bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detrimental Correlation Between Air Pollution With Skin Aging in Asian Population
Authors: Huang Chao-Hsin , Chen Szu-Chia , Wang Yi-Chian , Wang Chen-Feng , Hung Chih-Hsing , Lee Su-Shin 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Dissecting the complex relationships between skin aging and air pollution has been an ongoing effort. The increased exposure to air pollution over time imposed a negative effect on skin. This study explores the correlation between skin aging in the Asian population and levels of air pollutants to show differential effects of air pollutant.Materials and Methods: This study was a retrospective trial which included 389 patients, age between 30 and 74, who received a session of ND YARG laser treatment in KMUH (Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital) from 2006 to 2019. Preoperative skin condition quantified by VISIA Complexion Analysis System (Canfield Imaging Systems, Fierfield, NJ, US). Eight air pollutants such as CO, NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbon), NO, NO2, NOx, PM2.5, PM10, O3, SO2 and 8 skin condition such as spots, wrinkles, textures, pores, UV spots, brown spots, red area and porphyrin were analyzed to explore correlation between air pollution and skin aging. Results: Strong correlation were found between NMHC exposure and texture, pores and brown spots formation. A positive correlation between O3 and better VISIA texture and pores scores was found. Brown spots was found to negatively associate with CO, NMHC, NO2, NOx, PM10, PM2.5, and SO2. The skin condition of population over age 45 affected by CO, NMHC, NO2, NOx, PM2.5, PM10, and SO2. Skin condition of the bottom 10% strongly correlates with exposure to PM10 and SO2, whereas skin condition of the top 10% was affected by PM10.Conclusions: Air pollutants such as CO, NO2, NOx, PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NMHC were found to correlate with negative skin quality strongly. In contrast, O3 exposure is associated with less texture and pores, which implies that air pollutants can have differential effects on skin condition. Future studies are warranted to further appreciate the effects on skin.
Few-cycle all-fibre supercontinuum laser for ultrabroadband multimodal nonlinear microscopy
Authors: Alamagro-Ruiz Azahara , Torres-Peiró Salvador , Muñoz-Marco Héctor , Cunquero Marina , Castro-Olvera Gustavo , Dauliat Romain , Jamier Raphael , Shulika Oleksiy V. , Romero Rosa , Guerreiro Paulo T. , Miranda Miguel , Crespo Helder , Roy Philippe , Loza-Álvarez Pablo , Pérez-Millán Pere 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Temporally coherent supercontinuum sources constitute an attractive alternative to bulk crystal-based sources of few-cycle light pulses. We present a monolithic fibre-optic configuration for generating transform-limited temporally coherent supercontinuum pulses with central wavelength at 1.06 mm and duration as short as 13.0 fs (3.7 optical cycles). The supercontinuum is generated by the action of self-phase modulation and optical wave breaking when pumping an all-normal dispersion photonic crystal fibre with pulses of hundreds of fs duration produced by all-fibre chirped pulsed amplification. Avoidance of free-space propagation between stages confers unequalled robustness, efficiency and cost-effectiveness to this novel configuration. Collectively, the features of all-fibre few-cycle pulsed sources make them powerful tools for applications benefitting from the ultrabroadband spectra and ultrashort pulse durations. Here we exploit these features and the deep penetration of light in biological tissues at the spectral region of 1 mm, to demonstrate their successful performance in ultrabroadband multispectral and multimodal nonlinear microscopy.
Acupuncture for Olfactory Dysfunction in Infected COVID-19 Patients: Study Protocol for a Single Blind, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Zhong Linda LD , CHOY Chi-Fung , CHO Hung-Wai , WONG Yi-Ping , WONG Alan Yat-Lun , YAU Ka-Ming , WONG Rowena How-Wan , NG Bacon Fung-Leung , Bian Zhaoxiang 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Olfactory dysfunction (OD) was recognized as one of common symptom of COVID-19. OD, defined as the reduced or distorted ability to smell during sniffing (orthonasal olfaction) and may represent one of early symptoms in the clinical course of COVID-19 infection. A large online questionnaire-based survey found that some of post COVID-19 patients showed no improvement at one month after they were discharged from hospital. Therefore, this clinical trial is designed to explore the efficacy of acupuncture for OD in infected COVID-19 patients and to determine whether acupuncture could have benefits than sham acupuncture for OD in post- COVID-19 patients.Methods: This is a single blind, randomized controlled, cross over trial. We plan to recruit forty post-COVID-19 patients who are presenting with smell loss or smell distortions more than one month. Qualified patients will be randomly allocated into the intervention group (real acupuncture) or the control group (sham acupuncture) in a 1:1 ratio. Each patient will receive 8 sessions of treatment over 4 week (Cycle 1), and 2-week follow-up. After the follow-up, the control group will be conducted with real acupuncture for another 4 weeks (Cycle 2), and the real acupuncture group will be conducted with the 4-week sham acupuncture. The primary outcomes are the scores change on the questionnaire of olfactory functioning and olfaction related quality of life at weeks 6, 8, 12 and 14 from the baseline. Secondary outcome is the change on the Olfactory Test score at the week 6 and 12 from the baseline measured by using the Traditional Chinese version of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT-TC).Discussion: The results of this trial will help to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture for OD in post-COVID-19 Patients. This may provide a new treatment option for patients.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04959747, Registered on July 13, 2021.
Prostate Cancer Survival By Risk of Progression and Other Prognostic Factors in Mallorca, Spain
Authors: Montaño Juan-José , Barceló Antoni , Franch Paula , Galceran Jaume , Ameijide Alberto , Pons Jaime , Ramos Maria 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Objectives: 1) to find out the distribution of prostate cancer by risk of progression; 2) to determine the cause-specific survival by risk of progression in prostate cancer; 3) to identify the factors associated with the risk of dying from this cancer.Methods: Incident prostate cancer cases diagnosed between 2006 and 2011 were identified through the Mallorca Cancer Registry. Inclusion criteria: invasive cases with code C61.9 and any histology. Cases identified exclusively through death certificate were excluded. We collected: age; date and method of diagnosis; date of follow-up or death; T, N, M and stage according to the TNM 7th edition; Gleason score; PSA; histology according to the ICD-O 3rd edition 6 ; comorbidities and treatments. We calculated risk in 4 categories: low, medium, high and very high. End point of follow-up was 31 December 2014. Multiple imputation (MI) was performed to estimate cases with unknown risk of progression. Survival analysis was performed using the actuarial and Kaplan-Meier methods, as well as the Cox regression model.Results: We identified 2921 cases. After MI, 9.5% had low risk, 24.9% medium risk, 42.7% high risk and 22.9% very high risk. Five years after diagnosis, survival after MI was 89% globally, that being 100% for low risk cases, 96% for medium risk, 93% for high risk and 69% for very high risk. Cases with histology other than adenocarcinoma, with high and, especially, very high risk of progression, as well as with systemic, mixed and observation/unspecified treatments have worse prognosis. Treatment showed a strong relationship with age and life expectancy.Conclusions: Risk of progression and treatment were the main variables associated to survival in prostate cancer.
Experimental Analysis And Parameter Optimization On The Reduction of NOx From Diesel Engine Using RSM And ANN Model
Authors: Chenniappan Maheswari , S Ramya A , Rajoo Baskar , Nachimuthu Selvakumar , Rajaram Rishab Govind , Malaichamy Vasanth 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The feasibility of the Non-thermal Plasma (NTP) process is examined by four operating parameters including NOx concentration (300-400 ppm), gas flow rate (2-6 lpm), voltage (20-30 kV) and electrode gap (3-5 mm) using a Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) reactor for removing NOx from diesel engine exhaust. Based on the NTP study, the NOx removal efficiency and energy efficiency of the NTP reactor are measured. Optimization of process parameters have been carried out using response surface-based Box Behnken Design (BBD) method and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) method. ANN based optimization is carried out using feed-forward network algorithm which has 4 input nodes, 10 hidden nodes and 2 output nodes. Based on the RSM and ANN model study, R2 value are obtained as 0.98 and 0.99 respectively. These models demonstrates that they have strong agreement with the experimental results. The results are indicated that the RSM model's optimum conditions resulted in a maximum NOx reduction of 60.5% and an energy efficiency of 66.24 g/J. The comparison between the two models confirmed the findings, whereas this ANN model displayed a stronger correlation to the experimental evidence.
Treatment Outcomes of HIV Infected Children After Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy in Southwest China: an Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Zeng Xiaoliang , chen huanhuan , zhu qiuying , shen zhiyong , lan guanghua , liang jiangming , liang fuxiong , zhu jinhui , xing hui , shao yiming , ruan yuhua , zhang jianfeng , Zhang Xiangjun 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: The number of HIV infected children receiving antiviral treatment in Guangxi is increasing. Understanding factors and trends of mortality and attrition in HIV-infected children under antiretroviral therapy (ART) was an urgently need to improve treatment outcomes. This study aimed to describe and assess mortality and attrition after ART initiation between 2004 and 2018 among children with HIV in Guangxi, China.Methods: Cohort study data were extracted from the National Free Antiretroviral Treatment Program (NFATP) database, which has standard guidelines for core treatment indicators and other data at all HIV/AIDS treatment facilities of Guangxi. A total of 901 HIV-infected children who have started ART were included in the study. The study collected the following data: age, gender, WHO clinic stages before ART, CD4 cell count before ART, Cotrimoxazole prophylaxison (CTX) use before ART, initial ART regimen, malnutrition before ART, abnormal liver function before ART, abnormal kidney function before ART, severe anemia before ART, and time lag between a HIV diagnosis and ART initiation.Results: HIV-infected children under ART had a mortality rate of 0.87 per 100 person-years, and an attrition rate of 3.02 per 100 person-years. Mortality was lower among children with CD4 count between 200-500 copies/ml (Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR) 0.22, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.09-0.54), and CD4 count ≥500 copies/ml (AHR 0.09, 95% CI 0.03-0.27); but higher among children with late ART initiation at 1-3 months (AHR 2.37, 95% CI 1.10-5.08), and at ≥ 3 months (AHR 2.22, 95% CI 1.05-4.72). Attrition was lower among children with a CD4 count ≥500 copies/ml (AHR 0.61, 95% CI 0.40-0.93), but higher among children with late ART initiation at 1-3 months (AHR 1.63, 95% CI 1.10-2.42), and at ≥ 3 months (AHR 1.26, 95% CI 0.85-1.86).Conclusion: Supportive programs are needed to educate children’s families and parents on early ART, link HIV-infected children to care, and retain them in care among other programs that treat and manage physical conditions of HIV-infected children before ART initiation.
Galectin-1, The New Player in Staging and Prognosis of COVID-19
Authors: Sekulic Sofija , Gajovic Nevena , Jurisevic Milena , Jovanovic Marina , Jovicic Biljana Popovska , Arsenijevic Nebojsa , Mijailovic Zeljko , Jovanovic Marina , Dolicanin Zana , Jovanovic Ivan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background A new virus from the group of coronaviruses was identified as the cause of atypical pneumonia and called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and disease called Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19). During the cytokine storm, the main cause of the death, proinflammatory cytokines are released which stimulate further tissue destruction. Galectin-1 is pleiotropic cytokine involved in many immune and inflammatory processes and its role in COVID-19 is still unknown. Objective The aim of this study was to determine systemic values of galectin-1 and correlations between gal-1 and proinflammatory cytokines and clinical parameters during COVID-19 progression. Design Observational and cross-sectional study. Patients 210 COVID-19 patients were included and divided into mild, severe or critical group according to COVID-19 severity. Main Measures Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-23, IL-33 and galectin-1 were measured using sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Key Results Systemic levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-23, IL-33 and galectin-1 were significantly higher in stage III of COVID-19 patients compared to stage I and II. There were no significant differences in ratio between Galectin-1 and IL-10 with proinflammatory cytokines. Positive correlation was detected between Gal-1 and IL-1β, IL6, IL-10, IL-23 and IL-33. Gal-1 positively correlated with chest radiographic finding, dry cough and headache and negatively correlated with normal breathing sound. Conclusions Linear regression model and ROC curve analysis point on Gal-1 as significant predictors for COVID-19 severity. Presented results implicate on Gal-1 and IL-10 dependent immunomodulation. The precise mechanism of Gal-1 effect in COVID-19 and its potential as a stage marker of disease severity is still to be clarified.
Use of Impulse oscillometry for Diagnostic of Asthma in Preschoolers: A Cost-effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Buendía Jefferson Antonio , Guerrero_Patiño Diana 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundImpulse oscillometry is an alternative to measure lung function in preschoolers because is much simpler and can be performed in tidal breathing with minimal patient cooperation. The introduction of new health technologies such as impulse oscillometry raises concerns as if the extra benefit offered outweighs the additional cost compared to spirometry This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of impulse oscillometry in preschoolers in Colombia.Methods We conducted a decision tree model to estimate the cost and proportion of correctly diagnosed cases of asthma of impulse oscillometry compared to spirometry in preschooler’s children between 3-6 years old . The analysis was carried out from a societal perspective. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated at a willingness-to-pay value of $19,000. ResultsWith impulse oscillometry, the proportion of correctly diagnosed cases was 42%, while with spirometry was 39%. The expected cost estimated by the model for a patient diagnosed with IOS was U$ 174 while with spirometry was U$ 99. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio estimated in the probabilistic model was US$ 6881. The one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses, our base‐case results were robust to variations of all assumptions and parameters Conclusion Impulse oscillometry was found to be cost-effective for the diagnosis of asthma in preschoolers. Our results should stimulate further research to expand the use of this diagnostic test in developing countries.
Prognostic Values of B7-H3, B7-H4, and HHLA2 Expression in Human Pancreatic Cancer Tissues Based on mIHC and Spatial Distribution Analysis
Authors: Zhu Yulan , Chen Junjun , Liu Yingting , Zheng Xiao , Feng Jun , Chen Xuemin , Jiang Tianwei , Li Yuan , Zhang Jinping , Chen Lujun 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most malignant cancers and its 5-year survival rate remains poor. Although immunotherapy has achieved certain therapeutic efficacy in some clinical trials, such treatment still shows low responsiveness and overall remission rate. Therefore, it is urgently necessary to dissect the tumor microenvironment and optimize the immunotherapeutic strategies against this malignancy.Methods: Using the multi-color immunohistochemistry, we investigated the expressions of B7-H3, B7-H4, HHLA2, CD8, and CD68 in 63 cases of PC tissues with the tissue microarray. Moreover, we analyzed immunolocalization features, prognostic values of this immune contexture, and clinical associations.Results: The expressions of B7-H3, B7-H4, and HHLA2 could be detected in cytokeratin (CK)+ tumor cells, CD68+macrophages, and even stromal cells. Higher expression of B7-H3 in tumor cells could predict a better survival of the PC patients. A positive correlation was found between the expressions of B7-H3 and HHLA2 in tumor cells, while there was a negative correlation between the expressions of B7-H4 and HHLA2 in tumor cells. A positive correlation was found between the expressions of B7-H3 and B7-H4 or HHLA2 in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), but not B7-H4 and HHLA2. Tumor-infiltrating CD8+T cells in combination with CD68+TAMs could serve as an important predictor for the postoperative prognosis of PC patients. Higher expression of B7-H3, or HHLA2 in CD68+TAMs could serve as an important predictor for poorer prognosis of PC patients. Patients with B7-H3lowB7-H4low, B7-H3lowHHLA2low, or B7-H4lowHHLA2low on CD68+TAMs could have a better postoperative prognosis compared with the other sub-populations in the combinational analysis.Conclusions: Taken together, our study indicated variable expressions and prognostic values of B7-H3, B7-H4, and HHLA2, in human PC tissues, and distinctively demonstrated that these immunosuppressive co-stimulators expressed by CD68+TAMs could be used as important bio-markers for the prognostic prediction of PC patients. Moreover, these results supported that the evaluation of these markers could be used as essential candidate targets for immunotherapy against PC.
Identification and Validation of a Novel 16-Gene Prognostic Signature for Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhong Zhenhua , Jiang Wenqiang , Zhang Jing , Li Zhanwen , Fan Fengfeng 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Despite increased early diagnosis and improved treatment in breast cancer (BRCA) patients, prognosis prediction is still a challenging task due to the disease heterogeneity. This study was to identify a novel gene signature that can accurately evaluate BRCA patient survival. Methods: The gene expression and clinical data of BRCA patients were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Molecular Taxonomy of BRCA International Consortium (METABRIC) databases. Genes associated with prognosis were determined by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis. A prognostic 16-gene score was established with linear combination of 16 genes. The prognostic value of the signature was validated in the METABRIC dataset. Gene expression analysis was performed to investigate the diagnostic values of 16 genes. Results: The 16-gene score was associated with shortened overall survival in BRCA patients independently of clinicopathological characteristics. The signalling pathways of cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, RNA degradation, progesterone mediated oocyte maturation and DNA replication were the top five most enriched pathways in the high 16-gene score group. The 16-gene nomogram incorporating the survival‐related clinical factors showed improved prediction accuracies for 1-year, 3-year and 5‐year survival (area under curve [AUC] = 0.91, 0.79 and 0.77 respectively). MORN3, IGJ, DERL1 exhibited high accuracy in differentiating BRCA tissues from normal breast tissues (AUC > 0.80 for all cases). Conclusions: The 16-gene profile provides novel insights into the identification of BRCA with a high risk of death, which eventually guides treatment decision making.
Relationship Between Meibomian Gland Loss in Infrared Meibography and Meibum Quality
Authors: HA Minji , Oh Si-Eun , Whang Woong-Joo , Na Kyung-Sun , Kim Eun Chul , Kim Hyun-Seung , Kim Jin Soo , Hwang Ho Sik 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIn this study, to determine the correlation between meibomian gland loss (dropout) and meibum quality, we evaluated the correlation between meibomian gland dropout in the central eight meibomian glands of the eyelid and meibum quality in the same central eight meibomian glands of the eyelid.MethodsNinety nine eyes of 91 patients were included in the study. Dropout at the central eight meibomian glands of eyelids was graded as grade 0,1,2,3 according to the dropout area. The meibum quality was graded as follows: grade 0, no secretion; 1, inspissated/toothpaste consistency, 2: cloudy liquid secretion, and 3: clear liquid secretion. For 68 eyes of 68 patients, correlation analysis between dropout and meibum quality was performed. To precisely analyze the direct correlation between meibomian gland dropout in meibography and meibum quality, we evaluated 31 eyes of 23 patients with focal dropout in meibography.ResultsThe mean meiboscore (±SD) was 1.1±1.1 in the upper eyelids and 0.7±1.0 in the lower eyelids. The mean meibum quality grade (±SD) was 2.3 ±0.9 in the upper eyelids and 1.3±0.6 in the lower eyelids. There was no significant correlation between the meiboscore and the meibum quality grade in the upper (p =0.445) and lower (p =0.405) eyelids. Analysis of the direct correlation between meibomian gland dropout in meibography and meibum quality in patients with focal dropout (loss of 1 or 2 adjacent meibomian glands), however, indicated that meibomian glands with dropout secrete little to no meibum.ConclusionsOverall, there appeared to be no relationship between meibomian gland dropout and the meibum quality, but more detailed investigation of each meibomian gland alone revealed that meibomian glands with dropout secrete little to no meibum.
Menin directs regionalized decidual transformation through epigenetically setting PTX3 as an obstacle balancing FGF and BMP signaling
Authors: Wang Haibin , Liu Mengying , Deng Wenbo , Tang Lu , Liu Meng , Bao Haili , Guo Chuanhui , Zhang Chang Xian , Lu Jinhua , Lu zhongxian , Kong Shuangbo 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
During programmed decidualization in rodents, uterine stromal cells undergo extensive cellular and molecular reprograming into morphologically and functionally distinct decidual cells, forming the discrete regions defined as the primary decidual zone (PDZ), the secondary decidual zone (SDZ) and the layer of undifferentiated stromal cells respectively. However, the underlying mechanism governing this spatiotemporal specificity of decidualization remains elusive. Here, we demonstrated that uterine deletion of Men1, a key component of the MLL1/2 histone methyltransferase complex, disrupted the terminal differentiation of stromal cells, resulting in chaotic decidualization and pregnancy failure. Genome-wide epigenetic profile reveals that Men1 distribution in chromatin recapitulates the enrichment of transcription active modification H3K4me3 orchestrating spatiotemporal decidualization of stromal cells. Further transcriptomic investigation demonstrates that Men1 directly regulated the expression of PTX3, an extra-cellular trap for FGF2, in a H3K4me3 dependent manner in decidual cells. Decreased Ptx3 upon Men1 ablation leads to aberrant activation of ERK1/2 in the SDZ due to the unrestrained FGF2 signal emanated from undifferentiated stromal cells, which blunt BMP2 induction and stromal cell differentiation during decidualization. In brief, our study provides genetic evidence and molecular mechanism for epigenetic rewiring mediated decidual regionalization by Men1 and shed new light in pregnancy maintenance.