bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential gene expression in skin RNA of horses affected with degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis
Authors: Haythorn Abigail , Young Madeline , Stanton James , Zhang Jian , Mueller P.O.E. , Halper Jaroslava 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Equine Degenerative Suspensory Desmitis (DSLD) is a systemic connective tissue disorder first identified in Peruvian Paso horses, but afflicting other horse breeds as well. Inappropriate accumulation of proteoglycans in connective tissues, most prominently in tendons and ligaments leads to lameness and pain. It is largely unknown what drives the overproduction of proteoglycans, but our previous data suggest involvement of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) family, impacting synthesis of proteoglycans. To identify potential players in pathogenesis of DSLD a new approach utilizing next generation sequencing was undertaken.
Methods
Next generation sequencing was performed using RNA extracted from skin biopsies of six control Peruvian Pasos and six horses with DSLD (4 Peruvian Pasos and 2 Warmbloods). The CuffDiff result sets were validated with algorithms used to run them. This was based on the determined False Discovery Rates derived from the P-values adjusted for multiple testing for any given result.
Results
Bioinformatics analysis of transcriptomes revealed differential expression of over 1500 genes, including increased expression of genes for several growth factors (BMP2, FGF5, CTGF, members of the EGF family), of mediators of signaling (Fos, Myc, MAPK system), and keratins. Two genes encoding for enzymes involved in synthesis of hyaluronan were overexpressed. Gene expression was decreased for protein cores of many proteoglycans, several growth factors, most collagens and many peptides with immune function.
Conclusions
The overexpression of BMP2 correlates well with our previous data. However, the decrease in expression of numerous proteoglycans was unexpected. A mutation in a gene of a less characterized proteoglycan and/or glycosyltransferase with subsequent increased production of hyaluronan and/or a proteoglycan(s) undetected in our study could account for the systemic proteoglycan deposition. Decreased collagen gene expression indicates abnormal connective tissue metabolism. The increased expression of keratin genes and FGF5 supports reports of skin abnormalities in DSLD. Underexpression of immune function genes corresponds with lack of inflammation in DSLD tissues. Finally, though the proteoglycan and/or glycosaminoglycan abundant in DSLD has not been identified, we validated our previous data, including overexpression of BMP2, and systemic nature of DSLD due to disturbed metabolism of the extracellular matrix.
Medical status of patients presenting for treatment at an Australian dental institute: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Frydrych Agnieszka Monika , Parsons Richard , Kujan Omar 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Individuals seeking dental treatment often present with medical conditions which may affect dental treatment provision. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of medical conditions and medication use among individuals attending dental clinics at a Western Australian tertiary institution.Methods: This observational study examined the general demographics, medical and social histories of 873 subjects presenting for a general dental examination at a Western Australian Tertiary Institution between March 2018 and February 2019. Individual recruited were those presenting to the clinics either as new patients to the Centre or returning patients after an extended period of absence.Results: Presence of a medical condition was reported by 86% of the participants, with males more commonly affected (p=0.0448). Medication use was noted by 80% of the participants. Cardiovascular disease (37.9%), allergy (32.3%), mental health disorders (29.4%), musculoskeletal (23.0%), endocrine (22.4%) and respiratory disease (17.8%) were the most common conditions identified. Women were significantly more likely to report allergy (p=0.0002) or a mental health condition (p=0.0368). Conclusions: Medical comorbidities are common among individuals presenting for student dental treatment in Western Australia, highlighting the importance of knowledge and teaching of internal medicine and its application to the dental setting.
Lactobacillus Fermentum CQPC07 Attenuates Obesity, Inflammation and Dyslipidemia by Modulating the Antioxidant Capacity and Lipid Metabolism in High-fat-diet-induced Obese Mice
Authors: Wu Ya , Tan Fang , Zhou Xianrong , Mu Jianfei , Zhao Xin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Backgroud:
Obesity is an epidemic disease in the world, the treatment and prevention of obesity methods have gained great attention. Lactobacillus is the main member of probiotics, and the physiological activity of it is specific to different strains. This study systematically explored the anti-obesity effect and possible mechanism of Lactobacillus fermentum CQPC07 (LF-CQPC07), which was isolated from pickled vegetables.
Results
LF-CQPC07 effectively controlled the weight gain of mice caused by a high-fat diet. The results of pathological sections indicated that LF-CQPC07 alleviated hepatocyte damage and fat accumulation in adipocytes. The detection of biochemical indictors revealed that LF-CQPC07 decreased the levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG), and increased the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Additionally, LF-CQPC07 caused the decrease in the amounts of inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and increased the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-4. LF-CQPC07 also decreased the amounts of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Confirmed by qPCR, LF-CQPC07 enhanced the mRNA expression of catalase (CAT), gamma glutamylcysteine synthetase 1 (GSH1), copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1), manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). It also increased the mRNA expression levels of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and cholesterol 7 alpha hydroxylase (CYP7A1), and decreased that of PPAR-γ and CCAAT/enhances binding protein alpha (C/EBP-α) in the liver of mice.
Conclusion
this research confirmed that LF-CQPC07 is capable of ameliorating obesity, improving hyperlipemia, and alleviating chronic low-grade inflammation and liver injury accompanied with obesity. Its mechanism may be the regulation of antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism. Therefore, LF-CQPC07 has enormous potential to serve as a potential probiotic for the prevention or treatment of obesity.
Effects of fecal microbiota transplantation on serum uric acid levels, symptoms and intestinal barrier function in patients with acute and recurrent gout: a pilot study
Authors: Xie Wenrui , Yang Xiaoya , Deng Zhihe , Zheng Yamei , Zhang Ran , Wu Lihao , Cai Jieyi , Xia Harry Huaxiang , He Xingxiang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Gut dysbiosis has been reported to be closely associated with gout. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been considered as an effective way to restore the balance of gut microbiota. We aimed to evaluate the effects of FMT on serum uric acid levels, gout symptoms and the intestinal barrier function in patients with acute and recurrent gout. Methods: We performed a pilot study of FMT for acute and recurrent gout. The primary outcome was the changes in serum uric acid level on day 28 post-FMT and in gout symptoms by one year. The secondary outcomes included the changes in levels of urine uric acid, diamine oxidase (DAO), D-lactic acid and endotoxin on day 28 post-FMT. The levels of DAO, D-lactic acid and endotoxin were assessed by enzyme assay. Results: Eleven patients received FMT treatment. All the patients had a reduction in serum uric acid levels after FMT treatment ( P < 0.05), accompanied with a decrease in the frequency and duration time of acute gout flares. The levels of DAO, D-lactic acid and endotoxin, reflecting the intestinal barrier function, were higher in patients with gout than in healthy donors ( P < 0.05). After FMT treatment, the levels of DAO and endotoxin decreased ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that FMT is effective for reducing serum uric acid levels and improving gout symptoms in patients with gout; FMT contributes to improve the impaired intestinal barrier function of the patients.
Eye Gaze Differences in School Scenes Between Preschool Children and Adolescents With High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder and Those With Typical Development
Authors: Ishizaki Yuko , Higuchi Takahiro , Yanagimoto Yoshitoki , Kobayashi Hodaka , Noritake Atsushi , Nakamura Kae , Kaneko Kazunari 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) sometimes find it difficult to adapt to the daily life in a nursery or at school. For a better understanding on the difficulties that preschool children and adolescents with ASD face in their daily lives, this study aimed to identify the differences in eye gaze behavior in the classroom environment between children with ASD and those with typical development (TD). A total of 30 children with ASD and 49 children with TD were included. We presented images of a human face and a classroom setting and used eye tracking with an iView X system in evaluating and comparing how long the two groups gazed at specific regions of the visual stimuli. Compared to children with TD, children with ASD spent less time gazing at the eyes of the human face and the object pointed by the teacher in the school classroom scene. Preschool children with no classroom experience and adolescents with TD spent the same amount of time looking at the eyes and the object pointed by the teacher in the school classroom scene. Children with ASD did not look at the eyes in the facial image or the object pointed at in the classroom image, which might indicate their inability to analyze situations, understand instruction in a classroom, or act appropriately in a group. An educational program that focuses on joint attention in a classroom is desirable for the improvement of school life for children with ASD.
Association of STAT3 Gene Polymorphism With Noise-induced Hearing Loss(NIHL) in the Chinese Population
Authors: Gao Dengfeng , Wang Boshen , Sun Dawei , Wang Ning , Guo Jiadi , Zhang Suhao , Zhu baoli 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objectives

NIHL is a disease with irreversible damage caused by multi-factor interaction, and the STAT3 is an essential protein with signal transduction and transcription functions. This study is aimed to explore the effect of STAT3 polymorphism on individual susceptibility to NIHL individuals, and to further examine the interaction between lifestyles and NIHL in the dominant model .
Methods

This study was designed a case-control study and included 609 NIHL cases and 611 healthy hearing controls from the Jiangsu province of China. By collecting the lifestyle and demographic information of the study participants, genotyping the collected blood samples, and performing Real-time Quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) to analyze and investigate the potential association between STAT3 SNPs and NIHL.
Results

Statistical analysis results show that individuals carrying the C allele of rs1053023 and rs1053005 were more likely to develop NIHL than individuals carrying the T allele (OR = 1.367, 95% CI = 1.148–1.628, P = 0.0001 and OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.147–1.636, P = 0.001). In the dominant model (TC/CC genotype and TT genotype), stratified analysis of lifestyle, we found that people who smoke regularly are more likely to suffer from NIHL than non-smokers or occasional smokers. Besides, the expression of STAT3 was higher in NIHL cases by real-time quantitative PCR.
Conclusion

Gene polymorphisms, rs1053023 and rs1053005, from STAT3, are associated with NIHL and C alleles of rs1053023 and rs1053005 within STAT3 may become biomarkers for workers exposed to noise.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Exposure Analysis of Daily PM2.5 Using a Remote Sensing-based Machine Learning Model and Multi-time Meteorological Parameters
Authors: Chen Binjie , Lin Yi , Deng Jinsong , Li Zheyu , Dong Li , Huang Yibo , Wang Ke , Yang Wu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Identifying spatiotemporal characteristics of daily fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations is essential for assessing air quality. Exposure analysis can help understand the environmental health impact on human beings and provide basic information for appropriate decision making. This study aimed to estimate daily PM2.5 concentrations and analyze the resident exposure level in the economically developed Yangtze River Delta (YRD) from 2016–2018.
Methods
An integrated method incorporating satellite-based aerosol optical depth (AOD), machine learning models and multi-time meteorological parameters were developed. Ten-fold cross validation (CV) was implemented to evaluate the model performance.
Results
Compared to the models with daily means of meteorological fields, the models with multi-time meteorological parameters had higher CV R2 and lower CV root mean square error (RMSE) values. The model with the best performance achieved sample- (site-) based CV R2 values of 0.88 (0.88) and RMSE values of 10.33 (10.35) µg/m3. The YRD region is seriously polluted (exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) Interim Targets (IT)-1 standard of 35 µg/m3) during our study period, especially in Jiangsu Province, but with an improving trend. The residents in Zhejiang Province suffered the least from exposure, with 39 days (4% of the total days) characterized as over polluted (daily average > 75 µg/m3) in our study period. Air pollution in Shanghai Municipality mitigated the most from 2016 to 2018.
Conclusions
With the advantages of high-accuracy and high-resolution (daily and 0.01°×0.01° resolutions), the proposed method can help explore the effect of air pollution to human health spatiotemporally and guide for environmental policy planning.
The Double-edged Sword Effect of Macrophage Targeting Delivery System in Different Macrophage Subsets Related Diseases
Authors: Yuan Yuchuan , Long Ling , Lin Yongyao , Peng Cuiping , Tang Yue , Zhou Xuemei , Li Shuhui , Zhang Chengyuan , Li Xiaohui , Zhou Xing 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Monocyte/macrophage targeting drug delivery system (MTDS) has been highly focused as an emerging routine for delivering drugs to various macrophage related diseases. However, the distinguishing ability towards different macrophage related diseases of these systems and the impact of them on macrophage function and disease progression have not been systematically revealed, which is significantly important for active targeting therapeutic or diagnostic strategies. Herein, taking dextran modified polystyrene nanoparticles (DEX-PS) as example, we demonstrate that modification by dextran can specifically enhance the recognition of nanoparticles (NPs) by M2 macrophages in vitro, however, which is obstructed by monocytes in peripheral blood proved by in vivo assays. DEX-PS is not only targeted distributed in tumor, a M2 macrophage related disease, but also highly distributed in M1 macrophages related disease, acute peritonitis. Additionally, DEX-PS play a double-edged role in these two different diseases by reeducating macrophages to pro-inflammatory phenotype. These results suggest that MTDS, even those designed based on the different expression of receptor on different macrophages subtypes, lacks distinguishing ability for different macrophage subsets related diseases in vivo. In addition to the potential impact of these carrier materials on the function of macrophages, in the study of MTDS, great attention should be paid to the distribution of nanoparticles in non-target diseases and the impact on its disease process.
A Risk Score Model Associated with Tumor Microenvironment Predicts Disease-Free Survival After Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Zhao Hao , Zhang Xuening , Shi Zhan , Shi Songhe 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune checkpoint inhibitors has been shown to promote active immune responses through different mechanisms. We aimed to identify the important prognostic genes and prognostic characteristics related to TME in prostate cancer (PCa).Methods The gene transcriptome profiles and clinical information of PCa patients were obtained from the TCGA database, and the immune, stromal and estimate scores were calculated by the ESTIMATE algorithm. We evaluated the prognostic value of risk score (RS) model based on univariate Cox and LASSO Cox regression models analysis, and established a nomogram to predict disease-free survival (DFS) in PCa patients. The GSE70768 data set was used for external validation. Finally, 22 subsets of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (Tiics) were analyzed using the Cibersort algorithm.Results In this study, the patients with higher immune, stromal, and estimate scores were associated with poorer DFS, higher Gleason score, and higher AJCC T stage. Based on the immune and stromal scores, the Venny diagram screened out 515 cross DEGs. The univariate COX and Lasso Cox regression models were used to select 18 DEGs from 515 DEGs, and constructed a RS model. The DFS of the high-RS group was significantly lower than that of the low-RS group (P<0.001). The AUC of 1-year, 3-year and 5-year DFS rates in RS model were 0.778, 0.754 and 0.750, respectively. In addition, the RS model constructed from 18 genes was found to be more sensitive than Gleason score (1, 3, 5 year AUC= 0.704, 0.677 and 0.682). The nomograms of DFS were established based on RS and Gleason scores. The AUC of the nomograms in the first, third, and fifth years were 0.802, 0.808, and 0.796, respectively. These results have been further validated in GEO. In addition, the proportion of Tregs was higher in high-RS patients (P<0.05), and the expression of five immune checkpoints (CTLA-4, PD-1, LAG-3, TIM-3 and TIGIT) was higher in high-RS patients (P<0.05).Conclusion We identified 18 TME-related genes from the TCGA database, which were significantly related to DFS in PCa patients.
LAG-3 and PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors Might Become a Promising Treatment for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Xu Yi , Zhang Liping , Wu Shengyu , Zhang Wei , Liu Yu , Chen Bin , Zhao Sha , Li Wei , Sun Chenglong , Wang Hao , Chen Peixin , Wu Chunyan , He Yayi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Immune therapy has achieved notable success in cancer treatment. A novel immunocheckpoint, Lymphocyte activing gene-3 (LAG-3), has shown promising therapeutic efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, literature about LAG-3 in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is scarce. We statistically analyzed the correlation of LAG-3 expression with programmed death 1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-1), its survival predictive significance, and the possibility of becoming a treatment alternative of SCLC.Methods In this study, we included 102 patients diagnosed with SCLC. The expression of protein was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. We performed correlation analysis and survival analysis with SPSS software (version 17.0; SPSS, Inc.; Chicago, IL)Results In SCLC, none tumor cell expressed LAG-3. The expression of LAG-3 was remarkably associated to PD-1 and PD-L1 expression on TILs (p=0.006, p=0.001). LAG-3 was the only prediction for TILs PD-L1 expression (ORs=0.161, 95% CI: 0.063-0.412, p<0.01). Although LAG-3-positive patients had relatively longer RFS, LAG-3 expression had no statistically significant differences in predicting prognosis (p=0.088). Conclusions We found a significant correlation of LAG-3, PD-1, PD-L1 expression. LAG-3 is an important immune checkpoint closely linked to PD-1/PD-L1 and might be a promising novel alternative of immune therapy for SCLC.
Identification of Prognostic Biomarkers and Correlation with Immune Infiltrates in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on a Competing Endogenous RNA Network
Authors: Pu Zhangya , Zhu Yuanyuan , Wang Xiaofang , Zhong Yun , Peng Fang , Zhang Yiya 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. Recently, competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) have revealed a significant role in the progression of HCC. Herein, we aimed to construct a ceRNA network to identify potential biomarkers and illustrate its correlation with immune infiltration in HCC. Methods: RNA sequencing data and clinical traits of HCC patients were downloaded from TCGA. The limma R package was used to identify differentially expressed (DE) RNAs. The predicted prognostic model was established using univariate and multivariate Cox regression. A K-M curve and GEPIA website were utilized for survival analysis. Functional annotation was determined using Enrichr and Reactome. Protein-to-protein network analysis was implemented using SRTNG and Cytoscape. Hub gene expression was validated by Oncomine and the Hunan Protein Atlas database. Immune infiltration was analyzed by TIMMER, and Drugbank was exploited to identify bioactive compounds. Results: The predicted model that was established revealed significant efficacy with 3- and 5-years of the area under ROC at 0.804 and 0.744, respectively. Eleven DEmiRNAs were screened out by a K-M survival analysis. Then, we constructed a ceRNA network, including 56 DElncRNAs, 6 DEmiRNAs, and 28 DEmRNAs. The 28 DEmRNAs were enriched in cancer-related pathways, for example, the TNF signaling pathway. Moreover, six hub genes, CEP55, DEPDC1, KIF23, CLSPN, MYBL2, and RACGAP1, were all overexpressed in HCC tissues and independently correlated with survival rate. Furthermore, expression of hub genes was related to immune cell infiltration in HCC, including B cells, CD8 + T cells, CD4 + T cells, monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. Conclusions: The findings from this study demonstrate that CEP55, DEPDC1, KIF23, CLSPN, MYBL2, and RACGAP1 are closely associated with prognosis and immune infiltration, representing potential therapeutic targets or prognostic biomarkers in HCC.
Single Arm Prospective Multicenter Case Series on the Use of Burst Stimulation to Improve Pain and Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Chakravarthy Krishnan V. , Chaturvedi Rahul , Agari Takashi , Iwamuro Hirokazu , Reddy Rajiv , Matsui Ayano 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: In this study we analyze new clinical data in the use of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for the treatment of pain and motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), as both a singular bioelectric therapy and as a salvage therapy after deep brain stimulation (DBS).Methods: 15 patients were recruited and had percutaneous electrodes implanted at the level of the thoracic or cervical spine. Participants were set to one of three stimulation modes: continuous tonic stimulation, continuous Burst DR stimulation (40Hz, 500Hz, 1000μs), or cycle mode (on time of 10-15 sec, off time of 15-30 sec) with Burst DR (40Hz, 500Hz, 1000μs). Patients completed the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Profile of Mood State, 10-meter walking test, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG).Results: All patients experienced significant improvement in VAS scores. 73% of patients experienced improvement in the 10-meter walk, with a mean improvement of 12%. 82% of patients experienced improvements in the TUG, with a mean improvement of 15%.Conclusions: This study points to the utility of SCS to address both pain and motor symptoms in PD patients who have and have not received DBS therapy.