bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urinary Soluble VCAM-1 is a Useful Biomarker of Disease Activity and Treatment Response in Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Gasparin Andrese Aline , Andrade Nicole Pamplona Bueno de , Hax Vanessa , Palominos Penélope Esther , Siebert Marina , Marx Rômulo , Schaefer Pedro Guilherme , Veronese Francisco Veríssimo , Monticielo Odirlei André 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is involved in the progression of glomerular and tubulointerstitial injury in lupus nephritis (LN) and can be easily assessed in urine. The aim of this study was to assess urinary soluble VCAM-1 (uVCAM-1) as a biomarker of disease activity and treatment response in LN.Methods: This prospective study enrolled patients with class III, IV or V LN diagnosed within the last three years and divided them in two groups: with and without active nephritis at the inclusion. At each visit, a urine sample was collected for uVCAM-1 evaluation and the nephritis status was assessed.Results: Median uVCAM-1 level was elevated in patients with active compared to inactive LN (P<0.001). The ROC curve of uVCAM-1 demonstrated an AUC of 0.84 and a cutoff of 47.2 ng/mgCr yielded a good sensitivity (74.2%) and specificity (74.2%) for the diagnosis of active LN. A significant correlation was found between uVCAM-1 level and renal activity scores and traditional biomarkers of LN. The level of uVCAM-1 dropped in patients with active LN who went into remission (P<0.001), increased in patients who went into activity (P=0.002) and did not change in patients who remained inactive (P=0.797). The level of uVCAM-1 peaked during the flare of LN (P<0.05).Conclusion: The uVCAM-1 is a reliable biomarker that reflects renal disease activity and is useful for monitoring individual patients with lupus nephritis over time.
Repeatability of OPD-Scan III and its agreement with Pentacam in measuring keratometry, astigmatism and axis in patients with cataract and moderate to high astigmatism
Authors: Song YU , Li Panpan , Tu Yuanyuan , Wu Ying , Huang Lili , Yuan You 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Purpose

To assess accuracy of OPD-Scan III in measuring keratometry, astigmatism and axis in patients with cataract and moderate to high astigmatism
Materials and Methods

Measurements were taken with OPD-Scan III and Pentacam in cataract patients with keratometric astigmatism (KA) more than 0.75 D. Keratometry in the steepest axis (Ks) and flattest axis (Kf), KA and axis, which are power vector components of astigmatism (J0 and J45), were evaluated. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to assess repeatability. The Wilcoxon test was used to assess differences, the Spearman correlation was used to assess correlations, and the Bland-Altman method was used to assess agreement.
Results

Seventy eyes of 63 patients were included to analyze the repeatability of the two devices. The ICCs of Ks, Kf, KA, axis, J0 and J45 were 0.991, 0.995, 0.946, 0.883, 0.946 and 0.892, respectively, with OPD-Scan III. Seven hundred and thirty-two eyes of 516 patients were included to analyze the difference, correlation and agreement of the two devices. There were significant differences between the two devices in terms of Ks, Kf, axis, J0 and J45 (all p < 0.01). There were significant correlations between the two devices in each parameter (all p < 0.01). The 95% limits of agreement (LOAs) for Ks, Kf, KA, astigmatic axis, J0 and J45 were (-0.34, 0.44) D, (-0.24, 0.38) D, (-0.46, 0.48) D, (-10.20, 12.92)°, (-0.24, 0.24) D, and (-0.27, 0.35) D respectively.The 95% LOAs for the degree of IOL caculated according to parameter measured by OPD-Scan III and Pentacam was (-0.32, 0.22) D.
Conclusions

OPD-Scan III has a high accuracy for measuring keratometry, but its accuracy for measuring astigmatism and axis is poor in eyes with moderate to high astigmatism.
Foreign Direct Investment, Demand-driven and Structural Factors at Play in Africa
Authors: SODOKIN KOFFI , Tozo Kokou Wotodjo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
To African developing countries seeking to attract and keep foreign investors, this paper suggests that FDI is predominantly demand-driven. To evidence this hypothesis, we reviewed four critical theories and used for application, a sample of twenty-one (21) middle income countries (MICs) in Africa. The data covers the period 1990-2017. Net FDI inflow (% of GDP) has been used as the dependent variable. By employing the Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) method, we found that it’s only through FDI active policy conducts that a country can become preferred target for foreign firms. In practice, our findings imply that liberalization through facilitating trade measures, political reforms, skill upgrading for industrial requirements, infrastructure development, and government discipline need further improvement to create an appropriate, accessible and a secure environment for all investors.
Coronavirus Pandemic vs. Temperature in the context of Indian Subcontinent – A preliminary statistical analysis
Authors: Meraj Gowhar , Farooq Majid , Singh Suraj Kumar , Romshoo Shakil A. , Sudhanshu  , Nathawat M. S. , Kanga Shruti 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has unleashed havoc across different countries and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Since certain evidences indicate a direct relationship of various viruses with the weather (temperature in particular), the same is being speculated about COVID-19; however, it is still under investigation as the pandemic is advancing the world over. In this study, we tried to analyze the spread of COVID-19 in the Indian sub-continent with respect to the local temperature regimes from 9 March, 2020, to 27 May, 2020. To establish the relation between COVID-19 and temperature in India, three different eco-geographical regions having significant temperature differences were taken into consideration for the analysis. We observed that except Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Kashmir showed a significantly positive correlation between the number of COVID-19 cases and the temperature during the period of study. The evidences based on the results presented in this research lead us to believe that the increasing temperature is beneficial to the COVID-19 spread, and the cases are going to rise further with the increasing temperature over India. We, therefore, conclude that the existing data, though limited, suggests that the spread of COVID-19 in India is not explained by the variation of temperature alone and is most likely driven by a host of other factors related to epidemiology, socio-economics and other climatic factors. Based on the results, it is suggested that temperature should not be considered as a yardstick for planning intervention strategies for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Combined Quality Evaluation Method That Integrated Chemical Constituents, Appearance Traits and Origins of Raw Rehmanniae Radix Pieces
Authors: Gu Min , Yuan Yiping , Qin Zinan , Shi Nannan , Wang Yanping , Zhai Huaqiang , Qian Zhongzhi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background The quality control of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a challenge for internationalization of TCM. Modern quality evaluation methods ignore origins and appearance traits, and traditional quality evaluation methods lack quantitative analysis. Therefore, an integrated quality evaluation method is urgent in need. Raw Rehmanniae Radix (RRR) was a widely used TCM. Its quality has caught much attention, and the existing quality evaluation methods have certain limitations. The aim of this study was to establish a comprehensive and practical method for the quality evaluation and control of RRR pieces based on its chemical components, appearance traits and origins.Methods 33 batches of RRR pieces were collected from 6 provinces, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was applied to determine 5 constituents including catalpol, rehmannioside A, rehmannioside D, leonuride and verbascoside in RRR pieces. The appearance traits were qualitatively observed. Furthermore, correlation analysis, principal components analysis (PCA), cluster analysis and t-test were performed to discriminate and evaluate different quality of RRR pieces. Results 33 batches of RRR pieces could be divided into three categories, the samples of Henan province were in a group, the samples from Shandong province and Shanxi province were classified in a group, and the samples from other provinces were divided in a group. Furthermore, the constituents and appearance traits of RRR pieces were significantly different in diverse origins. Conclusions The combined method of chemical components, appearance traits and origins could classify and distinguish different quality of RRR pieces, which could provide a basic reference to quality control of TCM.
Long Noncoding RNA PVT1 promoted Gallbladder Cancer proliferation Byepigenetically Suppressing mIR-18b-5p via DNA Methylation
Authors: Jin Longyang , Cai Qiang , Wang Shouhua , Wang Shuqing , Wang Jiandong , Quan Zhiwei 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) accounts for 85–90% malignancies of the biliary tree worldwide. Considerable evidence has demonstrated that dysregulation of lncRNAs are involved in the progression of cancer. LncRNA PVT1 has been reported to play important roles in various cancers, but the role of PVT1 in gallbladder cancer remains unknown.
Methods

QRT-PCR was used to assess the expression of genes in different tissues or cells. Knockdown or overexpression of PVT1 combined with in vitro and in vivo assays were conducted to determine the effect of PVT1 on the GBC cells proliferation. We also conducted microarray analysis to screen out the miRNA that was regulated by PVT1. BSP was used to detect the methylation status of miR-18b-5p DNA promoter. RIP, ChIP, Co-IP and luciferase reporter assays were performed to validate the association between genes or proteins.
Results

We found that PVT1 was upregulated in GBC tissues and cells, and its upregulation was related with poor prognosis in GBC patients. PVT1 promoted GBC cells proliferation and increased tumorigenicity in nude mice. Molecular experiments demonstrated that PVT1 recruited DNMT1 via EZH2 to the miR-18b-5p DNA promoter and suppressed the transcription of miR-18b-5p through DNA methylation. Moreover, HIF1A was proved to be the downstream target gene of miR-18b-5p and PVT1 regulated GBC cell proliferation via HIF1A.
Conclusions

Our studies clarified the PVT1/ miR-18b-5p/ HIF1A regulation axis and indicated that PVT1 could be a potential therapeutic target for GBC.
Screening and identification of key biomarkers in breast cancer with brain metastasis: Evidence from bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Shao Tao Ming , Hu Zhi Yang , Li Wen Wei , Pan Long Yun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Purpose. Breast cancer (BC) has a poor prognosis when brain metastases (BM) occur, and the treatment effect is limited. In this study, we aim to identify representative candidate biomarkers for clinical prognosis of patients with BM and explore the mechanisms underlying the progression of BC.Methods. Herein, we examined the Microarray datasets (GSE125989) obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to find the target genes in BC patients with BM. We employed the GEO2R tool to filter the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that participate in primary BC and BC with BM. Subsequently, using the DAVID tool, we conducted an enrichment analysis with the screened DEGs based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation. The STRING database was employed to analyze the protein-protein interactions of the DEGs and visualized using Cytoscape software. Lastly, the Kaplan-Meier plotter database was employed to determine the prognostic potential of hub genes in BC.Results. We screened out 311 upregulated DEGs and 104 downregulated DEGs. The enrichment analyses revealed that all the DEGs were` enriched in the biological process of extracellular matrix organization, cell adhesion, proteolysis, collagen catabolic process and immune response. The significant enrichment pathways were focal adhesion, protein absorption and digestion, ECM-receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt signalling pathway, and Pathways in cancer. The top ten hub nodes screened out included FN1, VEGFA, COL1A1, MMP2, COL3A1, COL1A2, POSTN, DCN, BGN and LOX. The Kaplan-Meier plotter results showed that the three hub genes (FN1, VEGFA and DCN) are candidate biomarkers for clinical prognosis of patients with BM.Conclusion. we identified seven genes related to poor prognosis in BCBM. FN1, VEGFA and DCN can be considered as potential prognostic markers for BCBM. Meantime, COL1A1, POSTN, BGN and LOX may be linked to the distant transformation of BC.
Clinical and epidemiological study in patients with glaucoma in tertiary eye center, Bhaktapur
Authors: Shrestha Nirsara , Shrestha Sangeeta , Khadka Deepak , Shrestha Arjun , Suwal Barsha , Sharma Samata , Shrestha Rajan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Glaucoma is increasing as a significant global health problem being the major cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Early detection and timely management of glaucoma can decrease the burden of blindness worldwide.Methods This was a retrospective hospital -based study conducted at Glaucoma unit in CHEERS Hospital, Bhaktapur from August 2015 to July 2019. Patients demographic profile, along with a comprehensive examination, reviewed from the records. Collected data included: age, sex, race/ethnicity, intraocular pressure, cup/disc ratio, different types of glaucoma, visual field. Data analysis dome with IBM SPSS version 24 and was presented in mean (±SD), frequency and proportions and chi- square test was applied. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results Total of 312 glaucoma cases were reviewed and included in this study. The mean age presentation was 61.89±14.4 years, and maximum number (52.6%) was between ages 60-79 years. The majority of patients were primary open angle glaucoma (173, 55.4%) followed by primary angle closure (92, 29.5%). The association between all types of glaucoma and increasing age was statistically significant (P<0.001). Similarly, the association between all types of glaucoma with positive family history and caste/ ethnicity was statistically significant (P<0.001).Conclusion This study showed primary open angle glaucoma as the most common glaucoma. There was a positive association seen between all types of glaucoma with increasing age (beyond age of 40 years) and family history of glaucoma. Screening programs in population with risk factors and opportunistic eye examinations should be conducted for early detection of glaucoma.Trial registration: retrospective registered
Liver Damage After Radiofrequency Ablation Combined with Transcatheter Therapy in Treating Rabbit VX2 Liver Tumors
Authors: Duan Xu-Hua , Wang Wen-Hui , Han Xinwei , Ren Jian-Zhuang , Li Hao , Chen Peng-Fei , Gong Shao-Jun , Kuang Dong-Lin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the effect of transcatheter therapies combining with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment on hepatocellular necrosis, apoptosis and proliferation by using the rabbit VX2 tumor model. Methods: Ninety six models were randomly divided into 4 groups: transcatheter arterial chemoembolization group (TACE), radiofrequency ablation group (RFA), TACE+RFA group and transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) + RFA group. The above groups were further divided into two subgroups, A (15 rabbits) and B (9 rabbits). The subgroup B (control group) was followed up until animal death. Results: The high expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) was observed in the adjacent liver tissue in TACE and TACE+RFA. The highest increase of transaminase levels and serum HSP70 were detected in TACE+RFA group. TAE+RFA group had a low apoptotic rate and more hepatocyte proliferation as compared to TACE and TACE+RFA groups; and it had the longest end-point survival among these groups. Conclusions: The TAE+RFA treatment had a better outcome than RFA, including a better liver tumor control, a less liver injury, and a longer survival than TACE+RFA. Compared to TACE and TACE+RFA procedures, TAE+RFA significantly decreased the liver injury, hepatocellular necrosis, apoptosis and systemic proinflammatory cytokine release caused by anticancer drugs application.
Method for forecasting the flood risk in a tropical country
Authors: Marquez Adriana , Farias Bettys , Guevara Edilberto 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
In this study, a novel method for forecasting the flood risk in a tropical country is proposed, called CIHAM-UC-FFR. The method is based on the rainfall–runoff process. The CIHAM-UC-FFR method consists of three stages: (1) calibration and validation for the effective precipitation model, called CIHAM-UC-EP model, (2) calibration of forecasting models for components of the CIHAM-UC-EP model, (3) proposed model for forecasting of gridded flood risk called CIHAM-UC-FR. The CIHAM-UC-EP model has a mathematical structure derived from a conceptual model obtained by applying the principle of mass conservation combined with the adapted principle of Fick's law. The CIHAM-UC-FR model is a stochastic equation based on the exceedance probability of the forecast effective precipitation. Various scenarios are shown for a future time where the flood risk is progressively decreased as the expected life parameter of the hydraulic structure is increased.
Minimally invasive surgery for low-grade spondylolisthesis: percutaneous endoscopic or oblique lumbar interbody fusion
Authors: Jin Mengran , Xu Guokang , Shen Tong , Zhang Jun , Shao Haiyu , Liu Jianwen , Zhao Tingxiao , Huang Yazeng 
Published: June 2020

Aim:
To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of percutaneous endoscopic-assisted lumbar interbody fusion (PELIF) versus oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) for the treatment of symptomatic low-grade lumbar spondylolisthesis.
Material & methods:
The clinical and radiographic records of 48 patients underwent single-level minimally invasive lumbar fusion with a PELIF (n = 16) or OLIF (n = 32) were reviewed.
Results:
The clinical and radiographic outcomes were similar in both groups. PELIF procedure exhibited superior capability of the enlargement of foraminal width, but inferior capability of the restoration of foraminal height than OLIF procedure.
Conclusion:
PELIF minimizes the iatrogenic damages and perioperative risks to a great extent, and seems to be a promising option for the treatment of symptomatic low-grade lumbar spondylolisthesis.
Strategies and Approaches for siRNA Delivery
Authors: Soni Dhruvkumar M. 
Published: June 2020

The present review discusses about RNA interference (RNAi) and its significance in gene therapy. The review mainly focuses on small interference RNA (siRNA) as a mediator of RNAi, its therapeutic benefits and various formulation strategies employed to overcome siRNA delivery hurdles. RNAi is a regulatory process which occurs endogenously within the cell wherein short double-stranded RNA (siRNA) effects sequence-specific posttranscriptional gene silencing. Even though siRNA assists researchers with its powerful therapeutic benefits, there are significant hurdles in developing efficient delivery systems for its systemic administration. These are extracellular and intracellular barriers for siRNA delivery. The present review addresses about pros and cons of gene therapy and superior advantages provided by siRNA over plasmid DNA in gene therapy. It also discloses about the discovery, mechanism of action, significance and applications of siRNA based gene therapies, challenges in its delivery and strategies for overcoming delivery hurdles. Furthermore, emphasis is provided on viral and non – viral vector based siRNA delivery and the significance of lipid based siRNA delivery, the lipoplexes over polymer based siRNA delivery - the polyplexes, followed by recent advances in siRNA based technologies directed against variety of diseases.
Keywords: Endosomal escape, gene therapy, lipoplexes, polyplexes, siRNA, vectors.
A Systematic Overview on Some of the Traditionally Used Plants of Assam
Authors: Kakati Manoj Kumar , Sharma Ramakanta , Bharadwaj Bhriganka , Sarma Nalini Kanta , Das Biwajit , Dutta Ridip 
Published: June 2020

Assam is a state of the North Eastern part of India. There are different types of plants well distributed in various parts of the state. These plants have various medicinal properties and are used traditionally to cure diseases because of its fewer side effects. A large number of surveys have been documented about different kinds of traditionally used plants of Assam. The purpose of this Study is to do a Systematic overview on various aspects like its taxonomical characters, geographical habitat, Cultivation along with its physicochemical constituents, Pharmacological and medicinal properties so that it can be useful to treat the various diseases efficiently. Various traditional plants such as Carica papaya, Cocos nucifera, Murraya koenigii, Ocimum sanctum, Musa paradisiaca, Averrhoa carambola, Aegle marmelos, Azadirachta indica, Citrus limonum, Psidium guajav, Hibiscus rosa sinensis, Catharanthus roseus, Trichosanthes dioica, Cynodon dactylon, Brassica rapa were reviewd.
Keywords: Assam, plants, Physicochemical constituents, Pharmacological and Medicinal uses.
Formulation of Ramipril Tablets Containing Solid Dispersion Employing Selective Polymers to Enhance Dissolution Rate
Authors: Kumar Inder , Verma Sandeep , Chaudhary Amit 
Published: June 2020

Objective: The present work based on formulation of Ramipril tablets containing solid dispersion employing selective polymers. The objective of the preparation is to prepare the solid dispersion of the Ramipril, which has more responsive value in terms of the dissolution rate.
Method: Solid dispersion complex was prepared with two different carriers PEG 6000 and PVP K30. Nine formulations were developed and each formulation were subjected to pre compression and post compression parameters.
Result and Discussion: Pre-compression and post compression parameters were studied which had shown good flow property and compiled the standard data. In-vitro dissolution studies shows more than 90 % drug release in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 in 30 min. Out of all formulation F4 showed 92.55±0.67 % drug release with in 30min which was the best result rest of the formulation.
Conclusion: Ramipril tablets were successfully prepared and evaluated. F4 formulation shows the greater dissolution rate in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 as compared to other formulations. When compared with marketed formulation it also shows better results. Therefore, Ramipril solid dispersion tablets enhanced the dissolution rate and can be more efficacious for improving oral bioavailability of Ramipril.
Keywords: Solid dispersion, Ramipril, Solvent Evaporation Technique.