bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined lymphocyte/monocyte count, D-dimer and iron status predict COVID-19 course and outcome in a long-term care facility
Authors: Biamonte Flavia , Botta Cirino , Mazzitelli Maria , Rotundo Salvatore , Trecarichi Enrico Maria , Foti Daniela , Torti Carlo , Viglietto Giuseppe , Torella Daniele , Costanzo Francesco 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The Sars-CoV-2 can cause severe pneumonia with multiorgan disease, which created an urgent need for the identification of clinical and laboratory predictors of the progression towards severe and fatal forms of this illness. In the present study, we retrospectively evaluated and integrated laboratory parameters/variables of 45 elderly subjects from a long-term care facility with Sars-CoV-2 outbreak and spread, to identify potential common patterns of systemic response able to better stratify patients’ clinical course and outcome.Methods: Baseline white blood cells, granulocytes’, lymphocytes’, and platelets’ counts, hemoglobin, total iron, ferritin, D-dimer, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) concentration were used to generate a principal component analysis (PCA). Statistical analysis was performed by using R statistical package version 4.0.Results: Of the 45 patients, 19 were male and 26 were female, with a median age of 81 years. The overall mortality rate was 26.67%. By PCA and clustering approach we identified 3 laboratory patterns of response, renamed as low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk, strongly associated with patients’ survival (p<0.01). D-dimer, iron status, lymphocyte/monocyte count represented the main markers discriminating high- and low-risk groups. Furthermore, patients belonging to the high-risk group presented a significantly longer time to ferritin decrease (p:0.047). Iron-to-ferritin-ratio (IFR) significantly segregated recovered and dead patients in the intermediate-risk group (p:0.012).Conclusions: Our data generate the hypothesis that a combination of few laboratory parameters, and in particular iron status, D-dimer and lymphocyte/monocyte count at admission and during the hospital stay, can predict clinical progression in COVID-19.
Bioinformatic and Experimental Analysis Reveals Knockdown of KIF15 Promotes Cell Apoptosis via Activating Crosstalk of Multi-Pathways in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Sun Xinwei , Chen Mengyue , Liao Bin , Liang Zhiqing 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal malignancy of females worldwide. Unlimited proliferation is a fundamental feature of OC cells. The genes associated with cell proliferation are potential histopathological biomarkers and targets of anti-tumor therapeutic strategies. In the present study, we aimed to identify proliferation-associated biomarkers with potential prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic value and reveal the underlying molecular mechanism of the candidate gene involved in OC by a combination of bioinformatic and experimental methods.Results: KIF15 was upregulated in early-stage OC tissues and could predict poor prognosis of patients of Stage I and II. The knockdown of KIF15 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, tumor formation, and growth as well as promoted apoptosis of OC cells. A combination of experimental and bioinformatic analyses revealed KIF15 knockdown promoted cell apoptosis via activating crosstalk of multi-pathways in OC.Conclusion: In this study, KIF15, an early-stage prognostic gene, was identified as a potential histopathological biomarker and therapeutic target of OC.
Genistein-3′-sodium Sulfonate Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia/reperfusion Injury in Rats by Down-regulating Microglial M1 Polarization Through α7nAChR-mediated Inhibition of NF-κb Signaling Pathway&nbsp;
Authors: Liu Chao-Ming , Liu Song , Xiong Li-Jiao , Li Xiao , Cao Xingling , Xue Jinhua , Li Liangdong , Huang Cheng , Huang Zhi-Hua 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Microglial M1 depolarization mediated prolonged inflammation contributing to brain injury in ischemic stroke. Our previous study revealed that Genistein-3′-sodium sulfonate (GSS) exerted neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines production. This study aimed to explore whether GSS protected against brain injury in ischemic stroke by regulating microglial M1 depolarization and its underlying mechanisms. Methods: We established transient middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (tMCAO) model in rats and used lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells as in vitro model. Brain infarcted volume and neurological deficit were evaluated by TTC staining and Garcia assessment, respectively. M1-depolarized markers, α7nAChR and NF-κB signaling proteins were determined using western blot. Real-time PCR was used to determine the expression of M1 depolarization markers. Morphological changes, IL-1β expression and the nucleus translocation of P65-NF-κB were measured using immunofluorescent staining. The level of IL-1β was also determined using ELISA. Results: Our results showed that GSS treatment significantly reduced the brain infarcted volume and improved the neurological function in tMCAO rats. Meanwhile, GSS treatment also dramatically reduced microglia M1 depolarization, reversed α7nAChR expression, and inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling in the ischemic penumbra brain regions. These effects of GSS were further verified in LPS-induced M1 depolarization of BV2 cells. Furthermore, pretreatment of α7nAChR inhibitor (α-BTX) significantly restrained the neuroprotective effect of GSS treatment in both tMCAO rats and LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Alpha-BTX also blunted the regulating effects of GSS on GSM1 depolarization and α7nAChR expression.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that GSS protects against brain injury and neurological deficit in ischemic stroke by reducing microglia M1 depolarization to suppress neuroinflammation in peri-infarcted brain regions through upregulating α7nAChR and thereby inhibition of NF-κB signaling. Our findings uncover a potential molecular mechanism for GSS treatment in ischemic stroke.
Motivation, Satisfaction and Perceived Benefits of Volunteering With the Cardiovascular Health Awareness Program (CHAP): A Survey of French-speaking Volunteers in Quebec
Authors: Kaczorowski Janusz , Moussa Hanaa , Lussier Marie-Thérèse , Girard Magali 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Locally recruited and trained volunteers are a vital component of the Cardiovascular Health Awareness Program (CHAP), a community-based cardiovascular disease prevention program that has been implemented across different settings and targeting different populations. As part of expanding and adapting CHAP to new settings, we conducted a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial to implement CHAP targeting elderly residents of subsidized social housing buildings in Québec and Ontario. As there is some evidence that the culture of volunteering might be different for English-speakers than their French-speaking counterparts, our objective was to generate a profile of French-speaking CHAP volunteers and to compare it with English-speaking volunteers in Ontario who participated in an earlier community-based CHAP program and with volunteers in Canada as reported in the Statistics Canada's General Social Survey on Giving, Volunteering and Participating (CSGVP). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered online or by telephone to volunteers who participated in at least one CHAP session held in subsidized social housing in Montérégie (Québec, Canada) between March 2018 and June 2019. Results: The response rate was 79% (30/38), majority were female (87%, 26/30), retired or semi-retired (83%; 25/30), almost two-thirds (63%, 19/30) had previous work experience in the healthcare field, and 40% (12/30) had more than 10 years of volunteering experience. These characteristics were similar both to those of general profile of volunteers in Canada and to English-speaking volunteers in Ontario who participated in an earlier pharmacy-based CHAP program. The top 5 reasons for volunteering among French-speaking CHAP volunteers were identical to those reported in CSGVP: making a contribution to the community; using one’s skills and experience; improving one’s sense of well-being or health; exploring one’s own strengths; and networking with or meeting people. The majority of French-speaking CHAP volunteers, like their English counterparts in Ontario, reported a high level of satisfaction with their participation in the program, enjoyed their interaction with participants, and gained new knowledge. Conclusions: French-speaking CHAP volunteers in Quebec share many similarities with English-speaking CHAP volunteers in Ontario and volunteers in Canada in terms of background, motivation, satisfaction and perceived benefits of volunteering.
Biomass and Lipid Accumulation Kinetics and the Transcriptome of Oleaginous Microalga Tetradesmus Bernardii (Chlorophyceae) Under Heterotrophic Culture With Different Nitrogen Source Supply and Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio
Authors: Gao Baoyan , Wang Feifei , Huang Luodong , Liu Hui , Zhong Yuming , Zhang Chengwu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Heterotrophic cultivation of microalgae has been proposed as a viable alternative method for novel high-value biomolecules, enriched biomass and biofuel production because of their allowance of high cell density levels, as well as simple production technology. Tetradesmus bernardii, a newly isolated high-yielding oleaginous microalga under photoautotrophic conditions, is able to grow heterotrophically, meaning that it can consume organic carbon sources in dark condition. We investigated the effect of different carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratios on the growth and lipid accumulation of T. bernardii in heterotrophic batch culture under two nitrogen sources (NaNO3, CO(NH2)2). In addition, we conducted time-resolved transcriptome analysis to reveal the metabolic mechanism of T. bernardii in heterotrophic culture. Results: T. bernardii can accumulated high biomass concentrations in heterotrophic batch culture which the highest biomass of 46.09 g/L was achieved at 100 g/L glucose concentration. The rate of glucose to biomass was exceed 55% when the glucose concentration was less than 80 g/L, and the C/N ratio was 44 at urea treatment. The culture was beneficial to lipid accumulation at a C/N ratio between 110 and 130. NaNO3 used as a nitrogen source enhanced the lipid content more than urea, and the highest lipid content was 45% of dry weight. We performed RNA-seq to analyze the time-resolved transcriptome of T. bernardii. As the nitrogen was consumed in the medium, nitrogen metabolism related genes were significantly up-regulated to speed up the N metabolic cycle. As chloroplasts were destroyed in the dark, the metabolism of cells was transferred from chloroplasts to cytoplasm. However, storage of carbohydrate in chloroplast remained active, mainly the synthesis of starch, and the precursor of starch synthesis in heterotrophic culture may largely came from the absorption of organic carbon source (glucose). With regard to lipid metabolism, the related genes of fatty acid synthesis in low nitrogen concentration increased gradually with the extension of cultivation time.Conclusion: T. bernardii exhibited rapid growth and high lipid accumulation in heterotrophic culture. It may be a potential candidate for biomass and biofuel production. Transcriptome analysis showed that multilevel regulation ensured the conversion from carbon to the synthesis of carbohydrate and lipid.
Postoperative Severe Lung Failure and Functional Variations in Lung Cancer Patients with Different Extent of Resection: A Pilot Study .
Authors: Pezzuto Aldo , Marinucci Beatrice Trabalza , Pagliuca Alessandra , Salvucci Claudia , Guerrieri Giulio , D’Ascanio Michela , Ricci Alberto , Ciccozzi Massimo , Rendina Erino Angelo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer is recognized to be the main cause of cancer death worldwide and it is closely associated with cigarette smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Only about 15% of patients affected by lung cancer are suitable for surgery and the clinical postoperative outcomes are variable.We aim to investigate the variables that affect post-surgery complications .METHODS A sample of 75 patients who underwent surgery for lung cancer was retrospectively studied about respiratory function and arterial gasanalysis .Data were collected before and after surgery. A subgroups comparative analysis was performed between group who underwent lobectomy vs group who underwent sub-lobar resection represented by either wedge or segmentectomy. Lung failure was categorized as severe for PaO2< 50 mmHg or non severe for PaO2 >50 mmHg.RESULTSThe overall data were: mean age 71.5, hospitalization time 7.8 days, pack-year 34, body mass index (BMI) 25.4, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) assessment test (CAT) mean value was 16.5, forced expiratory one second volume (FEV1) at baseline 1.6 l corresponding to 73.6% of predicted.The mean age was 71.5, males/females rate 35/30The prevalent stage was IA and prevalent histotype was adenocarcinoma.Among the variables affecting lung failure development only the type of surgery along with presence of COPD showed a significant impact.Comparing the groups about the risk of severe lung failure development the treatment with lobectomy is associated with an increased risk compared with sub-lobar resection (p<0.0005). A CAT questionnaire > 10 was also associated with greater risk of lung failure with oxygen therapy need(p<0.04).The subgroups were comparable for age and pack-year , and for PaO2, FEV 1 and FVC at baseline. A significant difference was observed in terms of hospitalization time (p<0.03) that was longer in group of lobectomy and PaO2 15 days after surgery (p<0.03). The COPD percentage was higher in the group treated by lobectomy (p<0.01). The PaO2 level increased at 3 month check in patients treated with sub-lobar resection that was slightly increased compared with patients treated with lobar resection (p<0.04)post-surgery (p<0.04). The variations of the main functional parameters FEV1 and FVC in terms of a reduction the main functional parameters FEV1 and FVC were more evident in patients who underwent lobectomy compared with group treated with sub-lobar resection(p<0.001).CONCLUSIONSAll patients affected by lung cancer who undergo surgery report lung failure of different intensity depending on the type of surgery.COPD itself could influence the outcome, too. A greater negative variations of functional parameters after surgery is found in group who undergo lobectomy.
Road Traffic Noise, Noise Sensitivity, Noise Annoyance, Psychological and Physical Health and Mortality
Authors: Stansfeld Stephen , Clark Charlotte , Smuk Melanie , Gallacher John , Babisch Wolfgang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Both physical and psychological health outcomes have been associated with exposure to environmental noise. It is not known whether all individuals are equally susceptible to these effects. Noise sensitivity has chiefly been examined in studies of annoyance where it has been shown to moderate the annoyance responses to transport-related noise. Noise sensitivity could have the same moderating effect on physical and psychological health outcomes related to environmental noise exposure but this has been little tested. Noise sensitivity which is also associated with sensitivity to chemicals, light and odours could be an indicator of a more pervasive susceptibility to ill-health related to environmental sources. Methods: A cohort of 2398 men between 45 and 59 years, the longitudinal Caerphilly Collaborative Heart Disease study, was established in 1984/88 and followed into the mid-1990s. Road traffic noise maps were assessed at baseline. Baseline psychological ill-health measures were measured in phase 2 in 1984/88, at phase 3 follow up 1989/93 and phase 4 follow up in 1993/6.Ischaemic heart disease and risk factors were measured in clinic and by questionnaire at baseline and through hospital records and administrative records of deaths during follow up. This study aimed to test if noise sensitivity and noise annoyance have moderating effects on road traffic noise and psychological ill-health and secondly if noise sensitivity and noise annoyance predict physical and psychological ill-health and mortality, irrespective of exposure to road traffic noise. Results: Road traffic noise was associated with Phase 4 psychological ill-health but only among those exposed to 56-60dBA (OR= 1.98 95%CI 1.21, 3.24). High noise sensitivity was associated with lower mortality risk (HR=0.71, 95%CI 0.54-0.94). High noise sensitivity was associated longitudinally with psychological ill-health at phase 3 (OR=1.82 95%CI1.30, 2.56) and phase 4 (OR=1.78 95%CI 1.26, 2.52). There was weak evidence that noise sensitivity moderated the association of road traffic noise exposure with psychological ill-health. Noise annoyance predicted psychological ill-health at phase 4 in the sample in which baseline cases of psychological ill-health were included (OR= 2.08 95%CI 1.00, 4.31). Neither noise sensitivity nor noise annoyance moderated the effects of road traffic noise on ischaemic heart disease morbidity or mortality. Noise annoyance did not moderate the effects of road traffic noise on psychological ill-health.Conclusions: Noise sensitivity is a specific predictor of psychological ill-health and may be an indicator of current psychological ill-health as part of a wider construct of environmental susceptibility. It may increase the risk of psychological ill-health when exposed to road traffic noise.
Dendritic cell responses to&nbsp;Plasmodium falciparum&nbsp;in a malaria-endemic setting
Authors: Turner Triniti C. , Arama Charles , Ongoiba Aissata , Doumbo Safiatou , Doumtabé Didier , Kayentao Kassoum , Skinner Jeff , Li Shanping , Traore Boubacar , Crompton Peter D. , Götz Anton 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Plasmodium falciparum causes the majority of malaria cases world-wide, mostly affecting children in sub-Saharan Africa. Non-sterile clinical immunity that protects from symptoms develops slowly and is relatively short-lived. Moreover, current malaria vaccine candidates fail to induce durable high-level protection in endemic settings, possibly due to the immunomodulatory effects of the malaria parasite itself. Because dendritic cells play a crucial role in initiating immune responses, here we sought to better understand the impact of cumulative malaria exposure as well as concurrent P. falciparum infection on dendritic cell phenotype and function.Methods: In this cross-sectional study we assessed the phenotype and function of dendritic cells freshly isolated from peripheral blood samples of Malian adults with a lifelong history of malaria exposure who were either uninfected (n=27) or asymptomatically infected with P. falciparum (n=8). Additionally, we measured plasma cytokine and chemokine levels in these adults and in Malian children (n=19) with acute symptomatic malaria.Results: With the exception of lower plasmacytoid dendritic cell frequencies in asymptomatically infected Malian adults, peripheral blood dendritic cell subset frequencies and HLA-DR surface expression did not differ by infection status. Peripheral blood myeloid dendritic cells of uninfected Malian adults responded to in vitro stimulation with P. falciparum blood-stage parasites by up-regulating the costimulatory molecules HLA-DR, CD80, CD86 and CD40 and secreting IL-10, CXCL9 and CXCL10. In contrast, myeloid dendritic cells of asymptomatically infected Malian adults exhibited no significant responses above the uninfected red blood cell control. IL-10 and CXCL9 plasma levels were elevated in both asymptomatic adults and children with acute malaria.Conclusions: Our findings indicate that myeloid dendritic cells of uninfected adults with a lifelong history of malaria exposure are able to up-regulate co-stimulatory molecules and produce cytokines in a manner that is comparable to mDCs of malaria-naïve individuals. Whether mDCs of malaria-exposed individuals are efficient antigen-presenting cells capable of mounting an appropriate immune response remains to be determined. The data also highlights IL-10 and CXCL9 as important factors in both asymptomatic and acute malaria and add to our understanding of asymptomatic P. falciparum infections in malaria-endemic areas.
Population Genomics Of Plasmodium Falciparum And Malaria Control Implications In Abidjan (Cote D’ivoire)
Authors: Ehouni Désiré N'Da , Konaté Abibatou , Nyanjom Steven G , Ouattara Amed , Menan Hervé Eby I. , Yavo William 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The sudden onset of P. falciparum resistance to antimalarial drugs requires careful surveillance of African parasite population. Genomics tools are implemented to detect evolutionary changes that could impact on malaria control and elimination strategies. Here, we evaluated the genome-wide pattern of selection and sequence variation of P. falciparum populations from Côte d’Ivoire. Methods: The study was carried out in three localities of Abidjan from 2013 to 2014. We collected 70 blood samples following a written consent from patients above two years of age. After extracting P. falciparum DNA from isolates, we performed Whole Genome Sequencing and used population genomics approaches to investigate genetic diversity, complexity of infection and identify loci under positive directional selection. Results: We observed an excess of rare variants in the population showing a clear mutation process in the isolates. Moderate Fst estimates (0.3) was detected for surfin genes expressed at the surface of infected erythrocytes and released merozoites. Seven iHS regions that had at least two SNPs with a score > 3.2 were identified. These regions code for genes that have been under strong directional selection. Two of these genes were the chloroquine resistance transporter ( crt) on chromosome 7 and the dihydropteroate reductase (dhps) on chromosome 8 despite their official proscription for malaria treatment since 2007. There was also a recent selective sweep in the erythrocyte membrane protein ( Pfemp1) . Conclusion: Population genomics revealed selective drug pressure and balancing selection on protective immunity target genes, demonstrating his effectiveness to follow up adaptive evolution of parasite populations and adopt appropriate strategies to control malaria in Côte d’Ivoire. Keywords: Malaria, Population Genomics, Whole Genome Sequencing, Côte d’Ivoire, Plasmodium falciparum