bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Predisposition to Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Relation to Ten Cardiovascular Conditions: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Jia Min , Chen He-Jia , Jia Ling-Mei , Chen Ya-Li 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundThe long-term health consequences of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remain largely unclear. This study aimed to apply the Mendelian randomization (MR) design to estimate the causal associations between COVID-19 and ten cardiovascular conditions.MethodsSingle-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with COVID-19 were used as instrumental variables to estimate the causal effect of COVID-19 on ten cardiovascular conditions. The random-effects inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was conducted for the main analyses with a complementary analysis of the weighted median and MR-Egger approaches.ResultsIn the IVW analysis, genetically predicted COVID-19 was suggestively associated with major coronary heart disease events (OR 1.081; 95% CI 1.007–1.16; P = 0.045) and heart failure (OR 1.049; 95% CI 1.001–1.1; P = 0.045) with similar estimates in weighted median regressions. No directional pleiotropic effects were observed in both funnel plots and MR-Egger intercepts.ConclusionsOur findings provide direct evidence that patients infected with COVID-19 are causally associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, especially for major coronary heart disease events and heart failure.
Optimization of the SARS-CoV-2 ARTIC Network V4 Primers and Whole Genome Sequencing Protocol
Authors: Lambisia Arnold W. , Mohammed Khadija S. , Makori Timothy O. , Ndwiga Leonard , Mburu Maureen W. , Morobe John M. , Moraa Edidah O. , Musyoki Jennifer , Murunga Nickson , Mwangi Jane N. , Nokes D. James , Agoti Charles N. , Ochola-Oyier Lynette Isabella , Githinji George 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe ARTIC Network's primer set and amplicon-based protocol is one of the most widely used SARS-CoV-2 sequencing protocol. An update to the V3 primer set was released on 18th June 2021 to address amplicon drop-off observed among the Delta variant of concern. Here, we report on an in-house optimization of a modified version of the ARTIC Network V4 protocol that improves SARS-CoV-2 genome recovery in instances where the original V4 pooling strategy was characterized by amplicon drop-offs.MethodsWe utilized a matched set of 43 clinical samples and serially diluted positive controls that were amplified by ARTIC V3, V4 and optimized V4 primers and sequenced using GridION from the Oxford Nanopore Technologies'.ResultsWe observed a 0.5% to 46% increase in genome recovery in 67% of the samples when using the original V4 pooling strategy compared to the V3 primers. Amplicon drop-offs at primer positions 23 and 90 were observed for all variants and positive controls. When using the optimized protocol, we observed a 60% improvement in genome recovery across all samples and an increase in the average depth in amplicon 23 and 90. Consequently, ≥95% of the genome was recovered in 72% (n = 31) of the samples. However, only 60–70% of the genomes could be recovered in samples that had &lt;28% genome coverage with the ARTIC V3 primers. There was no statistically significant (p &gt; 0.05) correlation between Ct value and genome recovery.ConclusionUtilizing the ARTIC V4 primers, while increasing the primer concentrations for amplicons with drop-offs or low average read-depth, greatly improves genome recovery of Alpha, Beta, Delta, Eta and non-VOC/non-VOI SARS-CoV-2 variants.
High Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Is Associated With Worse Cognitive Performance in the Hypertensive Population: Results From the China H-Type Hypertension Registry Study
Authors: Li Junpei , Yu Shichao , Tan Ziheng , Yu Yun , Luo Linfei , Zhou Wei , Zhu Linjuan , Wang Tao , Cao Tianyu , Tu Jianglong , Bao Huihui , Huang Xiao , Cheng Xiaoshu 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundIncreasing studies have focused on the predictive value of high estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on cardiovascular diseases and mortality; however, the association between high eGFR with cognitive function is still not established. Thus, this study aimed to determine the co-relationship between high eGFR and cognitive performance in the hypertensive population.MethodsWe conducted a baseline cross-sectional study using data from the China H-type Hypertension Registry study. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) assessment was performed to evaluate the cognitive function scale, and serum creatinine was collected to estimate eGFR level. Different MMSE cutoff values were applied in participants with the various educational background to define dementia: &lt;24 in participants with secondary school and above education setting, &lt;20 in those with primary school, and &lt;17 in illiterate participants.ResultsA total of 9,527 hypertensive adults with mean age 63.7 ± 9.8 years and 67% female gender were analyzed. The eGFR cutoff value of 71.52 ml/min/1.73 m2 was found after adjusting for potential covariates in a threshold effect analysis. The MMSE increased significantly with the increment of eGFR (β, 0.27; 95% CI: 0.12–0.41) in participants with eGFR &lt; 71.52 ml/min/1.73 m2 and decreased (β, −0.28; 95% CI: −0.39 to −0.17) in participants with eGFR ≥ 71.52 ml/min/1.73 m2. Individuals with eGFR ≥ 85 ml/min/1.73 m2 have an elevated risk of cognitive impairment than those with eGFR of 65–75 ml/min/1.73 m2. Subgroup analysis showed that a greater reduction degree of MMSE was observed in female individuals and those who had body mass index (BMI) ≥ 24 kg/m2 among participants with eGFR ≥ 71.52 ml/min/1.73 m2.ConclusionOur findings observed an inverted U-shaped relationship between eGFR and cognitive function. Both the low and high levels of eGFR were independently associated with worse cognitive assessment in the hypertensive population.
Clinical Imaging-Derived Metrics of Corticospinal Tract Structural Integrity Are Associated With Post-stroke Motor Outcomes: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Saltão da Silva Mary Alice , Baune Nathan Allen , Belagaje Samir , Borich Michael R. 
Published: February 2022

ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study was to retrospectively investigate associations between clinical magnetic resonance imaging-based (MRI) metrics of corticospinal tract (CST) status and paretic upper extremity (PUE) motor recovery in patients that completed acute inpatient rehabilitation (AR) post-stroke.MethodsWe conducted a longitudinal chart review of patients post-stroke who received care in the Emory University Hospital system during acute hospitalization, AR, and outpatient therapy. We extracted demographic information, stroke characteristics, and longitudinal documentation of post-stroke motor function from institutional electronic medical records. Serial assessments of paretic shoulder abduction and finger extension were estimated (E-SAFE) and an estimated Action Research Arm Test (E-ARAT) score was used to quantify 3-month PUE motor function outcome. Clinically-diagnostic MRI were used to create lesion masks that were spatially normalized and overlaid onto a white matter tract atlas delineating CST contributions emanating from six cortical seed regions to obtain the percentage of CST lesion overlap. Metric associations were investigated with correlation and cluster analyses, Kruskal-Wallis tests, classification and regression tree analysis.ResultsThirty-four patients met study eligibility criteria. All CST overlap percentages were correlated with E-ARAT however, ventral premotor tract (PMv) overlap was the only tract that remained significantly correlated after multiple comparisons adjustment. Lesion overlap percentage in CST contributions from all seed regions was significantly different between outcome categories. Using MRI metrics alone, dorsal premotor (PMd) and PMv tracts classified recovery outcome category with 79.4% accuracy. When clinical and MRI metrics were combined, AR E-SAFE, patient age, and overall CST lesion overlap classified patients with 88.2% accuracy.ConclusionsStudy findings revealed clinical MRI-derived CST lesion overlap was associated with PUE motor outcome post-stroke and that cortical projections within the CST, particularly those emanating from non-M1 cortical areas, prominently ventral premotor (PMv) and dorsal premotor (PMd) cortices, distinguished between PUE outcome groups. Exploratory predictive models using clinical MRI metrics, either alone or in combination with clinical measures, were able to accurately identify recovery outcome category for the study cohort during both the acute and early subacute phases of post-stroke recovery. Prospective studies are recommended to determine the predictive utility of including clinical imaging-based biomarkers of white matter tract structural integrity in predictive models of post-stroke recovery.
Low Heart Rate Variability Predicts Poor Overall Survival of Lung Cancer Patients With Brain Metastases
Authors: Wu Shuang , Li Guangqiao , Guan Weizheng , Zhao Huan , Wang Jingfeng , Zhou Yongchun , Zhou Yufu , Shi Bo 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundThe aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the association between heart rate variability (HRV) and overall survival of lung cancer patients with brain metastases (LCBM).MethodsFifty-six LCBM patients were enrolled in this study. Five-minute electrocardiograms were collected before the time to first brain radiotherapy. HRV was analyzed quantitatively by using the time domain parameters, i.e., the standard deviation of all normal-normal intervals (SDNN) and the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD). Survival time for LCBM patients was defined as from the date of HRV testing to the date of death or the last follow-up.ResultsIn the univariate analysis, SDNN ≤ 13 ms (P = 0.003) and RMSSD ≤ 4.8 ms (P = 0.014) significantly predicted poor survival. Multivariate analysis confirmed that RMSSD ≤ 4.8 ms (P = 0.013, hazard ratio = 3.457, 95% confidence interval = 1.303–9.171) was also an independent negative prognostic factor after adjusting for mean heart rate, Karnofsky performance status, and number of brain metastases in LCBM patients.ConclusionDecreased RMSSD is independently associated with shorter survival time in LCBM patients. HRV might be a novel predictive biomarker for LCBM prognosis.
Relationships Between Depressive Symptoms, Dietary Inflammatory Potential, and Sarcopenia: Mediation Analyses
Authors: Chen Guo-Qiang , Wang Gang-Pu , Lian Ying 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundSarcopenia is a major public health problem. Depressive symptoms and dietary inflammatory potential play important roles in the development of sarcopenia. We aimed to disentangle the relationships between depressive symptoms, dietary inflammatory potential, and sarcopenia.MethodsA total of 6,082 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included in the analyses. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Foundation for the National Institutes for Health (FNIH) criteria. The Depressive symptoms were assessed using the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) was calculated based on 24-h dietary recall interview. Two sets of mediation models were constructed separately.ResultsDepressive symptoms and DII were associated with sarcopenia, with odds ratios [ORs] (95% CIs) 2.54 (1.27, 5.13) and 1.17 (1.00, 1.37), respectively. DII score mediated the association of depressive symptoms with low muscle mass, explaining a total of 10.53% of the association (indirect effect = 0.004). Depressive symptoms had a significant mediating effects on the association between DII with low muscle mass, explaining a total of 12.50% of the association (indirect effect = 0.001).ConclusionsOur findings suggested that both depressive symptoms and dietary inflammatory potential had direct effects, and indirect effects on low muscle mass, handgrip strength, muscle mass, through each other. It provides important insights into integrated nutritional and psychological intervention strategies in preventing sarcopenia.
Chenodeoxycholic Acid Enhances the Effect of Sorafenib in Inhibiting HepG2 Cell Growth Through EGFR/Stat3 Pathway
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zhang Yan , Shi Xiao-Jun , Li Jun-Xiang , Wang Lin-Heng , Xie Chun-E , Wang Yun-Liang 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly invasive disease with a high mortality rate. Our previous study found that Chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) as an endogenous metabolite can enhance the anti-tumor effect. Sorafenib has limited overall efficacy as a first-line agent in HCC, and combined with CDCA may improve its efficacy.MethodsHepG2 cells and Balb/c nude mice were used respectively for in vitro and in vivo experiments. Flow cytometry, Western blotting, HE and immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence were used to study the effects of CDCA combined with sorafenib on HepG2 cell growth and apoptosis-related proteins. Magnetic bead coupling, protein profiling and magnetic bead immunoprecipitation were used to find the targets of CDCA action. The effect of CDCA on EGFR/Stat3 signaling pathway was further verified by knocking down Stat3 and EGFR. Finally, fluorescence confocal, and molecular docking were used to study the binding site of CDCA to EGFR.ResultsIn this study, we found that CDCA enhanced the effect of sorafenib in inhibiting the proliferation, migration and invasion of HepG2 cells. Magnetic bead immunoprecipitation and protein profiling revealed that CDCA may enhance the effect of sorafenib by affecting the EGFR/Stat3 signaling pathway. Further results from in vitro and in vivo gene knockdown experiments, confocal experiments and molecular docking showed that CDCA enhances the efficacy of sorafenib by binding to the extracellular structural domain of EGFR.ConclusionThis study reveals the mechanism that CDCA enhances the inhibitory effect of sorafenib on HepG2 cell growth in vitro and in vivo, providing a potential new combination strategy for the treatment of HCC.
Investigation of Micron-Scale Radiotherapy Dose Deposition in the Lung: Effect of Magnetic Field and Nanoparticles—a Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Montinola Denxybel , McNamara Aimee L. , Kuncic Zdenka , Byrne Hilary L. 
Published: February 2022

MRI-Linacs couple magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a linear accelerator (Linac) to enable MR-guided radiotherapy. The magnetic field is known to cause inhomogeneities in the pattern of dose deposition at centimeter-scale air-tissue interfaces such as pockets of digestive gas but has not been studied at the micrometer scale of lung alveoli. Nanoparticle radio-enhancement is a novel therapy enhancing the dose deposition pattern where nanoparticles are delivered to the radiation target, with proposed application to lung cancer treatment through inhalation of nebulized nanoparticles. This study reports the first investigation of the effect of a magnetic field on the pattern of dose deposition at the micrometer air-tissue interfaces of alveoli in the lung, and the impact of incorporating nanoparticles. Monte Carlo simulations investigated a single alveolus model irradiated with mono-energetic, uni-directional electrons and a multi-alveoli model irradiated with a realistic beam at depth. The magnetic field was found to produce field-strength dependent hot- and cold-spot dose inhomogeneities in the tissue surrounding a micrometer air cavity irradiated with low energy (100 keV) electrons. The most affected regions exhibited a dose increase of 37.30 ± 1.29% and a decrease of 31.58 ± 1.01% with the application of a 1.5 T magnetic field. The addition of nanoparticles to the interior surface layer of the alveolus air cavity increased energy deposit by a constant ratio dependent on the nanoparticle concentration regardless of magnetic field strength. A similar but less pronounced effect was observed for a multi-alveolus model irradiated at depth by a 6 MV photon beam. This result warrants further investigation into the biological impact of micrometer-scale dose inhomogeneity on tumor response and normal tissue complication probability.
Cross-Cultural Study of the Attitudes of Russian and Chinese Consumers Toward Electric Vehicles
Authors: Zhao Fei 
Published: February 2022

AimThe article presents the results of a study of psychological factors of consumer loyalty concerning electric vehicles. An electric scooter was used as an example of an electric vehicle. The study involved a total of 165 people in China and 150 people in Russia. The study aimed to compare the psychological characteristics of Russian and Chinese consumers based on their attitudes toward an innovative product such as the electric scooter.Hypotheses(1) The identity of Russian and Chinese consumers and the perceived individuality of the product (electric scooter) differ significantly; (2) The proximity of the consumer's identity and the image of the product (electric scooter) enhances the positive attitude toward the product; (3) Risk strategies of consumer behavior of Chinese and Russians differ.MethodsThe questionnaire included the scales: (1) “Measuring brand personality” by J. Aaker, (2) “Measuring consumer identity” elaborated by Morozova and Antononva, (3) The risk behavior scale by Vasilenko, Tkachenko.Results(1) The first hypothesis was confirmed: there were revealed differences in the consumer behavior of the respondents of these two groups concerning in their self-perception, as well as in the perception of electric scooters. The Russians perceive an electric scooter as energetic, young, extravagant, modern, and unusual; the Chinese are down-to-earth, family-oriented, real. (2) The hypothesis that the correlation of the consumer's identity and the individuality of the product is one of the psychological factors that determine the consumer's loyalty to a product is also confirmed. (3) The Chinese consumers' identity is more close to the product individuality and their loyalty to the product is higher. (4) Risk strategies of consumer behavior of Chinese and Russians significantly differ in terms of satisfaction with choosing of vehicle, the frequency of its use, and the importance of family approval of the choice of vehicle. The results can be used in the marketing strategy development. From the scientifical perspective, these results contribute to an understanding of the consumer loyalty mechanisms associated with consumer identity.
Economic Recession and the Long Term Risk of Psychiatric Disorders and Alcohol Related Diseases—A Cohort Study From Eastern Finland
Authors: Jarroch Rand , Tajik Behnam , Tuomainen Tomi-Pekka , Kauhanen Jussi 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundLong-term development of psychiatric disorders and alcohol-related diseases after economic recessions is insufficiently studied. We investigated the overall impact of the economic recession between 1991 and 1994 in Finland on the long-term incidence of psychiatric and alcohol-related diseases.MethodsA population-based sample of 1,774 women and men aged 53–73 years were examined between 1998 and 2001 from the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study (KIHD). Participants completed comprehensive questionnaires on the possible impact of the 1990s recession in Finland on their lives. They were followed-up until 2018. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) of new incident psychiatric and alcohol-related disorders during the 20-years follow-up after linkage to the National Hospital Registry. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) of psychiatric disorders at baseline.ResultsAt baseline, 93 participants had psychiatric disorders. During 20-years follow-up, 138 new psychiatric disorders and 45 alcohol-related diseases were developed. The covariate-adjusted risk of psychiatric disorders was over twice higher among men who experienced recession-induced hardships compared to those who did not (HR = 2.20, 95%CI = 1.04–4.70, p = 0.04). The risk of alcohol-related diseases was more than four times higher among men with hardships (HR = 4.44, 95%CI = 1.04–18.90, p = 0.04). No such associations were observed among women. No association was observed between recession-induced hardships and having psychiatric disorders at baseline in both genders (multivariate-adjusted p = 0.63 for women, multivariate-adjusted p = 0.36 for men).ConclusionLong-term risk of psychiatric disorders and alcohol-related diseases was increased after the 1990s economic recession in Finland, but only among middle-age and older men.
Inferior Vena Cava Collapsibility Index Can Predict Hypotension and Guide Fluid Management After Spinal Anesthesia
Authors: Ni Ting-ting , Zhou Zhen-feng , He Bo , Zhou Qing-he 
Published: February 2022

PurposeWe hypothesized that inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVCCI)-guided fluid management would reduce the incidence of postspinal anesthesia hypotension in patients undergoing non-cardiovascular, non-obstetric surgery.MethodsA receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the diagnostic value of IVCCI for predicting hypotension after induction of spinal anesthesia and calculate the cut-off value. Based on the cut-off variation value, the following prospective randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the incidence of postspinal anesthesia hypotension between the IVCCI-guided fluid administration group and the standard fluid administration group. Secondary outcomes included the rate of vasoactive drug administration, the amount of fluid administered, and the incidence of nausea and vomiting.ResultsROC curve analysis revealed that IVCCI had a sensitivity of 83.9%, a specificity of 76.3%, and a positive predictive value of 84% for predicting postspinal anesthesia hypotension at a cut-off point of &gt;42%. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.834 (95% confidence interval: 0.740–0.904). According to the cut-off variation value of 42%, the IVCCI-guided group exhibited a lower incidence of hypotension than the standard group [9 (15.3%) vs. 20 (31.7%), P = 0.032]. Total fluid administered was lower in the IVCCI-guided group than in the standard group [330 (0–560) mL vs. 345 (285–670) mL, P = 0.030].ConclusionsPrespinal ultrasound scanning of the IVCCI provides a reliable predictor of hypotension following spinal anesthesia at a cut-off point of &gt;42%. IVCCI-guided fluid management before spinal anesthesia can reduce the incidence of hypotension following spinal anesthesia.
ISOLASI DAN UJI POTENSI BAKTERI ASAM LAKTAT ASAL KIMCHII DAN TEH KOMBUCHA DALAM MENGHAMBAT BAKTERI PATOGEN
Authors: Riadi Selamat , Setiyawati Dewi , Situmeang Suryani 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRAK

Bakteri asam laktat dikenal luas sebagai bakteri probiotik yang dapat berfungsi sebagai antimikroba melalui metabolit yang dihasilkannya. Senyawa metabolit yang dihasilkan bakteri asam laktat memiliki kemampuan menghambat pertumbuhan mikroorganisme patogen. Senyawa aktif yang dihasilkan bakteri asam laktat tersebut disebut bakteriosin. Bakteriosin merupakan senyawa aktif yang dihasilkan oleh bakteri termasuk bakteri asam laktat yang berfungsi sebagai bakterisida. Habitat bakteri asam laktat salah satunya adalah di dalam makanan fermentasi. Teh kombucha dan fermentasi sayuran (kimchi) merupakan produk fermentasi yang dapat dibuat secara sederhana di rumah. penelitian ini dilaksanakan secara deskriptif dengan tahapan penelitian yaitu persiapan sampel, isolasi, pemurnian isolat, identifikasi isolate, uji antagonis dan uji senyawa bakteriosin. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian didapatkan 5 jenis isolat yaitu KT01, KT02, FK01, FK02 dan FK03. Keseluruhan isolat merupakan kelompok bakteri gram positif dengan variasi bentuk sel basil dan kokus. Isolat bakteri KT02 dan FK02 diketahui meghasilkan zona hambat terbesar terhadap ketiga jenis bakteri pathogen Eschericia coli, Salmonella thypii dan Shigella dysentriae.