bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of exosome-like vesicles derived from Cysticercus pisiformis and their immunoregulatory role on macrophages
Authors: Wang Li-Qun , Liu Ting-Li , Liang Pan-Hong , Zhang Shao-Hua , Li Tao-Shan , Li Yan-Ping , Liu Guang-Xue , Mao Li , Luo Xue-Nong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Taenia pisiformis is one of the most common intestinal parasites in canines, and leads to serious economic losses in the rabbit breeding industry. Exosome-like vesicles from parasites play crucial roles in host-parasite interactions by transferring cargo from parasites to host cells and by modulating host immunological response through inducing production of host-derived cytokines. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which exosome-like vesicles from Cysticercus pisiformis regulate macrophage immune response remains unknown. Methods: Using ultracentrifugation, we isolated exosome-like vesicles from excretory/secretory products (ESP) of C. pisiformis. The morphology and size of purified vesicles were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The components of proteins and miRNA within these vesicles were identified by proteomic analysis and high-throughput small RNA sequencing. The biological function of targets of exosomal miRNAs was predicted by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Moreover, the expression of Th1- and Th2-type immune response associated cytokines in RAW264.7 macrophages were evaluated by qRT-PCR and ELISA. We found that exosome-like vesicles were typical cup-shaped vesicles with diameters from 30 to 150 nm. A total of 87 proteins were identified by proteomic analysis, including proteins prominently associated with exosome-like vesicles biogenesis and vesicle trafficking. 41 known miRNAs and 18 novel miRNAs were identified in the exosome-like vesicles. 11 selected miRNAs, including 7 known miRNAs (miR-71-5p, miR-10a-5p, miR-let-7-5p, miR-745-3p, miR-219-5p, miR-124-3p, and miR-4989-3p) and 4 novel miRNAs (novel-mir-3, novel-mir-7, novel-mir-8, and novel-mir-11) were validated to exist in metacestiodes and exosome-like vesicles of C. pisiformis by qRT-PCR. The functions of most targets of exosomal miRNAs were mainly associated with signal transduction and the immune system. Additionally, C. pisiformis-derived vesicles induced the production of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13 and Arg-1, but downregulated the expression of IL-12, IFN-γ and iNOS in RAW264.7 macrophages.Conclusions: We demonstrated that proteins and miRNAs enclosed within exosome-like vesicles from C. pisiformis have immunomodulatory functions. Furthermore, exosome-like vesicles were shown to induce the macrophage Th2-type immune response in vitro. Our study suggests that exosome-like vesicles play an important role in the interaction between cysticerci and their hosts.
Short-term Outcomes of Modified Y-Graft Technique in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Using the Femoral Artery Bypass and One Minute Systemic Circulatory Arrest Technique
Authors: Sun Xiangfei , Zhao Qi , Huo Yufeng , Zhou Jinfeng , Zhao Fen , Liu Yimin , Du Yonghai , He Songxiong , Liu Chao , Jiang Detian , Sun Wenyu 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective: Aortic arch replacement in acute type A aortic dissection patients remains the most challenging cardiovascular operation. Herein, we described our modified Y-graft technique using the Femoral Artery Bypass (FAB) and the One Minute Systemic Circulatory Arrest (OSCA) technique, and assessed the short-term outcomes of the patients.Methods: Between February 2015 and November 2017, 51 patients with acute type A aortic dissection underwent aortic arch replacement. Among them, 23 patients underwent FAB while 28 patients underwent both FAB and OSCA. The intraoperative data and postoperative follow-up data were recorded. The follow-up data of patients with traditional Y-graft technique were collected from previously reported studies.Results: In the FAB group, two patients died due to pulmonary infection (30-day survival rate, 91.3%), and two patients were paralyzed from the waist down. Hemodialysis was performed for five patients (21.7%) before hospital discharge. Fifteen patients (65.2%) received respiratory support for more than 2-days and eight patients (34.8%) for more than 5-days. These follow-up results were comparable or better than the patients with traditional Y-graft technique. Furthermore, compared to the FAB group, the morbidity due to neurological dysfunction and acute renal failure was significantly reduced in the FAB+OSCA group. Moreover, the respiratory support, length of postoperative stay and ICU stay were shortened.Conclusions: This study clarified the feasibility of FAB and OSCA technique in modifying Y-graft technique. The acute type A aortic dissection patients showed less surgical complications and favorable short-term outcomes after this surgery.
Dose-response association of sleep quality with anxiety symptoms in Chinese rural population: the Henan Rural Cohort
Authors: Shen Jiali , Zhang Haiqing , Wang Yan , Abdulai Tanko , Niu Miaomiao , Luo Zhicheng , Wang Yikang , Li Ruiying , Wang Fang , Wang Chongjian , Zhenxing Mao 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objectives The epidemiological evidence on the effect of sleep quality on anxiety symptoms has been inconclusive. This study aimed at exploring the relationship between sleep quality and anxiety symptoms in rural China and investigated whether age, lifestyle and chronic diseases modified the association. Methods A total of 27,911 participants aged 18–79 years from the Henan Rural Cohort Study were included in the study. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Poor sleep quality was defined as PSQI ≥6. Anxiety symptoms were evaluated with the two-item generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD-2). A score ≥6 was view as having anxiety symptoms. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline was conducted to examine the association of sleep quality with anxiety symptoms. Results Altogether, 6,087(21.80%) were poor sleepers and 1,557(5.58%) had anxiety symptoms. The odds of anxiety were increased with increment of PSQI score after fitting restricted cubic splines. And the poor sleep qualitywas associated with a higher possibility of anxiety symptoms (4.60, 3.70-5.72) in men, and (3.56, 3.10-4.09) in women on multivariable analysis. Further stratified analyses showed that the effect of sleep quality and anxiety symptoms could be modified by age, marital status, smoking status, drinking status, hypertension andtype 2 diabetes mellitus. Conclusions A dose-response association between PSQI score and anxiety symptoms was found. In addition, relationship between poor sleep quality and anxiety symptoms was observed in this rural population, especially in participants aged ≥60 years and those with unhealthy habits or had a chronic disease.
A mixed methods approach to exploring the moderating factors of implementation fidelity of the integrated chronic disease management model in South Africa
Authors: Lebina Limakatso , Oni Tolu , Alaba Olufunke A. , Kawonga Mary 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Chronic care models like the Integrated Chronic Disease Management (ICDM) model strive to improve the efficiency and quality of care for patients with chronic diseases. However, there is a dearth of studies assessing the moderating factors of fidelity during the implementation of the ICDM model. The aim of this study is to assess moderating factors of implementation fidelity of the ICDM model. Methods: This was a cross-sectional mixed method study conducted in two health districts in South Africa. The process evaluation and implementation fidelity frameworks were used to guide the assessment of moderating factors influencing implementation fidelity of the ICDM model. We interviewed 30 purposively selected healthcare workers from four facilities (15 from each of the two facilities with lower and higher levels of implementation fidelity of the ICDM model). Data on facility characteristics were collected by observation and interviews. Linear regression and descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data while qualitative data were analysed thematically.Results: The median age of participants was 36.5 (IQR: 30.8-45.5), and they had been in their roles for a median of 4.0 (IQR: 1.0 – 7.3) years. The moderating factors of implementation fidelity of the ICDM model were the existence of facilitation strategies (training and clinical mentorship); intervention complexity (healthcare worker, time and space integration); and participant responsiveness (observing operational efficiencies, compliance of patients and staff attitudes). One feature of the ICDM model that seemingly compromised fidelity was the inclusion of tuberculosis patients in the same stream (waiting areas, consultation rooms) as other patients with non-communicable diseases and those with HIV/AIDS with no clear infection control guidelines. Participants also suggested that poor adherence to any one component of the ICDM model affected the implementation of the other components. Contextual factors that affected fidelity included supply chain management, infrastructure and adequate staff, and balanced patient caseloads.Conclusion: There are multiple (context, participant responsiveness, intervention complexity and facilitation strategies) interrelated moderating factors influencing implementation fidelity of the ICDM model. Augmenting facilitation strategies (training and clinical mentorship) could further improve the degree of fidelity during the implementation of the ICDM model.
Compositional and functional characterisation of biomass-degrading microbial communities in guts of plant fibre- and soil-feeding higher termites
Authors: Marynowska Martyna , Goux Xavier , Sillam-Dusses David , Rouland-Lefevre Corinne , Halder Rashi , Wilmes Paul , Gawron Piotr , Roisin Yves , Delfosse Philippe , Calusinska Magdalena 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Termites are among the most successful insect lineages on the globe and are responsible for providing numerous ecosystem services. They mainly feed on wood and other plant material at different stages of humification. Lignocellulose is often a principal component of such plant diet and termites largely rely on their symbiotic microbiota and associated enzymes to decompose their food efficiently. While lower termites and their gut flagellates were given larger scientific attention in the past, the gut lignocellulolytic bacteria of higher termites remain less explored. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the structure and function of gut prokaryotic microbiomes from 11 higher termite genera representative of Syntermitinae, Apicotermitinae, Termitidae and Nasutitermitinae subfamilies, broadly grouped into plant fibre- and soil-feeding termite categories. Results: Despite the different compositional structures of the studied termite gut microbiomes, reflecting well the diet and host lineage, we observed a surprisingly high functional congruency between gut metatranscriptomes from both feeding groups. The abundance of transcripts encoding for carbohydrate active enzymes as well as expression and diversity profiles of assigned glycoside hydrolase families were also similar between plant fibre- and soil-feeding termites. Yet, dietary imprints highlighted subtle metabolic differences specific to each feeding category. Roughly 0.18 % of de novo re-constructed gene transcripts were shared between the different termite gut microbiomes, making each termite gut a unique reservoir of genes encoding for potentially industrially applicable enzymes, e.g. relevant to biomass degradation. Taken together, we demonstrated the functional equivalence in microbial populations across different termite hosts.Conclusions: Our results provide valuable insight into the bacterial component of the termite gut system and significantly expand the inventory of termite prokaryotic genes participating in the deconstruction of plant biomass.
Chitosan-capped enzyme-responsive hollow mesoporous silica nanoplatforms for colon-specific drug delivery
Authors: Cai Defu , Han Cuiyan , Liu Chang , Ma Xiaoxing , Qian Jiayi , Zhou Jianwen , Li Yue , Sun Yiming , Zhang Changting , zhu wenquan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
An enzyme-responsive colon-specific delivery system was developed based on hollow mesoporous silica spheres (HMSS) to which biodegradable chitosan (CS) was attached via cleavable azo bonds (HMSS-N=N-CS). Doxorubicin (DOX) was encapsulated in a noncrystalline state in the hollow cavity and mesopores of HMSS with the high loading amount of 35.2%. In vitro drug release proved that HMSS-N=N-CS/DOX performed enzyme-responsive drug release. The grafted CS could increase the biocompatibility and stability, and reduce the protein adsorption on HMSS. Gastrointestinal mucosa irritation and cell cytotoxicity results indicated the good biocompatibility of HMSS and HMSS-N=N-CS. Cellular uptake results indicated that the uptake of DOX was obviously increased after HMSS-N=N-CS/DOX was preincubated with a colonic enzyme mixture. HMSS-N=N-CS/DOX incubated with colon enzymes showed increased cytotoxicity, and its IC50 value was three times lower than that of HMSS-N=N-CS/DOX group without colon enzymes. The present work lays the foundation for subsequent research on mesoporous carriers for oral colon-specific drug delivery.
Generation and validation of a highly sensitive bioluminescent HIV-1 reporter vector that simplifies measurement of virus release
Authors: Kirui James , Freed Eric 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background The continued persistence of HIV-1 as a public health concern due to the lack of a cure calls for the development of new tools for studying replication of the virus. Here, we used NanoLuc, a small and extremely bright luciferase protein, to develop an HIV-1 bioluminescent reporter virus that simplifies functional measurement of virus particle production. Results The reporter virus encodes a Gag protein containing NanoLuc inserted between the matrix (MA) and capsid (CA) domains of Gag, thereby generating virus particles that package high levels of the NanoLuc reporter. We observe that inserting the NanoLuc protein within HIV-1 Gag has minimal impact on Gag expression and virus particle release. We show that the reporter virus recapitulates inhibition of HIV-1 particle release by Gag mutations, the restriction factor tetherin, and the small-molecule inhibitor amphotericin-B methyl ester. Conclusion These results demonstrate that this vector will provide a simple and rapid tool for functional studies of virus particle assembly and release and high-throughput screening for cellular factors and small-molecules that promote or inhibit HIV-1 particle production.
Novel multiplex real-time PCR assays reveal a high prevalence of diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli pathotypes in healthy and diarrhoeal children in the South of Vietnam
Authors: Duong Vu Thuy , Tu Le Thi Phuong , Tuyen Ha Thanh , Nhi Le Thi Quynh , Campbell James I , Minh Pham Van , Phuc Hoang Le , Chau Tran Thi Hong , Ngoc Nguyem Minh , Vi Lu Lan , Jenkins Claire , Okeke Iruka , Higginson Ellen , Baker Stephen 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) infections are common in children in low-middle income countries (LMICs). However, detecting the various DEC pathotypes is complex as they cannot be differentiated by classical microbiology. We developed four multiplex real-time PCR assays were to detect virulence markers of six DEC pathotypes; specificity was tested using DEC controls and other enteric pathogens. PCR amplicons from the six E. coli pathotypes were purified and amplified to be used to optimize PCR reactions and to calculate reproducibility. After validation, these assays were applied to clinical samples from healthy and diarrhoeal Vietnamese children and associated with clinical data. Results: The multiplex real-time PCRs were found to be reproducible, and specific. At least one DEC variant was detected in 34.7% (978/2,815) of the faecal samples from diarrhoeal children; EAEC, EIEC and atypical EPEC were most frequent Notably, 41.2% (205/498) of samples from non-diarrhoeal children was positive with a DEC pathotype. In this population, only EIEC, which was detected in 34.3% (99/289) of diarrhoeal samples vs. 0.8% (4/498) non-diarrhoeal samples (p<0.001), was significantly associated with diarrhoea. Multiplex real-time PCR when applied to clinical samples is an efficient and high-throughput approach to DEC pathotypes. Conclusions: This approach revealed high carriage rates of DEC pathotypes among Vietnamese children. We describe a novel diagnostic approach for DEC, which provides baseline data for future surveillance studies assessing DEC burden in LMICs.
The Characteristics of Laboratory Tests at Admission and the Risk Factors for Adverse Clinical Outcomes of Severe and Critical COVID-19
Authors: Wang Liulin , Cheng Xiaobin , Dong Qiufen , Zhou Chenliang , Wang Yeming , Song Bin , Li Weinan , Wang Min , Qin Rui , Long Qi , Liu Juan , Li Jing , Li Dan , Li Gang , Ba Yuanming 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background COVID-19 is a worldwide pandemic. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the risk of death from severe and critical COVID-19. Method A retrospective study of patients diagnosed with severe and critical COVID-19 from four hospitals , describing the clinical characteristics and laboratory results, and using Cox survival analysis to study the risk factors was conducted. Results Four hundred and forty-six patients with COVID-19 showed a high mortality rate (20.2%). All patients required oxygen therapy, and 52(12%) patients required invasive mechanical ventilation, of which 50(96%) patients died. The univariate Cox proportional hazard model showed a white blood cell count of more than 10 × 10⁹/L （HR4.3, 95% CI 2.8 to6.9）,which is a risk factor .The multivariate Cox proportional hazard model demonstrated that advanced age (HR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.1) and high white blood cell count on admission (HR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.2) were independent risk factors for patient death. Conclusions COVID-19 is a new disease entity that carries significant risk of morbidity and mortality.Advanced age and high white blood cell count were found to be independent risk factors for patient death.
Phylogenetic analysis of Anguilla marmorata population in Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam based on the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene fragments
Authors: Linh Nguyen Quang , Huyen Kieu Thi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The giant mottled eel is a species with high commercial value so overfishing, river management, and water pollution have negatively affected its movement and population numbers. Anguilla marmorata (eel) was listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book 2007 with a description of Vulnerability. This study used a barcode technique to analyze molecular characteristics and build genetic plants based on the cytochrome c oxidase I gene segment isolated from the mitochondrial genome of 48 individuals of A. marmorata collected in five different ecological regions of Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam. The isolated the cytochrome c oxidase I sequence has a length of 843 nucleotides, four base nucleotides of 30.03% Thymine, 25.15% Cytosine, 27.49% Adenine, and 17.43% Guanine. The percentage of Guanine + Cytosine content (42.58%) is acceptable, lower than the Adenine + Thymine content. The replacement capacity of Adenine and Guanine is 22.45% highest, the ratio between Thymine and Guanine; Cytosine and Guanine are the lowest at 2.72%. The establishment of genetically modified plants has shown the high genetic similarity of individuals in eel populations in Thua Thien Hue. The population of Anguilla marmorata eels in Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam is divided into two separate groups that are guided by the migration process and specific ecological. This is particularly important in building strategies to conserve and develop the gene for eel in Vietnam and Thua Thien Hue.
ROCK2 promotes osteosarcoma growth and glycolysis by up-regulating HKII via phospho- PI3K/AKT signalling
Authors: Deng Xue qaing , Deng Jianyong , Yi Xuan , Zou Yeqing , Hao Liang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant bone tumour that exhibits a high mortality. While tumours thrive in a state of malnutrition, the mechanism by which OS cells adapt to metabolic stress through metabolic reprogramming remains unclear.
Methods
We analysed the expression of ROCK2 in osteosarcoma patients by RT-qPCR and Western blot. Cell proliferation, and colony formation were analysed using CCK8, EdU assays and colony formation assays. The level of Cell glycolysis was detected by glucose-6 phosphate, glucose consumption, lactate production and ATP levels.
Results
Herein, our study showed that ROCK2 expression in OS was higher than in adjacent tissues. Functional assays have demonstrated that ROCK2 contributes to the growth of OS cells by inducing aerobic glycolysis. The current study revealed that ROCK2 knockdown decreased the levels of mitochondrial hexokinase II (HKII). And also indicated that ROCK2 served as a key enzyme in glycolysis and that it served an important role in tumour growth and metastasis. A significant positive correlation was identified between the mRNA and protein expressions of ROCK2 and HKII, further demonstrating that ROCK2-induced glycolysis and proliferation was dependent on HKII in OS cells. Mechanistically, ROCK2 promotes HKII expression by activating the phospho-PI3K/AKT signalling pathway.
Conclusions
Taken together, the results of the current study linked the two drivers of OS growth and aerobic glycolysis, and identified a new mechanism of ROCK2 control in OS.
New glucose metrics do not associate with carotid artery wall thickness and endothelial function in type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Cutruzzolà Antonio , Irace Concetta , Parise Martina , Fiorentino Raffaella , Barone Milena , Gnasso Agostino 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Patients with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) have increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease and can be detected non-invasively in the pre-clinical stage by measuring intima-media thickness (IMT) and flow mediated dilation (FMD). Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) does not associate with IMT and FMD. We have designed the present study to evaluate whether time spent in the target range, below the target range, and glycemic variability associate with common carotid artery IMT and FMD in T1D.
Methods

78 T1D patients and 35 healthy control subjects were enrolled and underwent measurement of IMT and evaluation of FMD after ischemia and during 6 min of hand-grip exercise.
Results

Mean age of participants was 34 ± 13 years; mean disease duration and HbA1c were 17 ± 9 years, and 7.7 ± 0.9% (61 mmol/mol). IMT was significantly higher in T1D compared with controls (643 ± 196 vs. 536 ± 111 µ; p < 0.001) and FMD after ischemia significantly lower (7.5 ± 4.1 vs. 10.1 ± 1.9%; p < 0.0001). FMD evaluated during exercise every min up to 6 min was also significantly lower in T1D (p < 0.0001). No significant relationship between IMT, FMD, and glucose metrics was found.
Conclusions

The present findings confirm that young adult patients with T1D have clinically relevant early vascular abnormalities. The absence of relationships with the glucose metric underlines the complexity of the interplay between atherosclerosis and diabetes. It stimulates the search for new parameters or new cut-offs better associated with the initial stages of the disease.