bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chitosan-capped enzyme-responsive hollow mesoporous silica nanoplatforms for colon-specific drug delivery
Authors: Cai Defu , Han Cuiyan , Liu Chang , Ma Xiaoxing , Qian Jiayi , Zhou Jianwen , Li Yue , Sun Yiming , Zhang Changting , Zhu Wenquan 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
An enzyme-responsive colon-specific delivery system was developed based on hollow mesoporous silica spheres (HMSS) to which biodegradable chitosan (CS) was attached via cleavable azo bonds (HMSS-N=N-CS). Doxorubicin (DOX) was encapsulated in a noncrystalline state in the hollow cavity and mesopores of HMSS with the high loading amount of 35.2%. In vitro drug release proved that HMSS-N=N-CS/DOX performed enzyme-responsive drug release. The grafted CS could increase the biocompatibility and stability, and reduce the protein adsorption on HMSS. Gastrointestinal mucosa irritation and cell cytotoxicity results indicated the good biocompatibility of HMSS and HMSS-N=N-CS. Cellular uptake results indicated that the uptake of DOX was obviously increased after HMSS-N=N-CS/DOX was preincubated with a colonic enzyme mixture. HMSS-N=N-CS/DOX incubated with colon enzymes showed increased cytotoxicity, and its IC 50 value was three times lower than that of HMSS-N=N-CS/DOX group without colon enzymes. The present work lays the foundation for subsequent research on mesoporous carriers for oral colon-specific drug delivery.
Application of doctor-patient communication skills in clinical teaching of postgraduates of tumour radiotherapy
Authors: Liu Guohui , Liu Feng , Wang Chunbo , Lan Tian , E Mingyan 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: To cultivate the doctor-patient communication ability of medical students as the core and explore the new model of clinical communication ability training and evaluation for graduate students majoring in tumour radiotherapy and its application value.Methods: From January 2018 to June 2019, 60 postgraduates who were interned in the Department of Tumour Radiotherapy in our hospital were selected as the subjects, who were randomly divided into the experimental group (30) and control group (30). The experimental group adopted the Case Based Learning(CBL) teaching mode of introducing doctor-patient communication skills training, and the control group adopted the traditional CBL teaching method. After the teaching, the two groups of students were evaluated, measured and gave feedback on the effect of the teaching through the combination of examination and patient satisfaction questionnaire. The data were statistically analysed by SPSS19.0 software.Results: The doctor-patient communication skills assessment scale score of the experimental group was better than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Patients' satisfaction in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05).Conclusion: The CBL teaching mode of introducing doctor-patient communication skills training for postgraduates of tumour radiotherapy can increase doctor-patient communication ability and improve patient satisfaction.
Genome-wide organization and expression profiling of the R2R3-MYB transcription factor family in sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.)
Authors: Liu Hong , Zhang Guoyun , Lv Zhongrui , Diao Songfeng , He Caiyun , Zhang Jianguo 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

MYB transcription factor family involved in multifarious stages of plant growth and development until death, which is one of the largest and most versatile gene families in plants, therefore it is an important regulatory factor in plants. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is rich in many secondary metabolites and has high nutritional and medicinal value. With the completion of sea buckthorn genome sequencing, it has laid the foundation for us to explore the gene structure, evolutionary relationship and function prediction of sea buckthorn MYB gene family from the whole genome perspective.
Results

In this study, 161 R2R3-MYB genes were identified from the sea buckthorn genome. We systematically analyzed their gene structure, collinearity, phylogenetic relationships and expression pattern. According to the gene structure, conserved motifs and phylogenetic relationship of 161 HrMYB genes, all the HrMYB genes were divided into 28 subgroups. The phylogenetic tree of Hippophae rhamnoides L. and Arabidopsis thaliana R2R3-MYB genes showed that the sea buckthorn MYB gene family showed functional differentiation during evolution. Chromosomal localization results showed that the distribution of HrMYB genes were random. RNA-seq data from seven different tissues indicated that the HrMYB genes have significant spatiotemporal and tissue expression differences. QRT-PCR analysis showed that the selected genes which relate to flavonoid biosynthesis of sea buckthorn fruit expressed different degrees in different developmental stages of the fruit.
Conclusion

The sea buckthorn R2R3-MYB gene family was successfully identified from the whole genome sequence by a series of bioinformatics methods. The results firstly provide a more comprehensive insight for the phylogenetic relationships and expression patterns of the HrMYB genes. It will help us to further study their specific functions in the growth and development of sea buckthorn.
IgA, albumin, eosinopenia as early warning indicators for cytomegalovirus infection in patients with acute ulcerative colitis
Authors: Yang Hong , Wu Kaichun , Zhang Hongjie , Owyang Qin , Miao Yinglei , Gu Fang , Hu Naizhong , Zou Kaifang , Sheng Jianqiu , Li Jin , Zheng Ping , Liu Yulan , Li junxia , Wang Xiaodi , Wu Yongdong , Yuan Yaozong , Chen Chunxiao , Cui Meihua , Pang Yanhua , Qian Jia Ming 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can significantly complicate and worsen the condition of acute severe ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. We aimed to explore the predictive risk factors to prevent and identify CMV infection at an early stage in acute UC patients.
Methods
A total of 115 moderate-to-severe active UC patients from 17 hospitals throughout China were enrolled. Active CMV infection was diagnosed by one of the following: CMV pp65 antigens, CMV IgM antibodies or CMV DNA. We identified the independent risk factors by multivariate analyses.
Results
A total of 64 of 115 active UC patients had active CMV infection. Compared to the non-CMV-infected patients, the CMV-infected patients had a tendency to be male and to exhibit abdominal pain; fever; oral ulcers; eosinopenia; low albumin, immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgM, and IgG levels; increased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels; hyponatremia; pancolonic lesions; initial onset type; severe activity; and glucocorticoid (high-dose) and immunosuppressive agent use (P < 0.05). In further multivariate analyses, the use of high-dose glucocorticoids (OR 13.55, 95% CI 2.49–73.61, P < 0.01) and immunosuppressive agents (OR 11.23, 95% CI 1.05-119.99, P = 0.04) were independent risk factors for CMV infection. Decreasing eosinophil and albumin levels were risk factors for CMV infection. With every 0.1*10^9/L decrease in the peripheral blood eosinophil level or 1 g/L decrease in the serum albumin level, the risk for CMV infection in UC patients increased by 5.21-fold (1/0.192) or 1.19-fold (1/0.839), respectively.
Conclusions
High-dose glucocorticoid and immunosuppressive agent treatment significantly increase the risk of CMV infection, and correcting eosinopenia and low albumin levels may help prevent CMV infection in UC patients.
To switch or not to switch? – Understanding German consumers’ willingness to pay for green electricity tariff attributes
Authors: Danne Michael , Sauthoff Saramena , Musshoff Oliver 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
In order to achieve an environmentally friendly and sustainable energy supply, it is necessary that this goal is supported by society. In different countries worldwide it has been shown that one way consumers want to support the energy transition is by purchasing green electricity. However, few people make the leap from their intention to a buying decision. This study explores parameters that influence whether German consumers decide to switch to a green electricity tariff.
Methods
We conducted a quota-representative online survey including a discrete choice experiment with 371 private households in Germany in 2016. For the econometric analysis, a generalized multinomial logit model in willingness to pay space was employed, enabling the estimation of WTP values to be as realistic as possible.
Results
The results show that consumers’ decision regarding whether or not to make the switch to green energy is mainly influenced by the source of green energy, whether a person can outsource the switching process, and a person’s attitude towards the renewable energy sources levy that currently exists in Germany.
Conclusions
As our findings indicate politics should focus on supporting wind and solar energy as German consumers prefer this sources over biogas. As suggested by our results, the EEG levy is a reason why consumers have lower WTP for a switch to a green tariff. Therefore a switching bonus with a specifically “framed” bonus in the amount of the current EEG levy could be a promising strategy for the increase of green energy tariff acceptance. Furthermore, attention should be given to psychological and behavioral aspects, as our results indicate that these factors influence the consumer’s choice for a green electricity tariff.
Epidemiological Characteristics of Spinal Cord Injury in Northwest China: a single hospital-based study
Authors: Wang ZhiMeng , Zou Peng , Yang Jun-Song , Liu Ting-ting , Song Leilei , Lu Yao , Guo Hao , Zhao Yuan-Tin , Liu Tuan-Jiang , Hao Ding-Jun 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The northwest is relatively backward economically. Unfortunately, the epidemiological characteristics of SCI in Northwest China are rarely reported. Methods: The SCI epidemiological survey software independently developed was used to sort out the data of patients treated with SCI from 2014 to 2018. Variables included age, sex, cause of injury, combined injury, severity of injury, ASIA scale, surgical treatment, complications, and rehabilitation.Results: The enrolled 3487 patients were with a male to female ratio of 2.57:1 and an age of 39.50±11.20 years. SCI in 94.03% of patients was caused by falls and MCVs, which were the primary etiologies of SCI. There were 1786 patients, accounting for 51.22%, with other injuries. Asia D scale patients accounted for 41.12%. During hospitalization, pulmonary infection was the most common complication (437 cases, 32.59%), followed by hyponatremia (326 cases, 24.31%), bedsore (219 cases, 16.33%), urinary tract infection (168 cases, 12.53%), deep vein thrombosis (157 cases, 11.71%) and others (34 cases, 2.53%). Only 528 patients (15.14%) received long-term rehabilitation treatment.Conclusion: The incidence of SCI in northwest China was on the rise with higher proportion in males, the MCVs and fall were the primary leading causes of injuries. The occupations most at risk from SCI are peasantries and workers. Pulmonary infection rate was the most common complication during hospitalization. Patients over the age of 50, especially the elderly, should pay attention to preventing falls and osteoporosis. Young people should pay attention to safe production and avoid falling from high places and falling objects.
Is testicular torsion a real problem in pediatric patients with cryptorchidism?
Authors: Komarowska Marta , Pawelczyk Alicja , Matuszczak Ewa , Debek Wojciech , Hermanowicz Adam 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
PurposeTo present management and outcomes of patients with cryptorchidism suffering from testicular torsion.MethodsThis is a retrospective review of pediatric patients with torsion of undescended testes, who were treated between 2009 and 2019. On the medical charts, we recorded: the age, symptoms, duration of torsion, physical examination, surgery findings, and additional treatment.ResultsWe identified 9 boys with torsion of the undescended gonad, which represented 4.7% of all 192 boys with testicular torsion. The mean age of boys with torsion of undescended testis was 8.7 years. The mean duration of symptoms in our study group was long and it was up to 28.5 hours. All patients had inguinal canal exploration. In 8 cases, testicular necrosis and primary orchidectomy was performed.ConclusionAccording to clinical experience and available studies, torsion of male undescended gonads is a comparatively rare condition. Nevertheless, diagnosis is still delayed and connected with inevitable orchidectomy.Plain English summaryAuthors present 9 cases of boys with torsion of undescended testes. They represented 4.7% of all boys with testicular torsion treated during 10 years in Pediatric Surgery Department. The mean age of boys with torsion of undescended testis was 8.7 years. The mean duration of symptoms was long and it was up to 28.5 hours. All patients were operated on, in 8 cases necrotic testicle was removed. Even though torsion of undescended testicle is quite rare, diagnosis is delayed and because of that, boys are subjected to removal of the testicle.
The action of the Cu2+, Ag+ and time inducing the in vitro anther culture-derived barley regenerants
Authors: Bednarek Piotr Tomasz , Orłowska Renata 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
BackgroundPlant regeneration via anther cultures is a world-wide approach as it allows for the regeneration of uniform and homozygous double haploids. Recent studies have shown that in vitro cultures are the origin of the so-called tissue culture-induced variation (TCIV) that may lead to off-type regenerants. Moreover, the regeneration of green plants may be limited by the presence of albinos. It was demonstrated that the presence of Cu2+ and Ag+ ions in the regeneration medium might increase the number of green plants.ResultsDArTseqMet markers were evaluated based on regenerants and donor plants derived via in vitro anther cultures of barley. The regenerants were obtained under varying Cu2+ and Ag+ ion concentration in the regeneration medium during distinct time conditions of the tissue cultures. The DArTseqMet markers were quantified using a semi-quantitative MSAP approach delivering data on CG and CHG sequence contexts de novo methylation and demethylation. Under each tissue culture conditions, the number of regenerated green plants per 100 anthers was evaluated. Conditional moderation analysis was applied to test for the role of Cu2+ and Ag+ ions in the medium. Moreover, the importance of the time of in vitro anther cultures were analyzed.ConclusionsOur data demonstrate that DNA de novo methylation and demethylation affecting CG and CXG DNA sequence contexts is moderated by the presence of Cu2+ and Ag+ ions in the medium conditional on the time of in vitro tissue cultures. The level of de novo methylation and demethylation and the difference between the two is essential for the understanding of moderation. Moreover, Cu2+ and Ag+ play in concert moderating DNA methylation changes. For the in vitro tissue culture purposes, the lower the delta value equal to de novo methylation less demethylation and the higher the value of the (Cu+Ag) predictor conditional on time, the higher the number of green plants should be evaluated. Moreover, evaluation of GPs is even more probable under positive delta and higher (Cu+Ag) values. Our data are congruent with the putative function of these ions in the ethylene and DNA methylation pathways.
Effect of artificial tears on aqueous deficient dry eye, a dynamic optical study
Authors: Wei Zhenyu , Su Yuandong , Su Guanyu , Baudouin Christophe , Labbé Antoine , Liang Qingfeng 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate the change of dynamic optical quality in aqueous deficient dry eye (ADDE) patients after the use of artificial tears.Methods: Fifty-nine patients with ADDE and 31 healthy age- and sex-matched control subjects were included in this prospective case-control study. Clinical evaluation of the ocular surface included Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear film break-up time (TBUT), lipid layer thickness (LLT), and Schirmer I testing. ADDE patients were divided into two groups, mild (31 patients) and severe (28 patients). The optical quality of the tear film was measured with the Optical Quality Analysis System (OQAS) using the mean objective scatter index (mean OSI), standard deviation of objective scatter index (SD-OSI) and modulation transfer function cut-off (MTF cut-off). After baseline examinations, one drop of artificial tears (ATs, carboxymethylcellulose ophthalmic solution, 0.5%) was instilled in both eyes, and optical quality parameters were measured again at 5- and 30-minutes following application of ATs.Results: At baseline, the mean OSI was higher in the ADDE group (0.95 ± 0.54) than in controls (0.54 ± 0.23, P<0.001). The SD-OSI was also significantly increased in ADDE patients (0.44 ± 0.71) compared to control subjects (0.12 ± 0.06, P=0.003). Five minutes after ATs instillation, mean OSI and SD-OSI decreased significantly in severe ADDE patients (P=0.044; P=0.018), was unchanged in mild ADDE patients, and increased in the control group (P=0.019; P<0.001). Thirty minutes after ATs instillation, no significant difference in optical quality parameters was observed for the three groups.Conclusion: The effect of ATs on optical quality in patients with ADDE may differ according to the severity of the disease. Measurement of optical quality might be a promising tool to evaluate the effects of various ATs and possibly individualize treatment in ADDE patients.
Prognostic value of S1PR1 and Correlations with Immune Infiltrates in Breast and Lung Cancers
Authors: Liu Yufeng , Zhong Limei , Li Lijuan , Song Shaohua , Cao Donglin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1PR1) is involved in vascular development, a key process in tumorigenesis. Our study evaluated its roles in tumor development and prognosis. In particular, S1PR1 expression data were obtained from the TIMER and Oncomine database. We used a bioinformatics approach to evaluate its relationship with prognosis, co-expressed and regulatory genes, correlations with tumor immune cell infiltration and correlations with immune infiltration markers. S1PR1 was significantly lower expression in breast and lung cancer than in corresponding normal tissues. Lower S1PR1 expression was related to poor overall survival and disease-free survival in breast and lung cancer. A functional network analysis suggested that S1PR1 regulates vasculogenesis. In addition, S1PR1 levels were significantly related to infiltrating CD8+, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, and neutrophils in breast invasive carcinoma; CD8+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and DCs in lung adenocarcinoma; and with B cells, CD8+, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils and DCs in lung squamous cell carcinoma. Furthermore, S1PR1 levels were correlated with multiple immune marker sets in breast and lung cancer. The observed correlations between S1PR1 and both prognosis and immune cell infiltration provide a foundation for further research on its immunomodulatory role in cancer.
Involvement of Interleukin-18-Mediated Microglia/Astrocyte Interaction in Experimental Models of Migraine
Authors: Gong Qiaoyu , Lin Yao , Lu Zuneng , Xiao Zheman 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

The exact molecular mechanisms of migraine were not fully understood. Emerging evidence indicated that inflammation had a significant role in pathophysiological mechanisms of migraine. The present study aimed to investigate the role of Interleukin-18-Mediated Microglia/Astrocyte Interaction in the development of hyperpathia or allodynia induced by migraine.
Methods

Experimental rat model of migraine was established by repetitive inflammatory soup (IS) dural infusions. The expression of Interleukin-18 (IL-18) and IL-18 receptor (IL-18R) was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or Western blot. The expression of activated microglia and astrocytes was examined by Western blot or immunofluorescence. The expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was examined by Western blot. TAK-242 and anti-IL-18 antibody were used to inhibit the activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and IL-18 pathway, respectively.
Results

IS dural infusions elicited microglial activation and astrocytic activation. Meanwhile, IS dural infusions induced the upregulation of IL-18 and IL-18R in microglia and astrocytes, respectively. Blocking the IL-18 signaling pathway attenuated nociceptive behavior. Meanwhile, blocking IL-18 signaling also suppressed astrocytic activation, as well as activation of NF-κB. And IL-18 dural infusions induced nociceptive behavior and glia activation.
Conclusions

IL-18, a product of microglial toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation, acted on IL-18R expressed in astrocyte, and subsequently stimulated activation of NF-κB, leading to the astrocytic activation. Together, the present results suggest that IL-18-mediated microglia/astrocyte interactions in the medullary dorsal horn may participate in the development of hyperpathia or allodynia induced by migraine.
Influence of radiotherapy on blood pressure in patients with cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer
Authors: Zeng Zhao-Chong , Sun Tai-wei , He Hong-jie , Zhang Yan-ming , Zhang Shu-min , Zhang Xiao-chun , Tan Li-jie 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background An interesting clinical phenomenon occures frequently in our work, which indicates that blood pressure could return to normal in some hypertension patients with cervical & upper thoracic esophageal cancer undergoing radiotherapy. We speculated that this may be related to thyroid gland damage by radiotherapy.Methods We retrospectively analyzed pre- and post-radiotherapy (RT, 1.5months, 4.5months and 7.5months) systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) for a cohort of esophageal cancer patients. At 7.5 months post-RT, serum free triiodothyronine (FT3), free tetraiodothyronine (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations were also measured to evaluate the changes of thyroid hormones (THs) and its correaltion with changes of blood pressure. To confirm the influence of radiation on thyroid, patients were divided into cervical & upper thoracic group (C&U, n=55) and middle & lower thoracic group (M&L, n=57). Results In the C&U group, the decreases (±SD) in SBP and DBP, respectively, were 5.51 mmHg (±1.83, P=0.003) and 3.62 mmHg (±1.38, P=0.002) at 1.5 months post-RT, 6.73 mmHg (±2.24, P=0.001) and 6.15 mmHg (±1.57, P=0.012) at 4.5 months post-RT, and 8.02 mmHg (±2.73, P<0.001) and 7.91 mmHg (±2.33, P<0.001) at 7.5 months post-RT. The corresponding decreases in the M&L group were not significant at any time post-RT. At 7.5 months post-RT, serum FT3 and FT4 concentrations in C&U group decreased significantly (P<0.05) from before RT to 7.5 months after the end of RT, and TSH concentration increased significantly after RT (P<0.05). In addition, Pearson analysis showed that both FT3 and FT4 was positively correlated with decrease of systolic BP (r= 0.430, P =0.001; r=0.667, P <0.001, respectively) and diastolic BP (r = 0.370, P =0.005; r = 0.469, P < 0.001 respectively). Conclusion The present study suggests that radiotherapy in patients with cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer might result in lowering BP, which might be related to thyroid gland damage by radiotherapy.