva fasciata., Sargassum illicifolium, Gelidium sp., and Dictyota sp. as a biofilter in hybrid grouper aquaculture wastewater at low salinity (14-17 ppt). This study used a Completely Randomized Design with 3 replications. The statistical analysis was carried out by Analysis of Variance continued with the Least Significance Difference test, and the Kruskal-Walis test with the Mann-Whitney analysis, and T-test with a confidence level of 95%. The concentrations of ammonia, nitrate, phosphate, and water quality parameters were observed every 4 days. The seaweeds uptake of N and P in water, and Specific Growth Rate were also observed. The results showed that U. fasciata was able to reduce ammonia by 75.95% and nitrate by 79.53%, which were the highest compared to other treatments, while Dictyota sp. was able to20 reduce the highest phosphate by 87.5% for 20 days. The highest SGR was achieved by U. fasciata at 1.91 %day-1. The highest N content uptake by seaweeds was 104.4%, and the total P of 182.3% occurred in U. fasciata. Overall, U. fasciata has 22 the highest performance and effectiveness as a biofilter that is able to reduce nutrient waste in low-salinity from grouper aquaculture, for re-circulation or before being discharged into the environment to reduce eutrophication and HABs in aquatic environment. The highest growth rate of U. fasciata can be used as food with highly nutritional and economical value.
In-Situ Synchrotron Diffraction and Modeling of Non-Equilibrium Solidification of a MnFeCoNiCu Alloy
Authors: Schneiderman Benjamin , Chuang Andrew Chihpin , Kenesei Peter , Yu Zhenzhen 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The solidification mechanism and segregation behavior of laser-melted Mn35Fe5Co20Ni20Cu20 was firstly investigated via in-situ synchrotron x-ray diffraction at millisecond temporal resolution. The transient composition evolution of the random solid solution during sequential solidification of dendritic and interdendritic regions complicates the analysis of synchrotron diffraction data via any single conventional tool, such as Rietveld refinement. Therefore, a novel approach combining a hard-sphere approximation model, thermodynamic simulation, thermal expansion measurement and microstructural characterization was developed to assist in a fundamental understanding of the evolution of local composition, lattice parameter, and dendrite volume fraction corresponding to the diffraction data. This methodology yields self-consistent results across different methods. Via this approach, four distinct stages were identified, including: (I) FCC dendrite solidification, (II) solidification of FCC interdendritic region, (III) solid-state interdiffusion and (IV) final cooling with marginal diffusion. It was found out that in Stage I, Cu and Mn were rejected into liquid as Mn35Fe5Co20Ni20Cu20 solidified dendritically. During Stage II, the lattice parameter disparity between dendrite and interdendritic region escalated as Cu and Mn continued segregating into the interdendritic region. After complete solidification, during Stage III, the lattice parameter disparity gradually decreases, demonstrating a degree of composition homogenization. The volume fraction of dendrites slightly grew from 58.3–65.5%, based on the evolving composition profile across a dendrite/interdendritic interface in diffusion calculations. Postmortem metallography further confirmed that dendrites have a volume fraction of 64.7% ± 5.3% in the final microstructure.
Degradation of Insulin Amyloid by Antibiotic Minocycline and Formation of Toxic Intermediates
Authors: Mori Wakako , Yuzu Keisuke , Lobsiger Nadine , Nishioka Hideo , Sato Hisako , Nagase Terumasa , Iwaya Keiichi , Lindgren Mikael , Zako Tamotsu 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Insulin balls, localized insulin amyloids formed at subcutaneous insulin-injection sites in patients with diabetes, cause poor glycemic control owing to impairments in insulin absorption. Our previous study has shown that some insulin balls are cytotoxic, but others are not, implying amyloid polymorphism. Interestingly, the patient with toxic insulin balls had been treated with antibiotic minocycline, suggesting a possible relationship between toxicity of insulin balls and minocycline. However, the direct effect of minocycline on the structure and cytotoxicity of the insulin amyloid is still unclear. Herein, we demonstrated that that minocycline at physiological concentrations induced degradation of insulin amyloids formed from human insulin and insulin drug preparations used for diabetes patients. Interestingly, the process involved the initial appearance of the toxic species, which subsequently changed into less-toxic species. It is also shown that the structure of the toxic species was similar to that of sonicated fragments of human insulin amyloids. Our study shed new light on the clarification of the revelation of insulin balls and the development of the insulin analogs for diabetes therapy.
Does Blastocyst Morphology Influence Live Birth Rate after Frozen-thawed Single Euploid Embryo Transfer?
Authors: Li Na , Guan Yichun , Ren Bingnan , Zhang Yuchao , Du Yulin , Kong Hongjiao , Lou Hua 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objective

To investigate whether the morphologic parameters of euploid blastocyst influence the live birth rate (LBR) following single frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles?
Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis involving autologous single FET cycles after preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) through next generation sequencing (NGS) by a university-based reproductive medical center that was performed from June 2017 to September 2019.Women were divided into three age groups (< 30, 30–34 and ≥ 35 years). The primary outcome measure was LBR. Outcomes were compared to determine the association between different blastocyst quality (Good, Average and Poor), inner cell mass (ICM) grade (A and B), and trophectoderm (TE) grade (A, B and C) and LBR.
Results

We included 232 single FET cycles for analysis, the total LBR was 48.48%. In the youngest group (< 30 years, n = 86), LBR were compared between cycles with various blastocyst quality (72.22% for good quality, 54.55% for average quality and 34.78% for poor quality; P = 0.019), ICM grade (70.59% for grade A and 42.03% for grade B; P = 0.035) and TE grade (85.71% for grade A,57.58% for grade B and 34.78 for grade C; P = 0.015). Similarly, in the 30–34 years group, LBR ranged from 50.00% for good quality to 45.45% for poor quality (P = 0.870), from 35.29% for ICM grade A to 51.22% for ICM grade B (P = 0.291), from 60.00% for TE grade A to 45.45% for TE grade C (P = 0.634). Likewise, in the oldest group (≥ 35years, n = 47), LBR were also comparable between these subgroups, but no significant differences were seen in blastocyst morphologic parameters and LBR (P > 0.05).
Conclusion

After single FET cycles, the LBR was associated with morphologic parameters of euploid blastocysts, especially in women < 30 years old. However, these differences were not found in women older than 30 years. We suggested that for older women whose embryos undergoing PGT-A with NGS to be euploid have the same development potential regardless of their blastocyst morphology.