bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Virtual Screening of Potential AEC2 Inhibitors for COVID-19 from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: He Xiang , WANG JUNYI , Zhang Lei , Ran Qin , Xiong Anying , Liu Shengbin , Wu Dehong , Niu Bin , Xiong Ying , Li Guoping 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a negative regulator of the renin-angiotensin system and the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2 receptor, plays an important role in viral genome replication and immune response. ACE2 has been proposed as a potential therapeutic target. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) could be considered as a promising complementary therapeutic option in the management of COVID-19. However, the active components and action mechanisms that account for its therapeutic effects remain controversial. Methods: ACE2 was employed as a target related to COVID-19 to explore the active ingredients from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) database. And the PharmMapper database and TCMSP database were used to predict the targets of the compounds. Moreover, the potential therapeutic targets of COVID-19 were acquired by intersection among genes differentially expressed in COVID-19 patients, genes screened from five public databases and genes targeted by active compounds. Finally, molecular docking verification and function analysis were performed.Results: In this study, puerarin, the common active compound for targeting ACE2 across the five TCMs (Radix Cyathulae, Flos Puerariac, Radix Bupleuri, Radix Puerariac and Radix Hemerocallis), was found. Due to the comprehensive analysis, we revealed that puerarin might prevent the entrance of SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells by blocking ACE2, chiefly modulated the T cell immunity and regulate pro-inflammatory cytokine response by affecting TNF, STAT1 and RNASE3. Conclusion: Taken together, the present study found that puerarin might have a therapeutic effect on COVID-19 through regulation of the immune system, inhibition of inflammation and prevention of virus entry into cells.
Frequent POLE-Driven Hypermutation in Ovarian Endometrioid Cancer Revealed by Mutational Signatures in RNA Sequencing
Authors: Davila Jaime , Chanana Pritha , Sarangi Vivekananda , Fogarty Zach , Weroha John , Guo Ruifeng , Ellen Goode , Huang Yajue , Chen Wang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: DNA polymerase epsilon (POLE) is encoded by the POLE gene, and POLE-driven tumors are characterized by high mutational rates. POLE-driven tumors are relatively common in endometrial and colorectal cancer, and their presence is increasingly recognized in ovarian cancer (OC) of endometrioid type. POLE-driven cases possess an abundance of TCT>TAT and TCG>TTG somatic mutations characterized by mutational signature 10 from the Catalog of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC). By quantifying the contribution of COSMIC mutational signature 10 in RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) we set out to identify POLE-driven tumors in a set of unselected Mayo Clinic OC. Methods: Mutational profiles were calculated using expressed single-nucleotide variants (eSNV) in the Mayo Clinic OC tumors (n=195), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) OC tumors (n=419), and the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) normal ovarian tissues (n=84). Non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) of the mutational profiles inferred the contribution per sample of four distinct mutational signatures, one of which corresponds to COSMIC mutational signature 10. Results: In the Mayo Clinic OC cohort we identified six tumors with a predicted contribution from COSMIC mutational signature 10 of over five mutations per megabase. These six cases harbored known POLE hotspot mutations (P286R, S297F, V411L, and A456P) and were of endometrioid histotype (P=5e-04). These six tumors were hypermutated with a higher tumor mutation load (mean, 54.02 mutations per megabase) compared to non-POLE endometrioid OC cases (mean, 7.69 mutations per megabase; P=5e-04), and had an early onset (average age of patients at onset, 48.33 years) when compared to non-POLE endometrioid OC cohort (average age at onset, 60.13 years; P=.008). Samples from TCGA and GTEx had a low COSMIC signature 10 contribution (median 0.16 mutations per megabase; maximum 1.78 mutations per megabase) and carried no POLE hotspot mutations.Conclusions: From the largest cohort of RNA-seq from endometrioid OC to date (n=53), we identified six hypermutated samples likely driven by POLE (frequency, 11%). Our result suggests the clinical need to screen for POLE driver mutations in endometrioid OC, which can guide enrollment in immunotherapy clinical trials.
Oral Health and Risk Indicators of Early Adolescents in Shandong Province, China: A Cross-sectional Oral Health Survey
Authors: Zhang Meng , Lan Jing , Zhang Tiantian , Sun Wenshuang , Liu Panpan , Wang Zhifeng 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objective: We aimed to analyse the oral health status of adolescents in Shandong province, including dental caries and gingivitis, and the relevant risk indicators.Methods: Adolescents aged 12-15-years in Shandong province were recruited. Caries and gingival status were assessed following the World Health Organisation diagnostic criteria. Information including the sociodemographic, oral hygiene knowledge, attitudes and practices were collected through the questionnaire. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to investigate the independent risk indicators.Results: In total, 3,868 students (50.2% males) were enrolled. Of these, 39.9% of the participants experienced caries, and 81.7% and 31.3% had calculus and bleeding gums, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that there was an association between an increased risk of caries with toothaches, dental visits and sleeping troubles caused by oral problems (P < 0.024). A low-frequency of brushing, high sugar consumption and no flossing increased the risk of calculus formation and gum bleeding (P < 0.008).Conclusion: Compared to caries, worse gingival condition was more prevalent among adolescents in Shandong province and was not taken seriously. Brushing behaviour is associated with gingivitis, while dental visits and toothaches are associated with caries. Hence, prevention-oriented dental visits and oral hygiene training are strongly recommended to improve oral health status.Trial registration: Not applicable.
4-Methylumbelliferone Administration Enhances Radiosensitivity of Human Fibrosarcoma by Intercellular Communication
Authors: Saga Ryo , Matsuya Yusuke , Takahashi Rei , Hasegawa Kazuki , Date Hiroyuki , Hosokawa Yoichiro 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Hyaluronan synthesis inhibitor 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) is a candidate of radiosensitizers which enables both anti-tumour and anti-metastasis effects in X-ray therapy. The curative effects under such 4-MU administration have been investigated in vitro; however, the radiosensitizing mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigated the radiosensitizing effects under 4-MU treatment from cell experiments and model estimations. We generated experimental surviving fractions of human fibrosarcoma cells (HT1080) after 4-MU treatment combined with X-ray irradiation. Meanwhilst, we also modelled the pharmacological effects of 4-MU treatment and theoretically analyzed the synergetic effects between 4-MU treatment and X-ray irradiation. The results show that the enhancement of cell killing by 4-MU treatment is the greatest in the intermediate dose range of around 4 Gy, which can be reproduced by considering intercellular communication (so called non-targeted effects) through the model analysis. As supposed to be the involvement of intercellular communication in radiosensitization, the oxidative stress level associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS), which leads to DNA damage induction, is significantly higher by the combination of 4-MU treatment and irradiation than only by X-ray irradiation, and the radiosensitization by 4-MU can be suppressed by the ROS inhibitors. These findings suggest that the synergetic effects between 4-MU treatment and irradiation are predominantly attributed to intercellular communication and provide more efficient tumour control than conventional X-ray therapy.
Associations of community, family and early individual factors with body mass index trajectories among children aged 1-18：a longitudinal study in China
Authors: Liang Jing , Zheng Si , Wang Peigang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Recently born children are increasing in height and weight, but no studies have analyzed changes in BMI trajectories and the heterogeneity in China. We aimed to examine the developmental trajectories of BMI among Chinese children and the potential determinants including early individual factors, family and community factors. Data came from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018), and group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was employed to identify BMI trajectories from 1 to 18 years. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to determine the association between early individual, family, community factors and child BMI trajectory. We identified three distinct BMI trajectories among boys and girls: low-increasing, medium-increasing, and high-increasing, and found that early individual factors, family and community factors were associated with different trajectories of BMI. There were heterogeneous BMI trajectories from children to adolescents in the recent Chinese birth cohort. Targeted interventions at early individual, family, community levels are essential.
Intimal Thickening and Disruption of The Media Occur in The Arterial Walls of Coronary Arteries Not Associated With Coronary Arterial Aneurysms in Patients With Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Tsuchihashi Tomoya , Kakimoto Nobuyuki , Takeuchi Takashi , Suenaga Tomohiro , Suzuki Takayuki , Shibuta Shoichi , Ino Yasushi , Kubo Takashi , Akasaka Takashi , Suzuki Hiroyuki 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) is an important complication of Kawasaki disease (KD) that is associated with arterial structure damage. However, few studies have examined structural changes in coronary arteries not associated with CAA.Methods We examined coronary arteries in KD patients with CAAs who underwent follow-up coronary angiography (CAG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Coronary arterial branches with no abnormal findings on most recent CAG were classified into two groups. Arteries with an acute-phase CAA that later regressed were classified as group R and arteries with no abnormal findings on either acute or convalescent phase CAG were classified as group N. Coronary arterial wall structural changes were compared between groups using OCT.ResultsFifty-seven coronary arterial branches in 23 patients were evaluated by OCT. Thirty-six branches showed no abnormality on most recent CAG. Both groups R and N comprised 18 branches. Maximum intimal thickness in groups R and N was 475 and 355 µm, respectively (p = 0.007). The incidence of disruption of the media was 100% and 67%, respectively (p = 0.02). Calcification, macrophage accumulation, and thrombus were not found in either group.ConclusionsIntimal thickening and disruption of the media occur not only in coronary arteries with acute phase CAAs that later regress in the convalescent phase, but also in arteries with normal CAG findings in the acute and convalescent phases.
Dynamic Monitor of CT&nbsp;Scan Within Short Interval in Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis for Nonneutropenic Patients
Authors: Chen Fei , Zhong Yonghong , Li Na , Wang Huijie , Tan Yanbin , Zhang Hao , Hua Wen , Mao Yanxiong , Huang Huaqiong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: In nonneutropenic patients with underlying respiratory diseases (URD), invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a life-threatening disease. Yet establishing early diagnosis in those patients remains quite a challenge. Methods :A retrospective series of nonneutropenic patients with probable or proven IPA were reviewed from January 2014 to May 2018 in Department of Respiratory Medicine of two Chinese hospitals. Refer to the relevant diagnostic criteria in the 《American Society of Infectious Diseases Guidelines for Invasive Aspergillus 2008》1. Those patients were suspected of IPA and underwent lung computed tomography (CT) scans twice within 5-21 days. The items required for IPA diagnosis were assessed by their host factors, mycological findings and CT scans according to EORTC/ MSG criteria. Results: Together with the risk factors, mycological findings and nonspecific radiological signs on first CT, ten patients were suspected of IPA. With the appearance of cavities on second CT scan in following days, all patients met the criteria of probable or possible IPA. Except one patient who refused antifungal treatment, nine patients received timely antifungal treatment and recovered well. One of the nine treated IPA cases was further confirmed by pathology, one was confirmed by biopys. Conclusions: Dynamic monitor of CT scan provided specific image evidences for IPA diagnosis. This novel finding might provide a noninvasive and efficient strategy in IPA diagnosis with URD.
COVID-19 and the Impact of Cash Transfers on Health Care Use in Togo
Authors: TOSSOU Yaovi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Cash transfer program during pandemics provide a social protection mechanism to improve the health of the most vulnerable households. This article analysis the impact of cash transfers on household demand for health care during Covid-19.Methods: Using data from the survey conducted from 8 to 17 July 2020 covering all 44 districts in the 6 health regions of Togo under the direction of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), we used propensity score matching and the ESR model. These models allow us to analysis the impact of cash transfers on health care use during Covid-19. Results: Analysis of the results shows a positive impact of cash transfers on the use of health care services in Togo for beneficiary households. In addition, the health insurance promotes the use of health care among households' socio-economic factors. Conclusion: This cash transfer program is an effective approach to improving access to health care services for the most vulnerable households, particularly in the most disadvantaged settings. Thus, policy makers need to extend these cash transfers to a large part of the population during this Covid-19 health crisis as it has a positive impact on the demand for health care.
Risk Factors for Poor Health-related Quality of Life in Patients With Colon Cancer Include Stoma and Smoking Habits
Authors: Tiselius Catarina , Rosenblad Andreas , Strand Eva , Smedh Kenneth 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objectives: Studies have shown that poor Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) might worsen the cancer-related prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors for poor HRQoL in patients with colon cancer.Method: This was a prospective population-based study of patients with colon cancer included between 2012 and 2016. HRQoL was measured using the cancer-specific European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30. Multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking habits, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification, emergency/elective surgery, resection with/without a stoma and tumour stage was used.Results: A total of 67% (376/561) of all incident patients with colon cancer (196 [52.1%] females) was included. Mean (range) age was 73 (30–96) years. Patients with more comorbidity (American Society of Anesthesiologists status 3 and 4), those with higher body mass index, smokers and patients who were planned to be operated on with a stoma were at a higher risk for poor QoL than the other included patients at baseline and at 6 months of follow-up.Conclusion: These findings may be used to provide more individualized attention to patients who need more support from health care.ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT 03910894)
Failed Etonogestrel Implant (Nexplanon) in a Woman on anti-TB&nbsp; Medications: A Case Report
Authors: Tufa Tesfaye H. , Fessehaye Abraham , Abubeker Ferid A. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundA new form of implantable subdermal contraceptive device (Nexplanon) is available in the market since 2001 and provides 99% effective contraception. However, similar to other hormonal contraception, its effectiveness is compromised with the use of cytochrome P450 inducing drugs resulting in an unplanned pregnancy. Despite this theoretical risk, little is known on the outcome of concomitant use of anti-tuberculosis medications and Implants.Case presentationA 26 years old GIII PII who has been using Nexplanon for the past 2 years and 7 months presented to the family planning referral clinic with the diagnosis of failed implant and second-trimester pregnancy at gestational age of 19 weeks. She was initiated on rifampicin based anti-tuberculosis 8 months prior to her presentation for the diagnosis of tuberculosis of the lymph nodes.ConclusionAll health professionals should be aware of the possible reduced effectiveness of certain hormonal contraceptives due to concomitant use of hepatic cytochrome P450 enzyme-inducing medications. Women should be given detailed counseling about the potential for drug interaction. The discussion should include the use of other alternative methods. A multidisciplinary approach with consultation or referral to reproductive health specialists is crucial for optimal management of women who are at increased risk of contraceptive failure and unintended pregnancy.
The Analytical Contribution to the Theory of Solar-induced Earthquakes: the Croatian December 2020 M=6.4 Case Study
Authors: Toman Ivan , Brčić David , Kos Serdjo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Solar-induced earthquakes are a relatively new field of research of possible connection between events originating from Sun, and the Earth's lithosphere dynamics. This is a theory that tries to explain the temporal correlation between the solar activity increase, particularly measured using proton density values, and occurrence of the strongest earthquakes on Earth. In this paper, the case study of Croatian major earthquake in December 2020 was investigated. The increase in proton density as measured by STEREO satellite, by +4.2 standard deviations from the monthly mean value, preceded the main shock of M=6.4 by 16 hours. Such proton density increases, within one day before major earthquake, agrees with previous research where strong temporal correlation of those two events was found.
"This Screening Cannot Be Done For Virgins Because They Have Not Had any Sexual Intercourse " Knowledge on Cervical Cancer Screening and Vaccination Among Females at Oyibi Community.
Authors: Osei Evans , Appiah Stella , Gaogli Judith , Oti-Boadi Ezekiel 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAwareness about cervical cancer screening and vaccination in the developed countries are high as compared to the developing countries. Sixty to eighty percent (60 - 80%) of the women who develop cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa live in the rural areas with inadequate awareness on cervical cancer screening. However, cervical cancer knowledge remained a significant direct predictor of screening behaviors. The study therefore aim to explore the Knowledge on Cervical Cancer Screening and Vaccination among females at Oyibi Community. A qualitative exploratory design was employed to purposively recruit 35 participants who were made up of 7 members in a group forming 5 Focus Group discussions in all. Data was retrieved using a semi-structured interview guide. ResultsThe study revealed two main themes with 7 subthemes. The two main themes were Cervical cancer screening and vaccination knowledge and Cervical cancer vaccination effectiveness and cost. The subthemes were; knowledge on cervical cancer screening types, knowledge about cervical cancer screening and vaccination centers, knowledge about how cancer screening is performed, knowledge about cervical cancer vaccination, cervical cancer screening and vaccination sources of information, knowledge about the effectiveness of cervical cancer vaccination and awareness about cervical cancer screening cost and vaccination cost. ConclusionThe study revealed low knowledge on screening and vaccination of cervical cancer, and effectiveness of cervical cancer vaccination but high awareness about the centers. There is therefore the need for heightened sensitization regarding cervical cancer screening and vaccination in rural communities to help reduce misconceptions and increase patronage rate.
Cost Effectiveness Analysis of a Polygenic Risk Tailored Breast Cancer Screening Programme in Singapore
Authors: Wong Jerry Zeng Yang , Chai Jia Hui , Yeoh Yen Shing , Riza Nur Khaliesah Mohamed , Liu Jenny , Teo Yik-Ying , Wee Hwee Lin , Hartman Mikael 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the cost effectiveness of a breast cancer screening programme that incorporates genetic testing using breast cancer associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Singapore, against the current biennial mammogram only screening programme.MethodsA Markov model was used to compare the costs and health outcomes of the current screening programme, against a polygenic risk tailored screening programme that advises long term screening depending polygenic risk. The model took the perspective of the healthcare system, with a time horizon of 40 years, following women from the age of 35 to 74. Epidemiological and cost data was taken from Asian studies. An annual discount rate of 3% was used. The model outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), calculated from the difference in costs per quality adjusted life year (QALY). Scenarios with varying risk thresholds for each polygenic risk group were examined. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to assess parameter uncertainty.ResultsThe ICER for a polygenic risk tailored breast cancer screening programme, compared to the current biennial mammogram only screening programme, was -3,713.80, with incremental costs <0 and incremental effects >0. Scenario analysis of different polygenic risk cutoffs showed that the ICERs remain negative, with all ICERs falling within the south east quadrant of the cost effectiveness plane, indicating that tailored screening dominates mammogram only screening with lower costs and higher QALYs. This suggests that a polygenic risk tailored breast cancer screening programme is cost effective, being cheaper than the current mammogram only programme while bringing no additional harm to women.ConclusionResults from this cost effectiveness analysis show that polygenic risk tailored screening is cost effective with an ICER of –3,713.80 SGD/QALY. Tailored screening remains cost effective even when varying percentile cutoffs for each risk group. While the results look promising for incorporating polygenic risk into the current breast cancer screening programme, further studies should be conducted due to various limitations.