bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructural changes in endothelial cells of buffaloes following in-vitro exposure to Pasteurella multocida B:2
Authors: Puspitasari Yulianna , Salleh Annas , Zamri-Saad Mohd 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundPasteurella multocidaB:2 causes haemorrhagic septicaemia in cattle and buffaloes. However, buffaloes are found to be more susceptible to the infection than cattle. Upon infection, the pathogen rapidly spread from the respiratory tract to the blood circulation within 16-72 h, causing septicaemia. So far, limited study has been conducted to evaluate the response of endothelial cells of buffalo towardsP. multocidaB:2 and its lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This study aimed to evaluate the ultrastructural changes in the aortic endothelium of buffaloes (BAEC) following exposure toP. multocidaB:2 and its endotoxin. The endothelial cells were harvested from the aorta of healthy buffaloes and were prepared as monolayer cell cultures. The cultures were divided into 3 groups before Group 1 was inoculated with 107 cfu/ml of whole cellP. multocidaB:2, Group 2 with LPS, which was extracted earlier from 107 cfu/ml ofP. multocidaB:2 and Group 3 with sterile cell culture medium. The cells were harvested at 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 h post-inoculation for assessment of cellular changes using transmission electron microscopy.ResultsThe BAEC of Groups 1 and 2 demonstrated moderate to severe endothelial lysis, suggestive of acute cellular injury. In general, severity of the ultrastructural changes increased with the time of incubation but no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the severity of the cellular changes between Groups 1 and 2 was observed in the first 18 h. The severity of lesions became significant (p < 0.05) thereafter. Both treated Groups 1 and 2 showed significantly (p < 0.05) more severe cellular changes compared to the control Group 3 from 6 h post-inoculation. The severity reached peak at the end of the study period with score 3 for Group 1 and score 2.8 for Group 2.ConclusionsThis study revealed that both whole cellsP. multocidaB:2 and LPS endotoxin showed similar moderate to severe cellular damage, but whole-cellP. multocidaB:2 appeared to be more potent in causing much severe damage than LPS alone.
Role of serum periostin in severe obstructive sleep apnea with albuminuria: an observational study
Authors: Sunadome Hironobu , Matsumoto Hisako , Tachikawa Ryo , Matsumoto Takeshi , Tanizawa Kiminobu , Oga Toru , Ono Junya , Ohta Shoichiro , Izuhara Kenji , Hirai Toyohiro , Chin Kazuo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Periostin is a matricellular protein and is a useful marker in respiratory diseases. However, the roles of periostin in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remain unclear. Several in vitro studies have suggested that mechanical stress, hypoxia, impaired metabolism, and kidney injury, which often accompany OSA, may upregulate the expression of periostin. Meanwhile, serum periostin level has been negatively associated with body mass index (BMI) in the general population. In this study, we hypothesized that a high level of serum periostin despite being overweight/obese may discriminate severe OSA or OSA with comorbidities from mild OSA with obesity alone. We aimed to clarify the roles of periostin in patients with OSA to assist in elucidating the heterogeneity of OSA with comorbidities.

Methods
Among patients diagnosed as OSA, we examined the associations between serum periostin levels and clinical indices, including the severity of OSA, BMI, and comorbidities, using a multifaceted approach. The serum periostin levels and clinical indices were assessed after 3 months of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment.

Results
In 96 patients with OSA, serum periostin level was negatively correlated with BMI, albeit marginally, and tended to be higher in severe OSA than in others when adjusted for BMI. Cluster analysis identified four clusters, including two severe OSA clusters, one of which was characterized by high serum periostin levels and the presence of comorbidities, including albuminuria. In a comparative analysis of severe OSA cases (n = 53), the level of serum-free fatty acids and the frequency of albuminuria were higher in patients with high serum periostin level of ≥87 ng/mL, which was the highest quintile among all participants, than in those with low serum periostin levels (< 87 ng/mL, n = 41). In patients with severe OSA and high serum periostin levels, the levels of serum periostin and urinary albumin significantly decreased after 3 months of CPAP treatment.

Conclusions
Elevated serum periostin in patients with OSA despite being overweight/obese may be an indicator of severe OSA with comorbidities, particularly albuminuria.
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is associated with Bartonella henselae infection in a patient with multiple susceptibility genes
Authors: Yang Tianjun , Mei Qing , Zhang Lei , Chen Zhendong , Zhu Chunyan , Fang Xiaowei , Geng Shike , Pan Aijun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Adult-onset hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and life-threatening condition, which is often triggered by certain types of infection, cancer and numerous autoimmune diseases; however, of the numerous infectious triggers associated with HLH, the consequences of Bartonella henselae infection have been rarely reported.

Case presentation
A 48-year-old female presented with a 20-day history of intermittent fever accompanied by systemic rash, fatigue, anorexia and weight loss later she developed shock and unconsciousness. Blood tests showed a reduction of leukocyte, anemia and thrombocytopenia, and pathological results of a bone marrow biopsy confirmed hemophagocytic activity. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) analysis of the lymph node detected the presence of B. henselae. Whole exome sequencing revealed two gene variants, STXBP2 and IRF5, in this adult patient with secondary HLH. Then, she received minocycline and rifampin combination anti-infective therapy. Intravenous immunoglobulin for 5 days followed by a high dose of methylprednisolone were also administered. The patient was successfully discharged from the intensive care unit and remained in good condition after 2 months of follow-up.

Conclusions
mNGS served crucial roles in obtaining an etiological diagnosis, which suggested that screening for B. henselae should be considered in patients with HLH, especially those with a cat at home. In addition, the genetic defects were discovered to not only be present in primary HLH, but also in secondary HLH, even in the elderly.
TGF-β and WNT signaling pathways in cardiac fibrosis: non-coding RNAs come into focus
Authors: Yousefi Fatemeh , Shabaninejad Zahra , Vakili Sina , Derakhshan Maryam , Movahedpour Ahmad , Dabiri Hamed , Ghasemi Younes , Mahjoubin-Tehran Maryam , Nikoozadeh Azin , Savardashtaki Amir , Mirzaei Hamed , Hamblin Michael R. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCardiac fibrosis describes the inappropriate proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), leading to accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the cardiac muscle, which is found in many pathophysiological heart conditions. A range of molecular components and cellular pathways, have been implicated in its pathogenesis. In this review, we focus on the TGF-β and WNT signaling pathways, and their mutual interaction, which have emerged as important factors involved in cardiac pathophysiology. The molecular and cellular processes involved in the initiation and progression of cardiac fibrosis are summarized. We focus on TGF-β and WNT signaling in cardiac fibrosis, ECM production, and myofibroblast transformation. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are one of the main players in the regulation of multiple pathways and cellular processes. MicroRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular long non-coding RNAs can all interact with the TGF-β/WNT signaling axis to affect cardiac fibrosis. A better understanding of these processes may lead to new approaches for diagnosis and treatment of many cardiac conditions.
Autophagy in cancers including brain tumors: role of MicroRNAs
Authors: Pourhanifeh Mohammad Hossein , Mahjoubin-Tehran Maryam , Karimzadeh Mohammad Reza , Mirzaei Hamid Reza , Razavi Zahra Sadat , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Hosseini Nayyerehsadat , Mirzaei Hamed , Hamblin Michael R. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAutophagy has a crucial role in many cancers, including brain tumors. Several types of endogenous molecules (e.g. microRNAs, AKT, PTEN, p53, EGFR, and NF1) can modulate the process of autophagy. Recently miRNAs (small non-coding RNAs) have been found to play a vital role in the regulation of different cellular and molecular processes, such as autophagy. Deregulation of these molecules is associated with the development and progression of different pathological conditions, including brain tumors. It was found that miRNAs are epigenetic regulators, which influence the level of proteins coded by the targeted mRNAs with any modification of the genetic sequences. It has been revealed that various miRNAs (e.g., miR-7-1-3p, miR-340, miR-17, miR-30a, miR-224-3p, and miR-93), as epigenetic regulators, can modulate autophagy pathways within brain tumors. A deeper understanding of the underlying molecular targets of miRNAs, and their function in autophagy pathways could contribute to the development of new treatment methods for patients with brain tumors. In this review, we summarize the various miRNAs, which are involved in regulating autophagy in brain tumors. Moreover, we highlight the role of miRNAs in autophagy-related pathways in different cancers.
Urban environments and objectively-assessed physical activity and sedentary time in older Belgian and Chinese community dwellers: potential pathways of influence and the moderating role of physical function
Authors: Cerin Ester , Van Dyck Delfien , Zhang Casper J. P. , Van Cauwenberg Jelle , Lai Poh-chin , Barnett Anthony 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Many studies have examined neighbourhood environmental correlates of older adults’ physical activity (PA) but only a few focused on sedentary time (ST). Only a small proportion of these studies used objective measures of PA/ST, such as accelerometer-assessed PA/ST, and only a couple employed accelerometer cut-points appropriate for older adults. Furthermore, although older adults experience declines in physical function as they age, there is a dearth of information on the impact of the neighbourhood environment on PA/ST in individuals with different levels of physical function.

Methods
We used data from two extant cross-sectional studies conducted in Hong Kong (China) and Ghent (Belgium) (N = 829). Participants were recruited from pre-selected administrative units stratified by socio-economic status and walkability. Moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and ST were assessed for 7 days using accelerometers and cut-points developed for older adults. Objective neighbourhood environmental attributes within 400 m and 1 km buffers surrounding participants’ homes were quantified using Geographic Information Systems data. Lower extremity physical function was objectively assessed. Socio-demographic information was collected via interviews. Total, direct and indirect (mediated) effects of environmental attributes on MVPA and ST were estimated using generalised additive mixed models and the joint-significant test.

Results
Commercial/civic destination density and number of parks within 1 km from home showed positive total and direct effects on MVPA, and public transport density showed negative total and direct effects on ST, which were consistent across cities and physical function levels. The total and direct effects of residential density on MVPA depended on physical function, and those of residential density on ST differed by city. A complex network of potential inconsistent pathways linking all environmental attributes to MVPA and ST in the whole sample or in subgroups of participants was revealed.

Discussion
Access to parks and commercial/civic destinations appear to support older adults’ MVPA in different geographical and cultural contexts and irrespective of their physical function level. By supporting MVPA, these characteristics also contribute to a reduction in ST. The potential effects of public transport, recreational facilities and residential density are less straightforward and point at inconsistent effects that may depend on the geographical context and level of physical function.
Generation and immunogenicity assessment of ELPylated virus-like particles of porcine circovirus type 2
Authors: Li Yangyang , Wang Yajie , Cheng Jian , Zhou Xiaohui , Lu Huipeng , Zhang Xinyu , Xia Xiaoli , Sun Huaichang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is an economically important pathogen affecting swine industry worldwide. The production of current PCV2 vaccines is time-consuming and expensive. Elastin-like polypeptides (ELP) undergo temperature-dependent inverse phase transition and ELPylated proteins can be purified simply by inverse transition cycling (ITC).

Methods
The Cap protein of PCV2b, together with the virus neutralizing (VN) epitopes of PCV2a, PCV2d and PCV2e, was expressed in E. coli as an ELPylated protein, and purified by ITC in the presence of mild detergents. For the control purpose, the Cap protein was also expressed as a His-tagged protein and purified by nickel affinity chromatography. The formation of ELPylated VLP (ELP-VLP) and His-tagged VLP (VLP) was revealed by transmission electron microscopy. Mice were immunized two times with the two forms of VLP and the antigen-specific IgG antibody, VN antibody, cytokine responses and immunoprotection against PCV2 challenge were compared.

Results
ELPylated Cap protein was expressed as a soluble protein and purified to 94.3% purity by ITC in the presence of 1% Triton X-100 and 0.5 M urea. His-tagged Cap fusion protein was expressed as insoluble inclusion bodies and purified to 90% purity under denatured conditions. The two purified fusion proteins assembled into VLP with similar morphology. Compared to immunization with VLP, immunization with ELP-VLP induced significantly (p < 0.01) stronger VN antibody response and slightly (p < 0.05) stronger Cap-specific IgG antibody response, cytokine production and immunoprotection against PCV2 challenge.

Conclusion
A novel ELPylation platform for easy preparation of PCV2 VLP was established and the prepared ELP-VLP was more immunogenic than VLP. The ELPylation technology could be used for other VLP preparation and the prepared ELP-VLP could be developed as a novel PCV2 subunit vaccine.
Right sleeve pneumonectomy for local recurrent lung cancer following right sleeve upper lobectomy with bronchoplasty: a case report
Authors: Hanaoka Jun , Kawaguchi Yo , Okamoto Keigo , Kaku Ryosuke , Ohshio Yasuhiko 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Salvage surgery has been frequently performed, increasing the opportunity to actively perform surgery for recurrence after a function-preserving operation. However, re-operation after airway reconstruction surgery on the proximal side and the effect of prior treatment, such as radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, make the operation more difficult. In addition, cases of sleeve pneumonectomy after sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty are uncommon.

Case presentation
A 71-year-old lung cancer patient underwent right upper sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty combined with perioperative chemotherapy in 2007. A new undiagnosed right hilar mass that appeared 9 years post-operation showed a temporary response to radiotherapy but progressed thereafter. Sleeve pneumonectomy was completed 14 months after radiotherapy by the following procedures: dividing the right pulmonary artery at the proximal site under median sternotomy and then reconstructing the bronchus by telescoping the left main bronchus into the distal trachea after pneumonectomy under posterolateral thoracotomy.

Conclusions
Sleeve pneumonectomy for recurrent lung cancer could be safely performed under good vision using a two-stage approach as salvage surgery, even in high-risk patients who received various treatments and proximal airway reconstruction.
Evaluating a multicomponent program to improve hypertension control in Guatemala: study protocol for an effectiveness-implementation cluster randomized trial
Authors: Paniagua-Avila Alejandra , Fort Meredith P. , Glasgow Russell E. , Gulayin Pablo , Hernández-Galdamez Diego , Mansilla Kristyne , Palacios Eduardo , Peralta Ana Lucia , Roche Dina , Rubinstein Adolfo , He Jiang , Ramirez-Zea Manuel , Irazola Vilma 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite advances in hypertension prevention and treatment, the proportion of patients who are aware, treated and controlled is low, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We will evaluate an adapted version of a multilevel and multicomponent hypertension control program in Guatemala, previously proven effective and feasible in Argentina. The program components are: protocol-based hypertension treatment using a standardized algorithm; team-based collaborative care; health provider education; health coaching sessions; home blood pressure monitoring; blood pressure audit; and feedback.

Methods
Using a hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation design, we will evaluate clinical and implementation outcomes of the multicomponent program in Guatemala over an 18-month period. Through a cluster randomized trial, we will randomly assign 18 health districts to the intervention arm and 18 to enhanced usual care across five departments, enrolling 44 participants per health district and 1584 participants in total. The clinical outcomes are (1) the difference in the proportion of patients with controlled hypertension (< 130/80 mmHg) between the intervention and control groups at 18 months and (2) the net change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure from baseline to 18 months. The context-enhanced Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM)/Practical Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM) framework will guide the evaluation of the implementation at the level of the patient, provider, and health system. Using a mixed-methods approach, we will evaluate the following implementation outcomes: acceptability, adoption, feasibility, fidelity, adaptation, reach, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

Discussion
We will disseminate the study findings, and promote scale up and scale out of the program, if proven effective. This study will generate urgently needed data on effective, adoptable, and sustainable interventions and implementation strategies to improve hypertension control in Guatemala and other LMICs.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03504124. Registered on 20 April 2018.
Comparison of senescence-related changes between three- and two-dimensional cultured adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Yin Qiliang , Xu Na , Xu Dongsheng , Dong Mingxin , Shi Xiumin , Wang Yan , Hao Zhuo , Zhu Shuangshuang , Zhao Donghai , Jin Haofan , Liu Wensen 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundAdipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) have attracted widespread interest as cell-based tissue repair systems. To obtain adequate quantities of ADMSCs for therapeutic applications, extensive in vitro expansion is required. However, under current two-dimensional (2D) approaches, ADMSCs rapidly undergo replicative senescence, and cell growth is impeded and stem cell properties are eliminated by mechanisms that are poorly understood. These issues limit the extensive applications of ADMSCs. In this study, we investigated senescence-related changes in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from human adipose tissue in 2D and three-dimensional (3D) cultures.MethodsWe studied cell growth over a given period (21 days) to determine if modes of culture were associated with ADMSC senescence. ADMSCs were isolated from healthy females by liposuction surgery and then were grown in 2D and 3D cultures. The cell morphology was observed during cell culture. Every other time of culture, senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) expression, cell viability, proliferation, and differentiation potential of ADMSCs from 2D and 3D cultures were detected. Also, senescence- and stemness-related gene expression, telomere length, telomerase activity, and energy metabolism of ADMSCs for different culture times were evaluated.ResultsWith long-term propagation, we observed significant changes in cell morphology, proliferation, differentiation abilities, and energy metabolism, which were associated with increases in SA-β-gal activity and decreases in telomere length and telomerase activity. Notably, when cultured in 3D, these changes were improved.ConclusionsOur results indicate that 3D culture is able to ameliorate senescence-related changes in ADMSCs.
New refinements of Chebyshev–Pólya–Szegö-type inequalities via generalized fractional integral operators
Authors: Butt Saad Ihsan , Akdemir Ahmet Ocak , Bhatti Muhammad Yousaf , Nadeem Muhammad 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFractional analysis, as a rapidly developing area, is a tool to bring new derivatives and integrals into the literature with the effort put forward by many researchers in recent years. The theory of inequalities is a subject of many mathematicians’ work in the last century and has contributed to other areas with its applications. Especially in recent years, these two fields, fractional analysis and inequality theory, have shown a synchronous development. Inequality studies have been carried out by using new operators revealed in the fractional analysis. In this paper, by combining two important concepts of these two areas we obtain new inequalities of Chebyshev–Polya–Szegö type by means of generalized fractional integral operators. Our results are concerned with the integral of the product of two functions and the product of two integrals. They improve the results in the paper (J. Math. Inequal. 10(2):491–504, 2016).
Threshold dynamics of a stochastic SIVS model with saturated incidence and Lévy jumps
Authors: Ma Yuanlin , Yu Xingwang 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we propose and analyze a stochastic SIVS model with saturated incidence and Lévy jumps. We first prove the existence of a global positive solution of the model. Then, with the help of semimartingale convergence theorem, we obtain a stochastic threshold of the model that completely determines the extinction and persistence of the epidemic. At last, we further study the threshold dynamics of a stochastic SIRS model with saturated or bilinear incidence by a similar method and carry out some numerical simulations to demonstrate our theoretical results. Comparing with the method given by Zhou and Zhang (Physica A 446:204–216, 2016), we find that the method used in this paper is simple and effective.
New estimates considering the generalized proportional Hadamard fractional integral operators
Authors: Zhou Shuang-Shuang , Rashid Saima , Jarad Fahd , Kalsoom Humaira , Chu Yu-Ming 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn the article, we describe the Grüss type inequality, provide some related inequalities by use of suitable fractional integral operators, address several variants by utilizing the generalized proportional Hadamard fractional (GPHF) integral operator. It is pointed out that our introduced new integral operators with nonlocal kernel have diversified applications. Our obtained results show the computed outcomes for an exceptional choice to the GPHF integral operator with parameter and the proportionality index. Additionally, we illustrate two examples that can numerically approximate these operators.