bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Handgrip Assessment: Reproducibility and Agreement between Two Positions
Authors: Vargas-Pinilla Olga-Cecilia , Rodríguez-Grande Eliana-Isabel 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The protocol established for taking Hand grip dynamometry measurements determines that the patient must be in a sitting position. this protocol cannot be applied due to the patient’s conditions in some cases, such as abdominal surgery, musculoskeletal spine or hip injuries. The purpuse was to determine the reproducibility and level of agreement between the Handgrip dynamometry in supine position with the elbow flexed or extended, and the one measured in the sitting position, for determining if these postures can be interchangeable depending on the patient’s condition. Methods: The design was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The population were apparently healthy students, who were young adults between 18 and 30 years of age. (N=201). Handgrip measurement was performed on both upper limbs in a sitting position with a flexed elbow, a supine position with elbow flexion, and a supine position with the elbow extended. Three handgrip measurements were taken for each upper limb in each posture. Results: Reproducibility was nearly perfect in all positions evaluated for both the upper right and left limbs (ICC 0.95-0.97). Regarding the level of agreement for the comparison between sitting and supine positions with a flexed elbow, an average difference of −0.406 was noted, and the upper and lower agreement limits were found to be 4.59 and −5.40, respectively. For supine position with an extended elbow and supine position with a flexed elbow, the average difference was −1.479, and the upper and lower agreement limits were 3.881 and −6.840, respectively. Conclusions: Taking into account the results achieved in this study, clinicians or researchers can choose any of the positions evaluated herein and obtain reliable results as long as the standardization process is followed. The criterion of choice could be the patient’s condition.
DNA methylation abnormalities of imprinted genes in congenital heart disease: A pilot study
Authors: Chang Shaoyan , Wang Yubo , Xin Yu , Wang Shuangxing , Luo Yi , Wang Li , Zhang Hui , Li Jia 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is resulted from the interaction of genetic aberration and environmental factors. Imprinted genes, which are regulated by epigenetic modifications, are essential for the normal embryonic development. However, the role of imprinted genes in the pathogenesis of CHD remains unclear.Results: We investigated the effect of imprinted gene methylation on the pathogenesis of CHD. Eighteen imprinted genes that are known to affect early embryonic development were selected and the methylation modification genes were detected by massarray in 27 CHD children and 28 healthy children. Altered methylation of 8 imprinted genes was found, including 2 imprinted genes with hypermethylation of GRB10 and MEST and 6 genes with hypomethylation of PEG10, NAP1L5, INPP5F, PLAGL1, NESP and MEG3. Stratified analysis showed that the methylation degree of imprinted genes was different in different types of CHD. Risk analysis showed that 6 imprinted genes within a specific methylation level range were the risk factor for CHD except MEST and NAP1L5.Conclusion: Altered methylation of imprinted genes is associated with CHD and varies in different types of CHD. Further experiments are warranted to identify the methylation characteristics of imprinted genes in different types of CHD and clarify the pathogenesis mechanism of imprinted genes in CHD.
Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles Ameliorate Airway Inflammation in a Rat Model of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Authors: Ridzuan Noridzzaida , Zakaria Norashikin , Widera Darius , Sheard Jonathan , Morimoto Mitsuru , Kiyokawa Hirofumi , Isa Seoparjoo Azmel Mohd , Singh Gurjeet Kaur Chatar , Then Kong-Yong , Ooi Ghee-Chien , Yahaya Badrul Hisham 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an incurable and debilitating chronic disease characterized by progressive airflow limitation associated with abnormal levels of tissue inflammation. Therefore, stem cell-based approaches to tackle the condition are currently a focus of regenerative therapies for COPD. However, stem cell-based therapies are cumbersome and often associated with high costs. Extracellular vesicles (EV) released by all cell types are crucially involved in paracrine, extracellular communication. Recent advances in the field suggest that stem cell-derived EV possess a therapeutic potential which is comparable to the cells of their origin. In this study, we assessed the potential anti-inflammatory effects of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hUC-MSC) derived EV in a rat model of COPD. EV were isolated from hUC-MSC and characterized by the transmission electron microscope, western blotting, and nanoparticle tracking analysis. As a model of COPD, male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to cigarette smoke for up to 12 weeks followed by transplantation of hUC-MSC or application of hUC-MSC-derived EV. Lung tissue was subjected to histological analysis using hematoxylin and eosin staining, alcian blue-periodic acid Schiff (AB-PAS) staining, and immunofluorescence staining. Gene expression in the lung tissue was assessed using microarray analysis. Both, transplantation of hUC-MSC and application of EV resulted in a reduction of peribronchial and perivascular inflammation, alveolar septal thickening associated with mononuclear inflammation, as well as a decreased number of goblet cells. Moreover, hUC-MSC and EV ameliorated the loss of alveolar septa in the emphysematous lung of COPD rats and reduced the levels of NF-κB subunit p65 in the tissue. Subsequent microarray analysis revealed that both hUC-MSC and EV significantly regulate multiple pathways known to be associated with COPD. In conclusion, we show that hUC-MSC-derived EV effectively ameliorate by COPD-induced inflammation. Thus, EV could serve as a new cell-free based therapy for the treatment of COPD.
Neutrophil surged for mortality of COVID-19: a correlational study
Authors: Li Jingwen , Long Xi , Zhang Qing , Fang Xi , Luo Huilin , Fang Fang , Lv Xuefei , Zhang Dandan , Sun Yu , Li Na , Hu Shaoping , Lin Zhicheng , Xiong Nian 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Multiorgan damage by SARS-CoV-2 results in alterations of many clinical measures associated with mortality of COVID-19. This research discussed the pioneering pathogenicity factors that lead to the extensive damage elusive.Objectives: A cohort of COVID-19 patients.Methods: We conducted a correlational analysis of hospital outcomes with an independent cohort of COVID-19 patients and we also presented a death case to illustrate for time course of immune cell density.Results: The results showed that dysregulated immune cell densities were correlated with hospitalization duration before death, not before discharge. High neutrophil densities allowed sorting out one third of total death cases while a density of less than 70% of the white blood cells allowed sorting out 70% of surviving cases.Conclusion: Collectively surged neutrophil was a top trigger for mortality in patients with COVID-19.
Blocking of Efflux Transporters in Rats Improves Translational Validation of Brain Radioligands
Authors: Shalgunov Vladimir , Xiong Mengfei , L'Estrade Elina T , Raval Nakul R , Andersen Ida Vang , Edgar Fraser G , Speth Nikolaj Raahauge , Bærentzen Simone Larsen , Hansen Hanne Demant , Donovan Lene Lundgaard , Nasser Arafat , Peitersen Siv Thorlund , Kjær Andreas , Knudsen Gitte Moos , Syvänen Stina , Palner Mikael , Herth Matthias Manfred 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a molecular imaging technique that can be used to investigate the in vivo pharmacology of drugs. Initial preclinical evaluation of PET tracers is often conducted in rodents due to the accessibility of disease models as well as economic considerations. Compared to larger species, rodents display a higher expression and/or activity of efflux transporters such as the P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Low brain uptake could, therefore, be species-specific and uptake in rodents not be predictive for that in humans. We hypothesized that a better prediction from rodent data could be achieved when a tracer is evaluated under P-gp inhibition. Consequently, we compared the performance of eight tracers in rats with and without P-gp inhibition including a specific binding blockade. This data set was then used to predict the binding of these eight tracers in pigs.Methods: The brain uptake and target-specific binding of eight PET radiotracers were evaluated in rats with and without inhibition of P-gp. Rat data were subsequently compared to the results obtained in pigs.Results: The performance in pigs could correctly be predicted for six out of eight tracers, compared to four out of eight tracers without P-gp inhibition.Conclusions: P-gp strongly affects the uptake of PET tracers in rodents, but false prediction outcomes can be reduced by evaluating a tracer under P-gp inhibition.
TFE3-PD-L1 axis is pivotal for sunitinib resistance in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Guo Xudong , Li Ruxia , Bai Qiulei , Jiang Shaobo , Wang Hanbo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The microphthalmia of bHLH-LZ transcription factors (MiT/TFE) family chromosomal translocation or overexpression is linked with a poor prognosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) with elevated recurrence and drug resistance, but the molecular mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we investigated whether the resistance to sunitinib malate (Sun), the standard treatment for metastatic RCC, is due to upregulation of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) by the transcription factor E3 (TFE3) in ccRCC.Methods: The effect of TFE3 expression on ccRCC proliferation had been evaluated. The regulation of TFE3 on PD-L1 was assessed by qPCR and western blots in human primary clear cell lines and ccRCC specimens. The regulation of Sun on TFE3 and PD-L1 was assessed by western blots and flow cytometry. The therapeutic efficacy of Sun plus PD-L1 blockade was evaluated in xenograft mouse model.Results: In this study, we propose that TFE3 but not TFEB is essential for tumor survival and more importantly it is more of a promotor of cell proliferation which was associated with the poorer survival of cancer patients. We also found a positive correlation between TFE3 and PD-L1 expression in clear cell RCC cells and tissues. Sun treatment led to enhanced TFE3 nuclear translocation and PD-L1 expression. Finally, we observed the therapeutic benefit of Sun plus PD-L1 inhibition which enhanced CD8+ cytolytic activity and thus tumor suppression in a xenografted mouse model.Conclusions: Our data provides a strong rationale to apply Sun and PD-L1 inhibition jointly as a novel immunotherapeutic approach for ccRCC treatment.
A Clinical Study of Curative Partial Breast Irradiation for Stage I Breast Cancer using Carbon ion Radiotherapy
Authors: Karasawa Kumiko , Omatsu Tokuhiko , Shiba Shintaro , Irie Daisuke , Wakatsuki Masaru , Fukuda Shigekazu 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background and purpose: Our institute initiated carbon ion radiotherapy research for patients with stage I breast cancer in April 2013. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the treatment outcome up to May 2020.Materials and methods: Eligibility criteria of the patients were having untreated stage I breast cancer and being unsuitable for operation for physical or mental reasons. The irradiated volume was defined as the gross tumor including intraductal components. The dose escalation study was initially conducted four times a week for a total of 52.8 Gy ([Relative Biological Efficacy (RBE)]). After confirming that adverse effects were within acceptable range, the total dose was increased to 60.0 Gy (RBE). Results: Between April 2013 and November 2015, 14 cases were treated. The median follow up period was 61 months. No adverse toxicities were observed except for grade 1 acute skin reaction in 10 cases. The time required from carbon-ion radiotherapy to tumor disappearance was 3 months in 1 case, 6 months in 3 cases, 12 months in 4 cases, and 24 months in 5 cases. The third case developed local recurrence 6 months after radiotherapy. Twelve patients with luminal subtype received 5-year endocrine therapy. Thirteen of 14 tumors have been maintaining complete response with excellent cosmetic results.Conclusions: The time from carbon ion radiotherapy to tumor disappearance was longer than expected, but complete tumor disappearance was observed except for one high-grade case. With careful patient selection, carbon-ion radiotherapy in patients with stage I breast cancer is deemed effective and safe, and further research is recommended.
An Ethnobotanical Study on Chuangqing People of China based on the Herbal Market Survey on Dragon Boat Festival
Authors: wang qinghe , Zhao Ling , Gao Chi , Zhang LianYing , Luo JinFeng , Shen YuXiang , Yao Ruyu , Yin HongXiang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Chuanqing People is one of the unrecognized ethnic groups in China, having unique cultural backgrounds and rich knowledge of traditional medicinal plants. The herbal market on Dragon Boat Festival plays an important role in inheriting the traditional medicinal knowledge of Chuanqing People. The aim of this study was to record the characteristics, current situation, and problems of medicinal plant usages of the Chuanqing People of China, to serve for the inheritance of traditional knowledge and the protection of biodiversity. Methods: The information was collected through key informant interviews, semi-structured interviews, and taxonomy identification; and then, results were compared with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and other ethnic medicines of Guizhou Province. Data were analyzed with Use Value (UV) and CI value. Results: A total of 102 species from 53 families and 92 genera were recorded, including Orchidaceae and Asparagaceae (6 species respectively), Berberidaceae and Compositae (5 species respectively), Apocynaceae, Ranunculaceae, Rosaceae, and Polygonaceae (4 species respectively) as predominate families. Moreover, 71 investigated human ailments were grouped into 12 categories. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (34 mentions) were the most frequently mentioned in our study. The most frequently used species was Hedera nepalensis var. sinensis (Tobler) Rehder (UV & CI=0.288). Conclusion: The traditional herbal market during the Dragon Boat Festival is a hotspot of traditional medicinal plant knowledge of local people. However, urbanization threatens the inheritance of the local medicinal plant knowledge. The study highlights the traditional medicinal knowledge of Chuanqing People, which provides basic data for further research on botanical and conservation.
Effects of Eubiotic Lignocellulose on the Gut Microbiota and Metabolism of Chickens
Authors: Sun Baosheng , Hou Linyue , Yang Yu 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Dietary fiber is an important factor shaping the gut microbiota. Eubiotic lignocellulose is a useful source of dietary fiber for chickens; however, research on its effects on the gut microbiota and metabolism of chickens is limited. Moreover, the gut microbiota regulates the host metabolism, which generally depend on microbiotal metabolites—short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the SCFA receptors; however, related research reports on the SCFA receptors of chickens are lacking. Given this, we added three different levels of eubiotic lignocellulose (0%, 1%, and 2%) to the feed of ISA brown hens (IBH) for 0–8 weeks, with the aim of observing the effects of added eubiotic lignocellulose on the gut microbiota, SCFAs and its receptors and metabolism of chickens. Results: The results showed that the addition of eubiotic lignocellulose showed no significant difference among groups in terms of the growth performance, development of the cecum and microbial diversity of IBH (P > 0.05), but significantly (P < 0.05) increased the relative abundance of the excellent fiber-degradation bacterium Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, the acetate-producing bacterium Sutterella and fiber digestibility. The addition of 1% eubiotic lignocellulose significantly (P < 0.05) increased the lactate-producing bacterium Lactobacillus panis, the butyrate-producing bacterium Oscillospira and the concentration of SCFAs in the cecum chyme. The addition of eubiotic lignocellulose had no significant effect on the relative expression of the SCFA receptor–G protein-coupled receptor 43 (GPR43) mRNA in the liver and cecum (P > 0.05), resulting in there being no significant difference (P > 0.05) among groups in the metabolism of chickens, including gastrointestinal hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide tyrosine–tyrosine (PYY), blood glucose and liver glycogen. Conclusions: The addition of eubiotic lignocellulose can increase the abundance of the fiber-degradation bacterium Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and the fiber digestion of chickens at 8 weeks. The addition of 1% eubiotic lignocellulose is more conducive to the fiber-degradation bacteria and the SCFA-producing bacteria, resulting in increasing of the production of SCFAs. However, because the difference of the concentration of SCFAs was not great among groups, there was no significant change in the growth performance of chickens, the development of the cecum and the relative expression of GPR43 mRNA, resulting in slight effects on the metabolism, including GLP-1 and PYY and the blood glucose and liver glycogen of chickens. Increasing our understanding of this would be beneficial to providing a theoretical basis for the application of eubiotic lignocellulose and improve the growth performance and health of chickens.
Bismuth Atom Tailoring of Indium Oxide Surface Frustrated Lewis Pairs Boosts Heterogeneous CO2 Photocatalytic Hydrogenation
Authors: Yan Tingjiang , Li Na , Wang Linlin , Ran Weiguang , Duchesne Paul , Wan Lili , Nguyen Nhat Truong , Wang Lu , Xia Meikun , Ozin Geoffrey 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The surface frustrated Lewis pairs (SFLPs) on defect-laden metal oxides provide catalytic sites to activate H2 and CO2 molecules and enable efficient gas-phase CO2 photocatalysis. Lattice engineering of metal oxides provides a useful strategy to tailor the reactivity of SFLPs. Herein a one-step solvothermal synthesis is developed that enables isomorphic replacement of In3+ ions in UV-absorbing In2O3 by single-site Bi3+ ions to generate a new class of full-spectrum UV-Vis-NIR absorbing BixIn2-xO3 materials. Through compositional tuning, these materials prove to be three orders of magnitude more photoactive for the reverse water gas shift reaction (i.e., CO2 + H2 CO + H2O) than In2O3 itself, while also exhibiting notable photoactivity towards methanol production from carbon dioxide (i.e., CO2 + 3H2 CH3OH + H2O). The defective form of In2O3 containing oxygen vacancy sites can create SFLPs involving In3+ nearby the oxygen vacancy, which function as Lewis acidic sites, while lattice oxide O2- act as Lewis basic sites. In this study, it is discovered that the reactivity of these SFLPs can be further enhanced by single-site Bi3+ ion isomorphic substitution of Lewis acidic site In3+, thereby enhancing the propensity to activate CO2 molecules. In addition, the increased solar absorption efficiency and efficient charge separation and transfer of BixIn2-xO3 also contribute to the improved photocatalytic performance. These traits lead to enhanced binding and activation of CO2, exemplifying the opportunities that exist for atom-scale engineering in heterogeneous CO2 photocatalysis, another step towards the vision of the solar CO2 refinery.
Intranasal Exposure of African Green Monkeys to SARS-CoV-2 Results in Acute Phase Pneumonia With Shedding and Lung Injury Still Present in the Early Convalescence Phase
Authors: Geisbert Tom , Cross Robert , Agans Krystle , Prasad Abhishek , Borisevich Viktoriya , Woolsey Courntey , Deer Daniel , Dobias Natalie , Geisbert Joan , Fenton Karla 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
We recently reported the development of the first African green monkey (AGM) model for COVID-19 based on a combined liquid intranasal (i.n.) and intratracheal (i.t.) exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here, we followed up on this work by assessing an i.n. particle only route of exposure using the LMA mucosal atomization device (MAD). Six AGMs were infected with SARS-CoV-2; three animals were euthanized near the peak stage of virus replication (day 5) and three animals were euthanized during the early convalescence period (day 34). All six AGMs supported robust SARS-CoV-2 replication and developed respiratory disease. Evidence of coagulation dysfunction as noted by a transient increases in aPTT and circulating levels of fibrinogen was observed in all AGMs. The level of SARS-CoV-2 replication and lung pathology was not quite as pronounced as previously reported with AGMs exposed by the combined i.n. and i.t. routes; however, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in nasal swabs of some animals as late as day 15 and rectal swabs as late as day 28 after virus challenge. Of particular importance to this study, all three AGMs that were followed until the early convalescence stage of COVID-19 showed substantial lung pathology at necropsy as evidenced by multifocal chronic interstitial pneumonia and increased collagen deposition in alveolar walls despite the absence of detectable SARS-CoV-2 in any of the lungs of these animals. These findings are consistent with human COVID-19 further demonstrating that the AGM faithfully reproduces the human condition.
Disseminating Evidence-based Research on Mental Health and Coping to Adolescents Facing Adversity in Lebanon: A Pilot of a Psychoeducational Comic Book ‘Somoud’
Authors: Bosqui Tania Josiane , Mayya Anas , Younes Liliane , Baker Myriam Claire , Annan Ismat 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundDespite advances in the evidence base and scaling up of mental health and psychosocial interventions for children and adolescents affected by conflict and adversity, a theory-practice gap remains, with limited translation of research findings to affected communities. MethodsIn order to disseminate research on mental health and coping for children and adolescents, a psychoeducational comic book ‘Somoud’ was developed and piloted with adolescents and their caregivers in Lebanon, using a qualitative Grounded Theory approach.ResultsIn total, 10 participants (5 adolescents, 5 parents), took part in the study. Using Thematic Content Analysis, 6 themes were identified; 1) psychoeducation versus misinterpretation, 2) balancing depth with accessibility, 3) aesthetic appeal, 4) contextual relevance and realism, 5) daily stressors, and 6) parental and social relationships. ConclusionsThe findings demonstrate the importance of cultural and contextual piloting of psychoeducational content, and the potential usefulness and accessibility of a comic book format to disseminate information to young people. Data from the pilot was used to inform the development of a new version of ‘Somoud’ for sharing with young people in Lebanon. Further research is required to establish the effectiveness of the psychoeducational book as a ‘self-help’ tool, and to further improve knowledge exchange between researchers and communities.