bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HDM-induced Atg5 Mediates TSLP Expressing to Disrupt Epithelial Barrier
Authors: Yu Changhui , Zhou Zicong , Liang Shixiu , Zhou Zili , Liu Jieyi , Zou Fei , Cai Shaoxi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Asthma is a complex and heterogeneous disease. Autophagy, process of self-protection in cells, is an intracellular process when cells are being attacked by certain stress. Our team focused upon the disruption of airways epithelial barrier in asthma, and we interested in whether autophagy played a key role in asthma. Methods: 400U HDM was used to treat HBECs and established asthmatic mice model. Western blotting, RT-PCR and immunofluorescence were mainly used to detect autophagy process in vivo and in vitro. One way ANOVA and Mann Whitney test were used for statistic. Results: After treated with HDM, expression of LC3ab increased in vivo and in vitro. Using Rapamycin, 3-MA and Chloroquine to treat HBECs, then we surprisingly found that HDM disrupts epithelial barrier through incomplete autophagy. To find out the connection between asthma and autophagy, we chose known autophagy related genes to determine the association between autophagy and disruption of airway epithelial barrier. Atg5 and atg12 were chosen because these two genes varied upon the time dependent manner. Knocked down the expression of atg5 or atg12 by siRNA, the expression of TSLP, which can induce the disruption of airway epithelial barrier, remarkably reduced. Conclusions: These results demonstrated that HDM induced inflammatory in airway epithelium through autophagy, and then knocked down autophagy related genes alleviated the inflammatory in HBECs.
Identification and Validation of A Hypoxia-Related Prognostic and Immune Microenvironment Signature in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Sun Xianchao , Zhang Ying , Wang Jinyou , Zhao Xiaofeng , Zhou Zhen , Jin Liang , Zhai Tingshuai , Liu Xiang , Zhang Jiaxin , Mei Wangli , Zhang Bihui , Luo Ming , Yao Xudong , Ye Lin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Bladder cancer is the main leading causes of cancer-related deaths and seriously affects population health. Hypoxia plays a key role in tumor development and immune escape, which contributes to malignant behaviors. In this study, we analyzed the RNA-seq and clinical information of bladder cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. In order to investigate the hypoxia-related prognostic and immune microenvironment in bladder cancer, we constructed a hypoxia-related risk model for overall survival (OS). Moreover, the RNA-seq and clinical information of bladder cancer patients from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were used to verified. Our research revealed that the hypoxia risk signature significantly correlated with clinical outcome and independently predict the OS. Furthermore, the hypoxia risk signature could effectively reflect the level of immune cell type fraction and the expression of critical immune checkpoint genes were higher in the high-risk group compare to low-risk group. We also confirmed the expression level of the prognostic genes in bladder cancer and paracancerous tissue samples using qRT-PCR analysis. In summary, the present study identified 7 hypoxia-related genes (HRGs) signature that may be served as an independent clinical predictor and provide a potential mechanism in bladder cancer immunotherapy.
Special Hook Design for Hatch Cover Stocking Gantry Crane, Strength, Numerical Analysis under Static Loading
Authors: Şengül Ömer , Kam Menderes 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In this study, Computer-Aided Design (CAM) of special crane hooks used to close the stack type hatch covers used for sea freight transport, which is of great importance in our world, has been made. In this design, bolt and pin connections were preferred in the connections of the hook with the crane, as well as the connection with the welding performed in other studies. Thanks to these fasteners, corrosion events caused by the place of use and environmental conditions will also be prevented, and the strength values and reliability of the material will be increased. Critical sections with high-stress values on this design were determined by the Finite Element Method (FEM) with ANSYS R3 analysis program. In this design, the necessary improvements and strength calculations of the hook were made. Numerical calculations performed by the FEM and strength calculation results were compared. Results overlap: This, in turn, has been associated with the fact that the design made for us provides an optimal level of efficiency. These calculations are based on the data of St-37 structural steel. According to the results of these strength calculations, improvements were made in the design. As a result of improvements in special design and strength values for hatch cover stocking gantry Crane hooks, the design is expected to be standardized.
Distorted chemosensory perception and female sex associate with persistent smell and/or taste loss in people with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies: A community based cohort study investigating clinical course and resolution of acute smell and/or taste loss in people with and without SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in London, UK
Authors: Makaronidis Janine , Firman Chloe , Magee Cormac , Mok Jessica , Balogun Nyaladzi , Lechner Matt , Carnemolla Alisia , Batterham Rachel 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background:Loss of smell and/or taste are cardinal symptoms of COVID-19. ‘Long-COVID’, persistence of symptoms, affects around one fifth of people. However, data regarding the clinical resolution of loss of smell and/or taste are lacking. We assessed COVID-19 symptoms in a community cohort in London 4-6 weeks after they initially reported acute loss of their sense of smell and/or taste, 78% of whom had SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM antibodies. In addition, to assess whether self-reported change in sense of smell was reliable, we compared subjective and objective smell assessments in a subset of participants. Methods:467 participants with acute loss of smell and/or taste who had undergone SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM antibody testing 4-6 weeks earlier completed a follow-up questionnaire about resolution of their symptoms. A subsample of 50 participants completed an objective olfactory test and results were compared to subjective smell evaluations.Results:People with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies with an acute loss of sense of smell and taste were significantly less likely to recover their sense of smell/taste than people who were seronegative (smell recovery: 57.7% vs. 72.1% , p=0.027. taste recovery 66.2% vs. 80.3%, p=0.017). In SARS-CoV-2 positive participants, a higher percentage of male participants reported full resolution of smell loss (72.8% vs. 51.4%; p<0.001) compared to female participants, who were almost 2.5-times more likely to have ongoing smell loss after 4-6 weeks (OR 2.46, 95%CI 1.47-4.13, p=0.001). Female participants with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and unresolved smell loss and unresolved taste loss were significantly older (>40 years) than those who reported full resolution. Participants who experienced parosmia reported lower smell recovery rates and participants with distorted taste perception lower taste recovery rates. Parosmia had a significant association to unresolved smell loss (OR 2.47, 95%CI 1.54-4.00, p<0.001). Conclusion:Although smell and/or taste loss are often transient manifestations of COVID-19, 42% of participants had ongoing loss of smell, 34% loss of taste and 36% loss of smell and taste at 4-6 weeks follow-up, which constitute symptoms of ‘long-COVID’. Females (particularly >40 years) and people with a distorted perception of their sense of smell/taste are likely to benefit from prioritised early therapeutic interventions. Trials registration:ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04377815
Influence of white matter lesions on the prognosis of acute cardioembolic stroke without reperfusion therapy
Authors: Guo yikun , Zou Wenying , Chen Zhuoyou , Zhang Min , Wang Qian , Dong Guanzhong , Yao Tian 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

Few studies have investigated the influence of white matter lesions (WMLs) on the prognosis of acute cardioembolic stroke (CES). We aimed to explore the role of WMLs in predicting 3-month prognosis of CES without reperfusion therapy.
Methods

A number of 251 acute CES patients without reperfusion therapy at a single center were retrospectively recruited. The severity of WMLs was evaluated by Fazekas scale and patients were divided into mild WMLs group (188 cases, Fazekas ≤ 2 points) and moderate to severe WMLs group (63 cases, Fazekas ≥ 3 points) accordingly. General data and clinical features of the two groups were compared. Functional outcomes of patients were followed up for 3 months using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) and patients were divided into poor outcome group (mRS ≥ 3) and favorable outcome group (mRS ≤ 2). The effect of WMLs on the prognosis was identified by binary logistic regression.
Results

Patients in moderate to severe WMLs group were older (P < 0.001). Also, they had higher baseline NIHSS score (P < 0.001) and elevated incidence of asymptomatic cerebral hemorrhage (P = 0.040) and stroke associated pneumonia (P = 0.001) than those in mild WMLs group. At 3 months, there were 100 cases in the poor outcome group. Patients in poor outcome group had higher baseline NIHSS score, increased proportion of moderate to severe WMLs, and elevated incidence of stroke associated pneumonia than those in favorable outcome group (P < 0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that moderate to severe WMLs (odds ratio [OR] = 4.105, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.447–11.646), baseline NIHSS score (OR = 1.368, 95% CI = 1.240–1.511), and stroke-associated pneumonia (OR = 4.840, 95%CI = 1.889–12.400) were independent risk factors for poor outcome.
Conclusion

Moderate to severe WMLs is an independent risk factor for prognosis of CES patients without reperfusion therapy.
Aging-associated inflammation and fibrosis in arachnoid membrane
Authors: Suzuki Hime , Mikami Takeshi , Iwahara Naotoshi , Akiyama Yukinori , Wanibuchi Masahiko , Komatsu Katsuya , Yokoyama Rintaro , Hirano Tsukasa , Hosoda Ryusuke , Horio Yoshiyuki , Kuno Atsushi , Mikuni Nobuhiro 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
The physiological and pathological significance of the arachnoid membrane (AM) is still unknown. In this study, we investigated various characteristics of the AM, focusing on the influence of inflammation and fibrosis.
Methods
Small pieces of AM sample were obtained during neurosurgical procedures from 74 cases. The clinical and pathological characteristics of the hyperplastic AM group (≥ 50 µm) and the non-hyperplastic AM group (< 50 µm) were compared. Then, potential correlations between AM thickness and clinical characteristics were analyzed. Moreover, VEGFα, TGFβ, and TGFα levels were quantitated by real time PCR. Then, the potential correlations between AM thickness and these inflammatory or anti-inflammatory markers, and the influence of the original disease were calculated.
Results
The median age of the patients in hyperplastic AM group was significantly older than that of the non-hyperplastic AM group. Moreover, the number of fibroblasts, CD68+ cells, CD86+ cells, and CD206+ cells in the hyperplastic AM group was significantly higher than that in the non-hyperplastic AM group. The AM thickness was significantly correlated to age and number of fibroblasts, CD68+ cells, CD86+ cells, and CD206+ cells. The thickness of the AM was significantly correlated to the messenger RNA expression levels of VEGFα (ρ = 0.337), and the VEGFα expression levels were significantly correlated with TGFβ, which in turn was significantly correlated with TNFα.
Conclusions
The AM hyperplasia was influenced by aging and could be a result of inflammation and fibrosis through cytokine secretion from the inflammatory cells and fibroblasts in the AM.
Analysis of Association between CT-assessed Body Composition and Survival Composition of Patients with Sepsis in EICU
Authors: Xu Tian Yun , Zhang He , Li Jie Zhi , Wang Nan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of sepsis among patients in the intensive care unit is high. Thus, the evaluation of prognosis in these patients is paramount. This study aimed to appraise the role of the abdominal composition quantified from computed tomography (CT) scan in predicting a 90-day mortality rate among patients with sepsis in the emergency intensive care unit (EICU).Method: Through Cox regression analysis, the skeletal muscle density (SMD, skeletal muscle area (SMA), and subcutaneous adipose tissue area (SAT) assessed by the CT abdomen were associated with the 90-day mortality rate, with adjustment to the acute physiology and chronic health assessment (APACHE II) score, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, and BMI. Linear regression was performed to analyze other clinical factors.Result: The Cox regression analyses showed that compared with the non-survival group at 90-day, patients with a higher SMD (HR per 10 HU = 0.619; 95% CI = 0.450 - 0.853; p = 0.003), SMA (HR per 10 cm2 = 0.870; 95% CI = 0.781 - 0.969; p = 0.011), and SAT (HR per 10 cm2 = 0.954; 95% CI = 0.912 - 0.999; P = 0.047) were significantly associated with a lower 90-day mortality rate. These significant correlations persisted after adjusting for the BMI, APACHE II, and SOFA scores. Further analysis revealed gender differences in the SMD and skeletal muscle index (SMI) between the survival and the non-survival group.Conclusion: The content of body composition assessed by an abdominal CT scan is highly associated with the 90-day mortality of patients with sepsis in the EICU, of which the SMD, SMA, and SAT represent valuable prognostic factors.
Double Blinded Clinical Study on D-Glyceric Acid, a Potential Novel Energy Metabolic Signaling Metabolite
Authors: Hirvonen Olli Petteri , Kyröläinen Heikki , Kainulainen Heikki 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Based on earlier few studies natural metabolite D-glyceric acid does not seem to play any major role in cellular metabolism. Nevertheless, one study that concentrated on ethanol oxidation in the liver increased our curiosity. Therefore, research leading to the present 25 days lasting double blinded human study with placebo control was initiated. Main targets in the present study were: 1) to find out whether acute and long-term exogenous D-glyceric acid (DGA) regimen will cause activation related to energy metabolism in healthy 50-60-year old humans, and 2) to find out whether elevated levels of endogenous DGA can be found in the plasma after 30 min of a strenuous cycling exercise. Additional target was to find out whether certain effects of exogenous DGA regimen resemble the effects of physical exercises, and whether lowered halved dose of DGA regimen during a 14-day follow-up period continues to be effective. The main results revealed that: I) there was an acute effect on plasma glucose maintenance from DGA regimen, II) plasma metabolites and gene expressions related to aerobic energy production were strongly modulated, and subclinical inflammation was lowered already after the 4-day DGA regimen, and III) cycling with increasing load towards exhaustion increased endogenous levels of DGA in human plasma (p=0.013). Because the amounts of administered DGA were exceedingly small and cannot directly have caused observed substantial changes, we hypothesise that an increase in tissue DGA concentration causes an endogenous signal or a cascade of intracellular signals: “ more ATP is needed immediately ”. At the whole body level, the signal causes metabolic activation cascade that resembles initiation of physical exercises but without literally no signs of exhaustion. Tested exogenous DGA regimen possessed an effect even on circulating immune cells. Based on obtained results, the DGA regimen may facilitate in resolving energy metabolic challenges in main organs, like fatty liver, and simultaneously it seemed to lower systemic inflammation. The DGA regimen can possibly alleviate chronic diseases and disorders related to energy metabolism and/or elevated subclinical inflammation.Trial registration number (18th of Jan 2021), ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04713319
Accelerated Osteoarthritis in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a prospective nationwide registry-based cohort study.
Authors: Kluzek Stefan , Rubin Katrine Hass , Sanchez-Santos Maria , O'Hanlon Mary S , Andersen Marianne , Glintborg Dorte , Abrahamsen Bo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis with multiple risk factors implicated including female sex and obesity. Metabolic dysregulation associated with obesity leading to Metabolic Syndrome is a proposed component of that association. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) commonly affects women of reproductive age and these women are at higher risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome and thus likely to represent a high-risk group for early OA development. There are no published studies exploring the epidemiology of knee, hip and hand OA in women diagnosed with PCOS. Study aim. To assess the prevalence and incidence of knee, hip and hand osteoarthritis (OA) in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) when compared with age-matched controls. Methods. Prospective Danish national registry-based cohort study. The prevalence of OA in 2015 and incidence rates of OA over 11.1 years were calculated and compared in more than 75,000 Danish women with either a documented diagnosis of PCOS and/or hirsutism (during the period of 1995 to 2012) or age-matched females without those diagnoses randomly drawn from the same population register. Results. In 2015, the prevalence of hospital treated knee, hip and hand OA was 5.2% in women with PCOS diagnosis. It was 73% higher than that seen in age-matched controls. Significantly higher incidence rates were observed in the PCOS cohort compared with the age-matched controls during the follow-up period (up to 20 years), with the following hazard ratios (HR): 1.9 (95%CI: 1.7 to 2.1) for knee, 1.8 (95%CI: 1.3-2.4) for hand and 1.3 (95%CI: 1.1 to 1.6) for hip OA. After excluding women with obesity, similar associations were observed for knee and hand OA. However, risk of developing hip OA was no longer significant.Conclusions. In this large prospective study, women with PCOS diagnosis had higher prevalence and accelerated onset of OA of both weight and non-weight bearing joints, when compared with age-matched controls. Further studies are needed to understand the relative effect of metabolic and hormonal changes linked with PCOS and their role in promoting development of OA.
Degradation of Wetlands and Livelihood Dependence on Lake Abaya-Chamo Wetland, Southern Ethiopia.
Authors: Zekarias Tariku , Govindu Vanum , Kebede Yechale , Gelaw Abren 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Back groundAbaya-Chamo and other wetlands of Ethiopia provide multiple ecosystem services, the wetlands are extremely affected by various anthropogenic factors. The unsustainable use of wetlands stems from the negligence of users about wetland degradation and limited policy attention by decision-makers. This study was aimed at analyzing the livelihood benefits of Abaya-chamo lake-wetland and the driving forces of its degradation. Data were gathered using a questionnaire survey of 384 households (selected via systematic random sampling), focus group discussion, and interview and ﬁeld observation. Percentage, regression, etc., was used for data analysis. ResultsIt was found that Abaya-chamo lake-wetland offers fish, lumber, firewood, fodder, irrigation water, farmland, rainfall, recreation, tourism, aesthetic, carbon sinks, air quality and climate regulation, etc., services to local people. Farm expansion, sedimentation, irrigation, invasive plants (e.g. emboch), open access and overuse of resources, lack of legal framework and rapid population growth were the main causes of the wetland degradation. Applying the lakes’ salty-water for irrigation is expected to lead to chemical land degradation in the next few decades. The invasive emboch-plant results in dwindling aquatic resources (e.g., fish), loss of economic and tour benefits, and change in local climate, thereby depleting the lake water, and the dissolved O2 and CO2 storage capacity of the lake-wetland rapidly. ConclusionsThe lakes’ salty-water based irrigation are expected to result in chemical land degradation to the extent of abandoning crop farming in the next few decades unless some actions are taken. Thus, the government should devise clear policy and legal framework about sustainable management of wetland resources.
Clinical Observation Research on the Application of Rapid Response System in General Wards
Authors: Wang Yan , Wu Haiyan , Liu Chang , Ran Suping , Wang Baoyu 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objective Observe and analyze the effect of the criticall rapid response system in general wards.Methods Analyze the data of CROT cases initiated in 2016-2019, and statistically analyze the reasons for the initiation, on-site treatment, the outcomes of patients, and the number of organ function support of patients transferred to ICU. Results A total of 312 cases were initiated in 43 months. The top three reasons for initiation were: unconsciousness (29.79%), respiratory distress (19.17%), and hypotension (18.60%). The effective call rate was 91.99%, and only 68.27% were transferred to ICU. Mechanical ventilation (89.67%), blood purification (85.92%), and vasoactive drugs (82.16%) were applied in ICU. Conclusions The critical rapid response system can guarantee the safety of inpatients in general wards, but the activatiaon characteristics are worthy of further discussion.