bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Betaine ameliorates intestinal injury by targeting the LPS/TLR4/MyD88 pathway and microbial communities of intestinal tract in acute liver failure
Authors: Chen Qian , Wang Yao , Jiao Fang-Zhou , Shi Chun-Xia , Pei Mao-Hua , Wang Lu-Wen , Gong Zuo-Jiong 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: A growing body of evidence revealed that the gut microbiome has a marked impact in acute liver failure (ALF). Microbes and their products will translocate into enterocoelia and enter into circulation system from the damaged intestinal lumen. It will further aggravate liver injury by enhancing the spread of inflammation, tissue damage and sepsis. Betaine is a hepatoprotective drug which has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Here, we evaluated the impact of betaine on gut microbiota composition in ALF animal experiment. The potential protective effect of betaine by inhibiting Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) responses was explored as well.Results: Eighteen mice were randomly divided into normal, model, and betaine groups. The ALF-induced intestinal epithelial barrier disruption internal models were induced by D-galactosamine（D-Gal）and lpopolysaccharide (LPS). Betaine was administered intragastrically 1 week before exposure of D-Gal/LPS. LPS were solely applied with a rat small intestinal cell line IEC-18 to establish ALF-induced intestinal epithelial barrier disruption external model. Mice in the model group developed severe intestinal epithelial tissue injury than normal group, increased significantly in the protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6 and TNF-a and the mRNA levels of TLR4 and MyD88, and decreased significantly in the protein and mRNA levels of (ZO)-1 and occludin. Whereas, all above indicators were improved significantly by administration of betaine than that in model. The degree of liver tissue pathological damage, liver function and serum inflammatory cytokines in betaine group were significantly reduced than that in model group. The permeability of mice intestinal epithelial and IEC-18 cell in models was improved in betaine group than models. A total of 509 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were produced from mice fecal samples according to 16s rRNA gene sequence analysis. There were 156 core microbiomes in fecal samples. There existed a total of 24 species contained 11 species at the genus level which had a significant difference between groups. The increased relative abundance of g-Enterorhabdus in the model group was detected compared with normal group. Betaine down-regulated the relative abundance of g-Enterorhabdus in model. The relative abundance of g-Bacteroides was the highest in normal group and the least in model group. The relative abundance of g-Prevotella was almost identical in normal and betaine group, and it was decreased in model group.Conclusion: Betaine effectively improved the intestinal mucosal barrier in acute liver failure. The mechanism was probably related to inhibit the LPS/TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathways, improved the intestinal mucosal barrier and then maintained the gut microbiota composition.
Factors Influencing Palliative Care Utilization Among Patients With Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dlamini Minenhle S. , Hlongwana Khumbulani W. , Dlamini Siyabonga B. , Ginindza Themba G. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Cancer remains a public health challenge in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs). Over 30% of those in need of palliative care (PC) worldwide suffer from cancer and 80% of patients with cancer in LMICs are diagnosed at advanced stages, by which time they can only benefit from PC services. The aim of this study was to determine factors influencing PC utilization among patients with cancer in KZN.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was used among patients who had been diagnosed with different cancers and attending Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH), Addington Hospital, Pietermaritzburg Grey’s hospital, Msunduzi and Chatsworth Hospices. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select participants. Structured questionnaires were administered to a total of 394 patients. The questionnaire included two open-ended questions and the generated data was analysed and presented into two formats; firstly, the textual data was entered into REDcap (v.8.11.7) and then exported to IBM SPSS Statistics (v.25) and recoded for emerging themes which were later presented in a graph format. Secondly, the thematic analysis was presented in textual format and supported with verbatims quotes. Results: The mean (+SD) age of the 394 participants was 51.89 (+14.67) years and about 22.9% were within the age-group 41–50 years. Majority of participants were females (77.7%) and were unmarried (60.6%). Most of the participants’ racial classification was black (81.5%) and 64.5% had primary education. More than four-fifths (82.7%) were unemployed, 55.8% lived in urban areas and 24.6% had cervical cancer. The analysis of the two open-ended questions incorporated into the questionnaire revealed five themes as major barriers preventing cancer patients from seeking PC services.Conclusion: Lack of knowledge and awareness about cancer symptoms and PC services could be addressed by better education of the public. Hence, utilization of PC could be maximized, thereby providing a better quality of life for the sufferers and their families until the end of life’s journey. The study also provides information that can be used to strengthen and/or to develop PC guidelines addressing PC issues. Keywords: Cancer, Palliative care, barriers, utilization, KwaZulu-Natal
Ubisol Coenzyme Q10 Promotes Mitochondrial Biogenesis in HT22 Cells Challenged by Glutamate
Authors: Zimmerman Mary , Hall Mia , Qi Qi , Mehta Suresh L , Chen Guisheng , Li P. Andy 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Glutamate-induced excitotoxicity is a well-recognized cause of neuronal cell death and nutritional supplementation with Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has previously been shown to have neuro-protective actions against it. The objective of this study was to determine whether the protective effect of CoQ10 against glutamate could be attributed to stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis. Results: The mouse hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells were incubated with glutamate with or without ubisol Q10 treatment. Significant deterioration of cells after glutamate exposure was observed under a light microscope and cell viability assay, along with a significant drop in clonogenic ability. Glutamate significantly decreased the mitochondrial biogenesis related protein levels of Akt, CREB, PGC-1α, and NRF2, and reduced mitochondrial biogenesis assessed by a mitochondrial biogenesis kit. Pretreatment with CoQ10 prevented the decreases of Akt, CREB, PGC-1α, and NRF2 and increased mitochondrial biogenesis. Conclusions: Taken together, these results describe a new mechanism of CoQ10-conveyed neuro-protection and indicate a central role for mitochondrial biogenesis in protecting against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity.
Reducing neuronal apoptosis in pontine micturition center by nerve root transfer to reconstruct bladder function after spinal cord injury
Authors: Yu Ronghua , Yin Gang , Zhao Jianguo , Chen Huihao , Meng Depeng , Zhang Jiaqiang , Lin Yaofa , Xie Zheng , Hou Chunlin , Lin Haodong 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: The neuronal apoptosis is increased after spinal cord injury (SCI), but anastomosing the normal nerve roots above SCI level to the injury sacral nerve roots can enhance functional recovery of neurons. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of sacral nerve root transfer after SCI on pontine neuronal survival and restoration of bladder function. Methods: Adult female Sprague Dawley rats (N = 90, 9–10 weeks old, 240-260 grams weight) were randomly divided into three groups (N = 30). We anastomosed the dorsal and ventral roots of proximal L4 and distal S2 to reconstruct the rat bladder–spinal cord–cerebral nerve afferent and efferent pathways in Sprague Dawley rats after spinal cord transection. We examined pontine neuronal morphology and apoptosis using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at different time points (1 day, 1 week, and 1, 3, or 6 months) after SCI and nerve transfer. Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression changes in the pontine micturition center were quantified by immunohistochemistry. Results: After nerve roots reconstruction, Group A compared with Group B, Bcl-2 expression increased significantly, Bax expression decreased significantly, Bcl-2/Bax ratio increased, the number of apoptotic neurons decreased, and the number of apoptotic bodies within neurons decreased significantly as observed by TEM.Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that lumbosacral nerve transfer can reduce neuronal apoptosis in the pontine micturition center and enhance functional recovery of neurons. This method can be used as a new approach for reconstructing bladder function after spinal cord injury.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of roots at different development stages reveals the mechanism of root expansion of Callerya speciosa Champ.
Authors: Yao Shaochang , Lan Zuzai , Huang Rongshao , Tan Yong , Gu Jinyuan , Pan Chunliu 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background Callerya speciosa Champ., a perennial shrub medicinal plant of Fabaceae, is one of the most commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine and food that has been widely cultivated in South China. The tuberous roots of C. speciosa transferred from fibrous roots but few fibrous roots can transfer into tuberous roots. To date, the underlying mechanisms for tuberous root formation and development of C. speciosa have not yet been elucidated.
Quadratus lumborum block versus transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Liu Xiancun , Song Tingting , Chen Xuejiao , Zhang Jingjing , Shan Conghui , Chang Liangying , Xu Haiyang 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background Abdominal surgery is common and associated with severe postoperative pain. Transverse abdominal plane (TAP) block is considered an effective means for pain control in such cases. Quadratus lumborum (QL) block is another option for the management of postoperative pain. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis and thereby evaluate the efficacy and safety of QL block and TAP block for pain management after abdominal surgery. Methods We comprehensively searched PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science and CNKI for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared QL block and TAP block for pain management in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. All of the data were screened and evaluated by two researchers. RevMan5.3 was applied to perform the meta-analysis. Results A total of 8 RCTs involving564 patients were included. The meta-analysis showed statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to postoperative pain scores at 2 hours (standardized mean difference [Std.MD]=-1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI]=-2.63 to -0.89; p<.001), 4 hours (Std.MD=-0.77; 95% CI=-1.36 to -0.18; p=.01),6 hours (Std.MD=-1.24; 95% CI=-2.31 to -0.17; p=.02),12 hours (Std.MD=-0.70; 95% CI=-1.27 to -0.13; p=.02) and 24hours (Std.MD=-0.65; 95% CI=-1.29 to -0.02; p=.04) ; postoperative opioid consumption at 24 h (Std.MD=-1.39; 95% CI=-1.83 to -0.95; p<.001); and duration of postoperative analgesia (Std.MD=2.30; 95% CI=1.85 to 2.75; p<.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) incidence (RR=0.55; 95% CI=0.27 to 1.14; p=.11). Conclusion QL block provides better pain management with less opioid consumption than TAP block after abdominal surgery. In addition, there are no differences between TAP block and QL block with respect to PONV.
Biomechanical Investigation about Traditional and Cortical Trajectory Screws of Static and Dynamic Lumbar Fixation
Authors: Liu Che-Wei , Wang Lu-Lin , Xu Yu-Kun , Chen Chun-Ming , Wang Jian-Cyuan , Tsai Wei-Tsung , Lin Shang-Chih 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background To evaluate kinetic and kinematic behavior in both static and dynamic CBT fixation a finite element study was designed. Two types of screw trajectories are commonly used in lumbar surgery. Both traditional trajectory (TT) and cortical bone trajectory (CBT) provide equivalent pull-out strengths of a screw. Dynesys fixation of TT screws, but not dynamization of CBT screws, has been used extensively in lumbar surgery. This study aimed to simulate the biomechanics of CBT-based dynamic system for an evaluation of CBT dynamization.Methods A validated nonlinearly lumbosacral finite-element model was used to simulate four variations of screw fixation. Responses of both implant (screw stress) and tissues (disc motion, disc stress, and facet force) at the upper adjacent (L3-L4) and fixed (L4-L5) segments were used as the evaluation indices. Flexion, extension, bending, and rotation of both TT and CBT screws were simulated in this study for comparison.Results The results showed that the TT static was the most effective stabilizer to the L4-L5 segment, followed by CBT static, TT dynamic, and the CBT dynamic, which was the least effective. Dynamization of the TT and CBT fixators decreased stability of the fixed segment and alleviate adjacent segment stress compensation. The 3.5-mm diameter CBT screw deteriorated stress distribution and rendered it vulnerable to bone-screw loosening and fatigue cracking.Conclusions A systematic analysis of the effects of TT and CBT fixation constructs on kinematic and kinetic responses in a full lumbosacral model is currently lacking. This study examined both the static fixation effect and its dynamic counterpart and identified that dynamization of CBT have slightly inferior structural stiffness than dynamic TT and cautious preoperative evaluation is essential if 3.5-mm diameter CBT screws are used. Therefore, 4.5-mm or 5.5-mm diameter CBT screws, or as big as tolerated, are recommended to avoid loosening and cracking.
Concept Analysis of Community Health Outreach: a systematic review
Authors: Shin Hye Young , Kim Ka Young , Kang Purum 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: The definition of community health outreach to promote the health of vulnerable populations depends heavily on the particulars of the given health project and community. There is no consistency in the meanings attached to the concept itself. Our study aimed to clarify the general definition of community health outreach in order to facilitate its understanding and use. Methods: We used Walker and Avant’s method to conduct the concept analysis of community health outreach. We searched texts on PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL databases published from 2010 to 2018 and included a total of 38 articles in our analysis. We used Walker and Avant’s method to conduct the concept analysis of community health outreach. Results: The defining attributes of the concept of community health outreach were purposive intervention, temporary, mobile, collaboration with the community, and sponsorship. The antecedents were populations at health risk and awareness of health risks. The consequences were increased accessibility and health promotion. Conclusion: This study proposed the definition of community health outreach that a sponsored, temporary, mobile project that collaborates with a community to undertake its purposeful health intervention to reach the population at health risk. Therefore, the definition will provide a general understanding of the outreach undertaken by health workers so that health professionals and community residents can better connect.
The prevalence of various clinical forms of the disease and variants of CYP21A2 gene mutations in congenital adrenal cortical dysfunction in children and adolescents in the Republic of Tatarstan
Authors: Shaydullina M. R. , Sultanova A. S. , Khabibullina D. A. , Zamalova A. N. 
Published: November 2019

Сongenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) – is one of the versions of inherited enzymopathy. If it was dedected too late, that can lead not only to some fatal consequences, but to patient’s death as well. Neonatal screening of CAH allows to detect the desease promtly and start an immediate therapy in order to prevent difficult complications of the desease and patient’s disablement.Aim:Analisys of the frequency of CAH case rate within children in the Republic of Tatarstan (RT) after neonatal screening and also prevalence rate of different clinic forms of empairments and types of gene CYP21A2’s mutations.Methods:Reports of the results of CAH screening by medicogenetic service in RT were analysed. Information about children born, detected cases of CAH was taken from statistic form № 12 “Information on the number of diseases, detected within patient residing in the service area of medical organization, Rosstat” during 2006–2018yrs. Materials for analysis of health clinic of children’s CAH were case histories of patient, observed in endocrinology department of GAUZ “Republican children clinic hospital” Ministry of Health of The Republic of Tatarstan (DRKB MZ RT). Molecular-genetic researches were conducted on the basis of Federal state budgetary institution “National medical center for endocrinology” of the Russian ministry of Health. (FGBU “NMIC of endocrinology) of The Russian ministry of Health) with the support of “Alfa Endo” program CAF charity foundation.Results:During 2007–2017 yrs. according to the results of neonatal screening 32 children with CAH were detected. The case rate ranged from 1:5054 to 1:56 598 newborn. The maximum of the disease case in RT was detected in 2016 (11 children). With 24 children molecular-genetic analysis was conducted, as a result 24 gene CYP21A2’s mutations were detected in homo- and heterozygotic state. The most widely spread mutation turned to be 12spl, which was found in 45,8% of cases.Conclusion:Conducted analysis confirms the necessity of the further study of the CAH case rate distinctions in different areas and cities of RT, and also upgrade of the organization and performance of the neonatal screening.
The model and simulation of low impact development of the sponge airport, China
Authors: Peng Jing , Ouyang Jiayi , Yu Lei , Wu Xinchen 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Recently urban waterlogging problems have become more and more serious, and the construction of an airport runway makes the impervious area of the airport high, which leads to the deterioration of the water environment and frequent waterlogging disasters. It is of great significance to design and construct the sponge airport with low impact development (LID) facilities. In this paper, we take catchment N1 of Beijing Daxing International Airport as a case study. The LID facilities are designed and the runoff process of a heavy rainfall in catchment N1 is simulated before and after the implementation of LID facilities. The results show that the total amount of surface runoff, the number of overflow junctions and full-flow conduits of the rainwater drainage system in catchment N1 of Beijing Daxing International Airport are significantly reduced after the implementation of the LID facilities. Therefore, the application of LID facilities has greatly improved the ability of the airport to remove rainwater and effectively alleviated the risk of waterlogging in the airport flight area. This study provides theoretical support for airport designers and managers to solve flood control and rainwater drainage problems and has vital practical significance.
Identification of Indium Tin Oxide Nanoparticle-Binding Peptides via Phage Display and Biopanning Under Various Buffer Conditions
Authors: Nakazawa Hikaru , Umetsu Mitsuo , Hirose Tatsuya , Hattori Takamitsu , Kumagai Izumi 
Published: November 2019

Background:
By recent advances in phage-display approaches, many oligopeptides
exhibiting binding affinities for metal oxides have been identified. Indium tin oxide is one of the
most widely used conductive oxides, because it has a large band gap of 3.7–4.0 eV. In recent years,
there have been reports about several ITO-based biosensors. Development of an ITO binding
interface for the clustering of sensor proteins without complex bioconjugates is required.

Objective:
In this article, we aimed to identify peptides that bind to indium tin oxide nanoparticles
via different binding mechanisms.

Methods:
Indium tin oxide nanoparticles binding peptide ware selected using phage display and
biopanning against indium tin oxide, under five different buffer conditions and these peptides
characterized about binding affinity and specificity.

Results:
Three types of indium tin oxide nanoparticles-binding peptides were selected from 10
types of peptide candidates identified in phage display and biopanning. These included ITOBP8,
which had an acidic isoelectric point, and was identified when a buffer containing guanidine was
used, and ITOBP6 and ITOBP7, which contained a His-His-Lys sequence at their N-termini, and
were identified when a highly concentrated phosphate elution buffer with a low ionic strength was
used. Among these peptides, ITOBP6 exhibited the strongest indium tin oxide nanoparticlesbinding
affinity (dissociation constant, 585 nmol/L; amount of protein bound at saturation, 17.5
nmol/m 2 - particles).

Conclusion:
These results indicate that peptides with specific binding properties can be obtained
through careful selection of the buffer conditions in which the biopanning procedure is performed.
Production and Preliminary In Vivo Evaluations of a Novel in silico-designed L2-based Potential HPV Vaccine
Authors: Negahdaripour Manica , Nezafat Navid , Heidari Reza , Erfani Nasrollah , Hajighahramani Nasim , Ghoshoon Mohammad B. , Shoolian Eskandar , Rahbar Mohammad R. , Najafipour Sohrab , Dehshahri Ali , Morowvat Mohammad H. , Ghasemi Younes 
Published: November 2019

Background:
L2-based Human Papillomavirus (HPV) prophylactic vaccines, containing
epitopes from HPV minor capsid proteins, are under investigation as second-generation HPV vaccines.
No such vaccine has passed clinical trials yet, mainly due to the low immunogenicity of peptide vaccines;
so efforts are being continued. A candidate vaccine composed of two HPV16 L2 epitopes, flagellin
and a Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) 4 agonist (RS09) as adjuvants, and two universal T-helper
epitopes was designed in silico in our previous researches.

Methods:
The designed vaccine construct was expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) and purified through
metal affinity chromatography. Following mice vaccination, blood samples underwent ELISA and
flow cytometry analyses for the detection of IgG and seven Th1 and Th2 cytokines.

Results:
Following immunization, Th1 (IFN-γ, IL-2) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10) type cytokines, as
well as IgG, were induced significantly compared with the PBS group. Significant increases in IFN-γ,
IL-2, and IL-5 levels were observed in the vaccinated group versus Freund’s adjuvant group.

Conclusion:
The obtained cytokine induction profile implied both cellular and humoral responses,
with a more Th-1 favored trend. However, an analysis of specific antibodies against L2 is required to
confirm humoral responses. No significant elevation in inflammatory cytokines, (IL-6 and TNF-α),
suggested a lack of unwanted inflammatory side effects despite using a combination of two TLR agonists.
The designed construct might be capable of inducing adaptive and innate immunity; nevertheless,
comprehensive immune tests were not conducted at this stage and will be a matter of future work.