bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A HERO for Stroke Patients: a new hand exoskeleton 3D printed on textiles for rehabilitation
Authors: Araujo Rommel Soares de , Silva Camille Reategui , Netto Severino Peixoto Nunes , Morya Edgard , Brasil Fabricio Lima 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Stroke survivors can be affected by motor deficits in the hand. Robotic equipment associated with brain-machine interfaces (BMI) may aid the motor rehabilitation of these patients. BMIs involving orthotic control by motor imagery practices have been successful in restoring stroke patients' movements. However, there is still little acceptance of the robotic devices available, either by patients and clinicians, mainly because of the high costs involved. Motivated by this context, the present work aims to design and construct the Hand Exoskeleton for Rehabilitation Objectives (HERO) to recover extension and flexion movements of the fingers. Methods: 3D printing technique in association with textiles was used to produce a lightweight and wearable device. 3D-printed actuators have also been designed to reduce equipment costs. The actuator transforms the torque of DC motors into linear force transmitted by Bowden cables to move the fingers passively. The exoskeleton was controlled by neuroelectric signal --- electroencephalography (EEG). Concept tests were performed to evaluate control performance. A healthy volunteer was submitted to a training block with the exoskeleton, according to the Graz-BCI protocol. Ergonomy was evaluated with a 2D tracking software. Results: The outcome of the applied manufacturing technique was aesthetically pleasing. HERO's glove can be compared to ordinary clothing. The weight over the hand was around 102 g. The volunteer was able to control the exoskeleton with 91.5\% accuracy. Conclusions: HERO's project resulted in a lightweight, simple, portable, ergonomic, and low-cost device. Its use is not restricted to a clinical setting. Thus, users will be able to execute motor training with the HERO at hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and home, increasing the rehabilitation intervention time. This may favor motor rehabilitation and improve the life quality of stroke survivors.
Sec24C mediates a Golgi-independent trafficking pathway that is required for tonoplast localization of ABCC1 and ABCC2
Authors: Lv Qiao-Yan , Gao Yi-Qun , Wang Ya-Ling , Zhang Chu-Ying , Chao Zhen-Fei , Zhong Li-Yuan , Han Mei-Ling , Chao Dai-Yin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Protein sorting is an essential biological process in all organisms. Trafficking membrane proteins generally relies on the sorting machinery of the Golgi apparatus. However, many proteins have been found to be delivered to target locations via Golgi-independent pathways, but the mechanisms underlying this delivery system remain unknown. Here, we report that Sec24C, a component of coat protein complex II (COPII) vesicles, mediates the direct secretory trafficking of the phytochelatin transporters ABCC1 and ABCC2 from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to prevacuolar compartments (PVCs). After performing a genetic screening, we found that Sec24C loss-of-function mutants are hypersensitive to cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) treatments due to mislocalization of ABCC1 and ABCC2, which results in defects in the vacuole compartmentalization of the toxic metals. Further studies showed that Sec24C recognizes ABCC1 and ABCC2 through direct interactions to mediate their exit from the ER to PVCs in a Golgi-independent manner. These findings expand our understanding of Golgi-independent trafficking as well as COPII vesicles.
Hypertension Experience of Foreign-Born West African Immigrant Women in the United States: Access to and Utilization of Health Services
Authors: Ude Assumpta Onyinye , Schwab Michael 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundHypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and the leading cause of premature deaths in the United States. Hypertension is a commonly reported chronic disease in foreign-born-adult immigrants living in the United States, and psychosocial-cultural factors such as lack of health insurance and poor transportation services have been reported particularly among foreign-born immigrant women with hypertension and other chronic diseases. However, little is known about the socio-cultural factors that influence access to and utilization of hypertension health services in West-African-born immigrant women in the United States.MethodsThis study utilized a qualitative design with a phenomenological approach to interview a purposeful sample of fifteen West-African-born immigrant women that reported diagnosis of hypertension (12 with health insurance and 3 without health insurance) in the Washington District of Columbia Metropolitan area. The Patient Centered Access to Health Care Model guided the conceptual framework of the study. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and generate categories and themes.ResultsFive themes emerged from the analysis: Health Insurance Coverage, Frequency of Hypertension Care Visits, Interaction with HCP, Culturally Sensitive HCP, and HTN Self-Care Incentives. Eighty percent of participants had medical insurance and transportation services, but delayed seeking HTN care because their health care providers did not listen to their concerns or discuss their preferences before prescribing treatment. More than 60 percent of the women reported that clinicians did not listen to their concerns or provide culturally appropriate guidance during their visits.ConclusionsThese findings could be helpful for larger scale studies, or smaller comparative studies in other regions of the United States. Cultural competence training should be included in the continuing education curriculum of healthcare providers serving the West-African-born immigrant population.
CpG Island Methylator Phenotype(CIMP) is An Independent Prognostic Marker with Tumor-Promoting Functions in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Li Jiante , Hu Kepeng , Wu Chenchen , Cai Mao , Huang Chongjie , Qi Dansi , Li Changjia , Li Long , Hu Wanle , Yu Yaojun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe CpG island methylator phenotype(CIMP)with extensive promoter methylation isa distinct epigenotype incolorectal cancer (CRC). Changes in microbiota and epigenetic dysregulation mightbe the key underlying mechanism.MethodsTissueswith stages I–III cancerwere collected afterproctocolectomy. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing was carried to determine the differences in microbiota.Subsequently,BRAF mutation,the statusof microsatellite instability (MSI, also known as mismatch repair deficiency) and CIMP were also tested. The Chi-square test was carriedoutto analyze the relationship between molecular changes (MSI and CIMP) and the development of CRC.ResultsPatients in the three groups differed in thetumorlocation(P=0.034) and the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level (P=0.036).The positive CIMP and MSI-LOW/MSS were more common in the worse prognosis groups.The Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional regression analyses indicated that CIMP and MSI were the independent indicators of poor survival since the positive rates of which were significantly higher in the non-survival group. Besides, there were differences in microbiota among tumor tissues of different prognoses, with the Fusobacterium nucleatum and Bacteroides fragilis more abundant in the worse prognosis groups.Conclusion﻿The persistent epigenetic changes influence the prognosis of patients with CRC and the composition of the gut microbiota might be the cause.
Water splitting into hydrogen and oxygen by non-traditional redox inactive zinc selenolate electrocatalyst
Authors: Upadhyay Aditya , KV Saurav , Kumar Manish , Varghese Evelin , Hodage Ananda , Paul Amit , Srinivasan  , Kumar Sangit 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The development of alternative energy sources is the utmost priority of the developing society. Unlike many prior homogenous electrocatalysts that rely on the change in an oxidation state of metal center and or electrochemically active ligand, the synthesized novel bimetallic zinc selenolate complex consisting of redox inactive zinc metal ion and catalytically inactive ligand catalyzes the electrochemical oxygen evolution from the water with rate constant 7.28 s-1 at onset potential 1.028 V vs. NHE. On the other hand, the hydrogen evolution reaction proceeds with 47.32 s-1 observed rate constant and -0.256 V onset potential vs. NHE. DFT computations and control experiments suggest that the redox chemistry at selenium center, Lewis acidity, and cooperativity effect of two zinc atoms facilitate the electrochemical oxidation and reduction of water into oxygen and hydrogen, respectively.
Comparative analysis of bHLH transcription factors in five Rosaceae species, and expression analysis of PbbHLHs in response to drought stress in pear
Authors: Kou Xiaobing , Xiong Changlong , Wang Danqi , Sun Yangyang , Wang Peng , Wu Juyou , Zhang ShaoLing 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

The bHLH (basic helix-loop-helix) transcription factor family plays important roles in regulating plant growth and development. However, informations about bHLH in rosaceous fruit species are still limited.
Results

In this study, a total of 198 PbbHLH genes were identified in the pear, with 188 bHLH genes in apple, 129 bHLH genes in peach, 112 in strawberry and 122 in Chinese plum. These Rosaceae bHLH genes, plus the 150 Arabidopsis thaliana bHLH genes, were divided into 34 groups, which included one Rosaceae-specific group. Evolutionary pattern analysis showed that whole-genome duplication (WGD) and segmental duplication played critical roles in expansion of the PbbHLH gene family. Ks value indicated that the two WGD duplication events (a recent WGD and an ancient WGD event) lead to the expansion of bHLH gene family. Tissue expression analysis shows that PbbHLHs may have diversity functions in different tissues. Furthermore, eight up-regulated and seven down-regulated PbbHLH genes were identified as the candidate genes in response to drought stress.
Conclusion

A comprehensive analysis of bHLH genes was performed in five Rosaceae species. The phylogenetic, evolution and expression analyses of the bHLH gene family in pear will be meaningful for investigating the biological roles of PbbHLH genes.
Prognostic and Risk Factors Analysis of 106 Patients Undergoing Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Combined with Cranioplasty
Authors: Chang Hongbo , Gao Ming , Cao Wei-Dong , Zhao Hu-Lin , Cheng Gang , Guo Sheng-Li , Wang Peng , Zhang Jian-Ning 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The study is to summarize the therapeutic effect and long-term prognosis of ventriculoperitoneal shunt combined with cranioplasty, analyze the operation-related risk factors and common complications, and summarize the experience, so as to improve the safety of the operation.Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on 106 patients diagnosed with post-operative skull loss with communicating hydrocephalus who underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt combined with cranioplasty at our hospital. Age, gender, etiology, course of the disease, imaging manifestations, combined diseases, and prognosis of the patients were analyzed, as well as the risk factors and common complications of the operation.Results: Among the 106 patients, 62 were males, and 44 were females, with an age range from 17~67 years old. There were 72 cases of craniocerebral injury, 23 cases of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage, and 11 cases of intracranial aneurysm rupture. There were 84 patients with a course of disease ≤3 months during operation, and 22 patients with a course of disease > 3 months. There were 71 cases with GCS score ≤8, and 35 cases with GCS score > 8. There were 10 patients with skull base fracture and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea and 24 patients with severe hydrocephalus. Among the 106 patients, 79 showed improvement after the operation, 24 showed no significant improvement, and 3 underwent the second operation due to aggravated condition. Most of the patients with poor prognosis were patients with GCS score ≤8 points at the time of surgery, patients with previous skull base fracture and CSF rhinorrhea, patients with intraoperative hemorrhage > 800ml, and patients with post-operative body temperature over 39 °C. Conclusions: Our results revealed that ventriculoperitoneal shunt, combined with cranioplasty, is a useful approach. For patients with a high risk of operation, condition assessment, and monitoring should be strengthened. For patients with fever combined with infection or cerebral hemorrhage after the operation, active surgical treatment should be performed. Trial registration: Not applicable
An 8-Week Freeze-Dried Blueberry Supplement Impacts Immune-Related Pathways: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Rousseau Michèle , Horne Justine , Guénard Frédéric , Toro-Martín Juan de , Garneau Véronique , Guay Valérie , Kearney Michèle , Pilon Geneviève , Roy Denis , Couture Patrick , Couillard Charles , Marette André , Vohl Marie-Claude 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Blueberries contain high level of polyphenolic compounds with high in vitro antioxidant capacities. Their consumption has been associated with improved vascular and metabolic health.Purpose: The objective was to examine the effects of blueberry supplement consumption on metabolic syndrome (MetS) parameters and potential underlying mechanisms of action. Methods: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled intervention trial was conducted in adults at risk of developing MetS. Participants consumed 50g daily of either a freeze-dried highbush blueberry powder (BBP) or a placebo powder for 8 weeks (n=49). MetS phenotypes were assessed at week 0, 4 and 8. Fasting blood gene expression profiles and plasma metabolomic profiles were examined at baseline and week 8 to assess metabolic changes occurring in response to the BBP. A per-protocol analysis was used. Results: Interaction effects were non-significant demonstrating that compared to the placebo, BBP had no statistically significant effect on body weight, blood pressure, fasting plasma lipid, insulin and glucose levels, insulin resistance (or sensitivity) and on glycated hemoglobin concentrations. However, there were significant within- and between-group differences including increased insulin resistance in the placebo group only, greater TG at week 4 in the BBP compared to placebo group and increased fasting insulin from week 4 to 8 in both groups. Moreover, there were significant changes in the expression of 49 genes and 35 metabolites following BBP consumption. Differentially regulated genes were clustered in immune-related pathways.Conclusion: An 8-week BBP intervention did not significantly improve traditional markers of cardiometabolic health in adults at risk of developing MetS. However, metabolically relevant changes in gene expression and metabolites suggest that clinically significant cardiometabolic changes could take longer than 8 weeks to present and/or could result from whole blueberry consumption or a higher dosage. BBP may also have an effect on factors such as immunity even within a shorter 8-week timeframe. Clinical trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03266055, 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03266055?term=blueberry+vohl&draw=2&rank=1
Galectin-1 ameliorates perioperative neurocognitive disorders in aged mice
Authors: Wu Yi , Song Wen , Shen Zhiwen , Zhi Yaowei , Wu Guiyun , Li YuJuan , Li Junhua 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

The incidence of perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) is higher in the elderly patients undergoing surgery. Microglia activation-mediated neuroinflammation is one of the hallmarks of PND. Galectin-1 has been identified as pivotal modulator in central nervous system (CNS), while the role of galectin-1 in PND induced by microglia-mediated neuroinflammation is still undetermined.
Methods

An exploratory laparotomy model anesthetized with isoflurane was employed to investigate the role of galectin-1 on PND in aged mice. Open field test and Morris water maze were used to test the cognitive function 3 or 7 days after surgery. Immunofluorescence staining was employed to detect the activation of microglia and neuronal integrity in the hippocampus of aged mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were used to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Results

Pretreatment with galectin-1 attenuated the cognitive dysfunction induced by surgery in aged mice and inhibited microglial activity. Moreover, galectin-1 decreased the expression level of inflammatory proteins (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α), and disrupted neuronal integrity in hippocampus. Galectin-1 inhibited the inflammation of BV2 microglial cells induced by lipopolysaccharide via decreasing the translocation of c-Jun and NF-κB p65, while this kind of inhibition was rescued when overexpressing IRAK1.
Conclusions

Our findings provide evidence that galectin-1 may inhibit IRAK1 expression, thus suppressing inflammatory response, inhibiting neuroinflammation, and improving ensuing cognitive dysfunction. Collectively, these findings unveil that galectin-1 may elicit protective effect on surgery-induced neuroinflammation and neurocognitive disorders.
The derepression of transposable elements in lung cells is associated with the inflammatory response and gene activation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Rostami Mahboubeh R , Bradic Martina 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background Transposable elements (TEs) are repetitive sequences of viral origin that compose almost half of the human genome. These elements are tightly controlled within cells, and if activated, they can cause changes in both gene regulation and immune viral responses that have been associated with several chronic inflammatory diseases in humans. As oxidants are potent activators of TEs, and because oxidative injury is a major risk factor in relation to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), we hypothesized that TEs might be involved in the regulation of gene expression and so contribute to inflammation in cases of IPF. IPF is a fatal lung disease that involves the gradual replacement of the alveolar tissue with fibrotic scars as well as the accumulation of inflammatory cells in the lower respiratory tract. Although IPF is known to occur as a result of the complex interaction between environmental risk factors (i.e., oxidative stress) and genetics, the relative contributions of these factors to the disease remain unclear. To determine whether TEs are associated with IPF, we compared the transcriptional profiles of the genes and TEs of lung cells obtained from both healthy donors and IPF patients. Results We quantified the TEs and gene expression levels using a published bulk RNA-seq dataset concerning 24 subjects (16 donors and eight IPF patients), including three lung-cell types per subject, as well as a scRNA-seq dataset concerning 16 subjects (eight donors and eight IPF patients). We found evidence of TE dysregulation in the alveolar type II lung cells and alveolar macrophages of the IPF patients. In addition, the activation of the LINE family of elements in IPF is associated with the increased expression of TE cellular regulators (MOV10, IFI16, SAMHD1, and APOBECG3), interferon-stimulating genes (ISG15, IFI6, IFI27, IFI44, and OAS1), chemokines (CX3CL1 and CXCL9), and interleukins (IL15RA). We also demonstrated that TE derepression might be involved in the regulation of previously reported IPF candidate genes (MUC5B, CHL1, CCL22, and MMP7). Conclusion Based on our findings, we propose that TEs derepression play an important role in the regulation of gene expression and can also prompt both the recruitment of inflammatory processes and the disruption of the immunological balance, which can lead to chronic inflammation in IPF.
Across Regions: Are Most COVID-19 Deaths Above or Below Life Expectancy?
Authors: Malik Rondy 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Life expectancy varies across geographical and political landscapes for a multitude of reasons. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for the 2020 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and pandemic, is present in 215 countries, and is described as a pathogen that is most deadly to individuals 65 years and older. However, it is unclear if the majority of COVID-19-related deaths are targeting individuals above or below life expectancy. Through seven months of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, an association between life expectancy and COVID-19 related deaths were assessed. The reported age of those suffering from COVID-19-related death was evaluated across seven countries (United States, Germany, Hungary, Poland, South Africa, Sweden, and Switzerland), and placed into one of two categories depending on whether the death occurred above or below the country’s life expectancy. Among the seven countries included in this survey, it was observed that there was greater proportion of deaths above life expectancy (M = 65.35%, SD= 6.58) versus death below life expectancy (M = 34.65% , SD= 6.58), and these difference were significant (95%CI [18.51876, 42.88199], p = 0.0008349). Across countries, the disparity, or percent difference in deaths occurring above versus below life expectancy, was greatest in the countries with life expectancies of 80+ (Sweden, Switzerland, Germany). Given priorities that may need to be made in terms of hospital capacity, considering life expectancy may be an appropriate approach for reporting COVID-19-related deaths.
C1orf61 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis and affects the therapeutic response to sorafenib
Authors: Yu You , Wang Zhimeng , Huang Zan , Tang Xianying , Li Wenhua 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

C1orf61 is a specific transcriptional activator that is highly up-regulated during weeks 4–9 of human embryogenesis, the period in which most organs develop. We have previously demonstrated that C1orf61 acts as a tumor activator in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumorigenesis and metastasis. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of tumor initiation and progression in HCC remain obscure.
Methods

In this study, we demonstrated that the pattern of C1orf61 expression was closely correlated with metastasis in liver cancer cells. Gene expression profiling analysis indicated that C1orf61 regulated diverse genes related to cell growth, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
Results

Results showed that C1orf61 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis by inducing cellular EMT in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, C1orf61-induced cellular EMT and migration are involved in the activation of the STAT3 and Akt cascade pathways. We also found that C1orf61 was associated with HBV infection-induced cell migration in HCC. In addition, C1orf61 expression improved the efficacy of the anticancer therapy sorafenib in HCC patients. For the first time, we report a regulatory pathway by which C1orf61 promoted cancer cell metastasis and regulated the therapeutic response to sorafenib.
Conclusions

These findings increased our understanding of the molecular events that regulate metastasis and treatment in HCC.