bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of three methods of ischemic preconditioning on ischemia-reperfusion injury in a pig model of liver transplantation
Authors: Belon Alessandro Rodrigo , Tannuri Ana Cristina Aoun , Moreira Daniel Albuquerque , Silva Alessandra Matheus , Serafini Suellen , Guimarães Raimundo Renato , Faria Caroline Silverio , Alexandre Alcione Sanches , Gonçalves Josiane de Oliveira , Paes Vitor Ribeiro , Tannuri Uenis 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC), either direct (DIPC) or remote (RIPC), is a procedure aimed at reducing the harmful effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Aims. To assess the local and systemic effects of DIPC, RIPC, and both combined, in the pig liver transplant model. Methods. Twenty-four pigs underwent orthotopic liver transplantation and were divided into 4 groups according to the procedures applied: direct donor preconditioning; indirect preconditioning at the recipient and a group with direct donor and indirect recipient preconditioning. The following parameters were recorded: donor and recipient weight, graft-to-recipient weight ratio (GRWR), surgery time, hot and cold ischemia time, and intraoperative hemodynamic values. Blood samples were collected before native liver removal (BL) and at 0h, 1h, 3h, 6h, 12h, 18h, and 24h post-reperfusion and the following biochemical tests were performed: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), creatinine, BUN (blood urea nitrogen), lactate, total and direct bilirubin. Histopathological examination of liver, gut, kidney, and lung fragments were performed, as well as molecular analyses for expression of the apoptosis-related BAX (pro-apoptotic) and Bcl-XL (anti-apoptotic) genes, eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) gene, and IL-6 gene related to inflammatory ischemia-reperfusion injury, using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results. There were no differences between the groups regarding biochemical and histopathological parameters. We found a reduced ratio between the expression of the pro-apoptotic BAX gene and the expression of the anti-apoptotic Bcl gene in the livers of animals with IPC versus the control group. Conclusions. DIPC, RIPC or a combination of both produce local beneficial effects only at the molecular level but do not translate into biochemical or histological changes.
HPV16-E6 but not E7 inhibits the antitumor activity of LKB1 in lung cancer cells by down regulating the expression of KIF7
Authors: Hu Yue , Wu Ming-Zhe , Gu Na-Jin , Qiu Xue-Shan , Wang En-Hua , Wu Guang-Ping 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The E6 and E7 proteins in HPV16 are the main oncogenes in the occurrence of lung cancer. In recent studies, we had found that E6 and E7 downregulated the expression of LKB1 in lung cancer cells. However, it is not clear how E6 and E7 regulate LKB1 in lung cancer cells. Methods: The double directional genetic manipulation and Nuclear plasma separation technology were performed to explore the molecular mechanism of E6 and E7 inhibiting the antitumor activity of LKB1 in well-established lung cancer cell lines. Results: E6 but not E7 significantly downregulated the expression of tumor suppressor KIF7 at protein level, and the inhibition of KIF7 further reduced the expression of LKB1 both in the nuclei and in the cytoplasm, whereas reduced the expression of p-LKB1 in the cytoplasm only. Therefore, we suggested that HPV16 E6 but not E7 downregulates the antitumor activity of LKB1 by down regulating the expression of p-LKB1 in the cytoplasm only. Conclusion: We demonstrated for the first time that E6 but not E7 inhibits the antitumor activity of LKB1 in lung cancer cells by downregulating the expression of KIF7. Our findings provided new evidence to support the important role of KIF7 in the pathogenesis of lung cancer and suggested new therapeutic targets.
Gut Dysbacteriosis Is Associated with an Imbalanced Cytokines Network in Women with Unexplained Miscarriage
Authors: Liu Yongjie , Chen Hainan , Chen Dan , Feng Liping , Zhang Jun 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: A dysregulation of cytokine networks has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of unexplained pregnancy loss. Gut microbiota affects host immune response and induces an imbalance in cytokine levels. However, how gut microbial dysbiosis affects the disturbance of cellular immune function in spontaneous abortion (SA) patients remains inconclusive.Results: Serum proinflammatory cytokine levels were significantly increased in SA patients. Microbial diversity in patients with SA was reduced compared with that in the controls, as were the relative abundances of Prevotella_1, Prevotellaceae_UCG_003, and Selenomonas_1 were significantly reduced in the cases. Fecal metabolites profiles were altered in SA patients, and the correlation analyses indicated that some microbe-associated metabolites, which were significantly enriched in bile secretion and histidine metabolism pathways, were positively associated with changes in levels of IL-17A, IL-17F, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in the SA group. Moreover, the microbial-associated metabolites, imidazolepropionic acid and 1, 4-Methylimidazoleacetic acid, are associated with recurrent pregnancy loss.Conclusions: Our study highlights the network among gut microbiota, fecal metabolites and Th1/Th17-mediated immune response in miscarriage patients and identifies potential novel biomarkers and an intervention target for recurrent miscarriage.
Transcriptional and Free Radical Responses to LVAD Therapy
Authors: Dhar Kajari , Asmini KC , Qiu Fang , Basma Hesham , Savalia Krupak , Jones Jocelyn , Moulton Alexandra M. , Zimmerman Matthew C. , Um John , Anderson Daniel , Hyden Marshall , Lowes Brian D. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Myocardial recovery with Left ventricular assistant device (LVAD) therapy is dichotomous with some patients obtaining remission from end-stage heart failure whereas most require transplantation or remain on pump support long term. Our goal was to determine transcriptional and free radical responses to LVAD treatment. Methods: Tissues were collected from patients before and after LVAD placement in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy patients (n=14) along with controls (n=3). RNA sequencing (RNASeq) analysis quantified transcriptional profiles by using a custom targeted panel of heart failure related genes on the PGM sequencer. The differential expression analysis between groups was conducted using edgeR (Empirical analysis of digital gene expression data in R) package in Bioconductor. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was carried out on differentially expressed genes to understand the biological pathways involved. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Spectroscopy was utilized to measure levels of free radicals in whole blood collected pre- and post-LVAD implantation (n=16). Results: 35 genes were differentially expressed in pre-LVAD failing hearts compared to controls. In response to LVAD therapy, only Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) and period circadian protein homolog 1 (PER1) were altered with 34 heart failure related genes still differentially expressed post-LVAD compared to controls. IPA showed that DNA methylation-related genes were upregulated in both pre- and post-LVAD and was persistent with a Z-score of 2.00 and 2.36 for DNA Methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) and DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B), respectively. Inhibition of micro RNA21 (mir21) was also significant on pathway analysis in the post-LVAD population with a Z-score of -2.00. Levels of free radicals in blood of pre- and post-LVAD patients did not change significantly. Conclusion: LVAD therapy does not reverse many of the transcriptional changes associated with heart failure. Persistent changes in gene expression may be related to ongoing oxidative stress, continued DNA methylation, or changes in metabolism. PDK4 is a key regulator of glucose metabolism and its increased expression by LVAD therapy inhibited pyruvate metabolism.
A transient CRISPR/Cas9 expression system for genome editing in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Shaw Sebastian , Knüsel Sebastian , Hoenner Sarah , Roditi Isabel 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective Generation of knockouts and in situ tagging of genes in Trypanosoma brucei has been greatly facilitated by using CRISPR/Cas9 as a genome editing tool. To date, this has entailed using a limited number of cell lines that are stably transformed to express Cas9 and T7 RNA polymerase (T7RNAP). It would be desirable, however, to be able to use CRISPR/Cas9 for any trypanosome cell line. Results We describe a sequential transfection expression system that enables transient expression of the two proteins, followed by delivery of PCR products for gRNAs and repair templates. This procedure can be used for genome editing without the need for stable integration of the Cas9 and T7RNAP genes.
Genome-wide Association Mapping Reveals Potential Novel Loci Controlling Stripe-rust Resistance in a Chinese Wheat Landrace Diversity Panel From the Southern Autumn-sown Spring Wheat Zone
Authors: Wang Yuqi , Yu Can , Cheng Yukun , Yao Fangjie , Long Li , Wu Yu , Li Jing , Li Hao , Wang Jirui , Jiang Qiantao , Li Wei , Pu Zhien , Qi Pengfei , Ma Jian , Deng Mei , Wei Yuming , Chen Xianming , Chen Guoyue , Kang Houyang , Jiang Yunfeng , Zheng Youliang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background:Stripe rust, caused by the fungal pathogen Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is a serious foliar disease of wheat. Identification of novel stripe-rust resistance genes and cultivation of resistant varieties are considered to be the most effective approaches to control this disease. In this study, we evaluated the infection type (IT), disease severity (DS) and area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) of 143 Chinese wheat landrace accessions for stripe-rust resistance. Assessments were undertaken in five environments at the adult-plant stage with Pst mixture races under field conditions, in addition, IT was assessed at the seedling stage with two prevalent Pst races (CYR32 and CYR34) under controlled greenhouse conditions. Results:Seventeen accessions showed stable high-level resistance to stripe rust across all environments under field tests,while four accessions showed resistance to the Pst races CYR32 and CYR34 at the all-stage.Combining phenotypic data from the field and greenhouse trials with 6404 markers covering the whole genome, we detected 17quantitative trait locus(QTLs) on 11 chromosomes for IT associated with seedling resistance and 15 QTLs on seven chromosomes for IT, final disease severityor AUDPC associated with adult-plant resistance. Four stable QTLs detected on four chromosomes, which explained 9.99%–23.30% of the phenotypic variation, were simultaneously associated with seedling and adult-plant resistance. Integrating a linkage map of stripe-rust resistance in wheat, 29 QTLs overlapped with previously reported genes or QTLs, while two and oneQTLs conferring seedling and adult-plant resistancerespectively were mapped distantly from previously reported stripe rust resistance genes or QTLs and may be novel resistantloci. Conclusions:Our results provided an integrated view of stripe rust resistance resources in a Chinese wheat landrace diversity panel from the southern autumn-sown spring wheat zone.The identified resistant accessions and resistance loci will be useful in the ongoing effort to develop new wheat cultivars with strong resistance to stripe rust.
The role of midwives in improving breastfeeding practices in protracted crises: The Gaza Strip example
Authors: Iellamo Alessandro , Monaghan Emily , Moghany Samar AL , Latham Jonathan , Nassereddin Nihal 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding is the most effective intervention to prevent child morbidity and mortality in all contexts. During the Palestine-Israel conflict that started in the middle of the 20th century, healthcare services are understaffed and lack basic resources, with frequent power cuts and stock-outs of essential drugs and equipment. This case study seeks to answer the questions: (1) How does the protracted crisis in Gaza affect the breastfeeding practices of the most vulnerable population; and (2) What is the role that midwives can play in improving breastfeeding practices?A mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) study was used to collect data. A total of 1044 respondents had a child less than 24 months at the time of the study. A total of 62.75 percent practice early initiation of breastfeeding and 42 percent confirmed that their new-borns were given liquids other than breast milk during the first three days of life. Fifty percent of mothers addressed breast milk insufficiency by drinking additional fluids and 40 percent by using infant formula. Discussion:This study confirms the need to a) implement the IYCF-E operational guidance in the Gaza strip and b) review the pre-service and in-service training for midwives. For vulnerable populations in humanitarian contexts, the impact of this cannot be underestimated. Conducting research in humanitarian settings is particularly challenging. Our experience included integration and linkage with international organizations security officers on the ground, co-ordination of activities with authorities and communities, regular supportive supervision during data collection, allocation of buffer days and geographical areas and in-country and remote assistance to data collection teams Conclusions:This research focuses on a protracted emergency in insecure populated areas. The unpredictable security situation meant that the team adopted a flexible approach during data collection. Lessons learned throughout this process include the importance of a) allocating additional research time, to account for potential interruption b) daily coordination with security officers to ensure safe access to localities c) identification of extra sites, in case escalation of conflict d) training of additional enumerators in case conflict escalation e) negotiation with authorities to ensure compliance with requirements.
Azithromycin added to Hydroxychloroquine for Patients Admitted to Intensive Care due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Protocol of Randomized Controlled Trial AZIQUINE-ICU
Authors: Duška František , Waldauf Petr , Halačová Milada , Zvoníček Václav , Bala Jakub , Beneš Jan , Balík Martin , Klementová Olga , Kozáková Irena , Kubricht Viktor , Roy Anne Le , Řehořová Veronika , Vymazal Tomáš , Černý Vladimír 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
• Background: Novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is known to be susceptible in vitro to exposure to hydroxychloroquine and its effect have been found to be potentiated by azithromycin. We hypothesize, that early administration of hydroxychloroquine alone or in combination with azithromycin can prevent respiratory deterioration in patients admitted to intensive care due to rapidly progressive COVID-19 infection. • Methods: Design: Prospective, multi-centre, double blind, randomised, controlled trial (RCT). Participants: Adult (>18 years) within 24 hours of admission to intensive care unit with proven or suspected COVID-19 infection, whether or not mechanically ventilated. Exclusion criteria include duration symptoms of febrile disease for ≥1 week, treatment limitations in place or moribund patients, allergy or intolerance of any study treatment, pregnancy. Interventions: Patients will be randomized in 1:1:1 ratio to receive Hydroxychloroquine 800mg orally in two doses followed by 400mg daily in two doses and Azithromycin 500 mg orally in one dose followed by 250 mg in one dose for a total of 5 days (HC-A group) or Hydroxychloroquine+ placebo (HC group) or placebo + placebo (C-group) in addition to best standard of care, which may evolve during the trial period but will not differ between groups. Primary outcome is the composite percentage of patients alive and not on end-of-life pathway who are free of mechanical ventilation at day 14. Secondary outcomes: The percentage of patients who were prevented from needing intubation until day 14; ICU length of stay; mortality (in hospital) at day 28 and 90.• Discussion: Although both investigational drugs are often administered off label to patients with severe COVID-19, at present, there is no data from RCTs on their safety and efficacy. In vitro and observational trial suggest their potential to limit viral replication and the damage to lungs as the most common reason for ICU admission. Therefore, patients most likely to benefit from the treatment are those with severe, but early disease. This trial is designed and powered to investigate whether the treatment in this cohort of patients leads to improved clinical patients-centered outcomes, such as mechanical ventilation-free survival. Trial registration: Clinical trials.gov: NCT04339816 (Registered on 9th April 2020); Eudra CT number: 2020-001456-18 (Registered on 29th March 2020)
Motivational Interviewing to Improve Self-efficacy in Type 2 Diabetes Management
Authors: Maslakpak Masumeh Hemmati , Parizad Naser , Ghahremani Amir , Alinejad Vahid 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Self-efficacy predicts adherence to treatment in patients with diabetes. Motivational interviewing could be a promising intervention to increase the patients’ motivation to follow therapeutic recommendations. The present study aimed to assess the effects of motivational interviewing on self-efficacy in type 2 diabetes management. Methods: This quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design was conducted on 60 patients with type 2 diabetes, who were members of the Bukan Diabetes Association in Iran. The patients were selected using a random number table and were randomly allocated into intervention (n=30) and control (n=30) groups. Five motivational interviewing sessions (30-45 minutes) were held for the intervention group (two sessions per week). Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the diabetes management self-efficacy scale (DMSES). Data were analyzed with SPSS software version 14.0 using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: Sixty patients entered the analysis. A significant difference was observed in the mean score of diabetes management self-efficacy between the two groups before and after the intervention (P=0.014). The mean score of self-efficacy in diabetes management was increased significantly in the intervention group after MI (P=0.001).Conclusions: Motivational interviewing improved self-efficacy in diabetes management. Thus, this approach is recommended to be used in patients with type 2 diabetes in order to increase their self-efficacy.
Temperature, Air Pollution and Fatal Unintentional Injuries in Jiangsu Province China, 2015-2017
Authors: Robertson Leon , Zhou Lian , Chen Kai 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background The correlation of unintentional injury mortality to rising temperatures found in several studies could result from changes in behavior that increases exposure to hazards or risk when exposed. An increase of .82 degrees (C) daily maximum temperature in Jiangsu Province, China from 2015 through 2017 provides the opportunity to study further this phenomenon including a potential effect of air pollution. Air pollutants may cause symptoms and distractions that increase risk and avoidance behavior that reduces risk. This study examines data that allows estimates of the potential effects of temperature, precipitation and five air pollutants on injury mortality risk, each corrected statistically for the potential effects of the others. Methods Daily data on unintentional injury deaths and exposures to temperature, precipitation and pollutants from 9 cities in Jiangsu Province, China during 2015-2017 were analyzed using logistic regression. Application of the regression equations to 2016 and 2017 data substituting 2015 values for each of the predictor variables respectively was used to estimate year-to-year changes in deaths related to changes in the risk factors. Results Unintentional injury death risk was unrelated to temperature when temperatures were below 25 degrees (C) but increased substantially in relation to higher temperatures. The correlations mainly occurred for non-transport injuries. Fatal injury risk was higher in relation to higher concentrations of PM10, NO2 , and SO2 in certain temperature ranges but lower in relation to higher concentrations of CO in the lowest and highest temperature ranges. Lower risk was associated with O3 at low temperatures but higher risk at high temperatures. Risk was lower on weekends but higher on holidays when temperatures were moderate. Conclusions The increase in fatal unintentional injuries from 2015 through 2017 was substantially related to the rise in average maximum daily temperature. Negative associations of certain pollutants, particularly O3, with injury risk suggests the possibility that changes in behavior to avoid those pollutants also results in lower injury risk. Most pollutants, however, are related to increased risk.
Identification of long noncoding RNA RP11-89K21.1 and RP11-357H14.17 as prognostic signature of endometrial carcinoma via integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Gao Lingling , Nie Xin , Zhang Wenchao , Gou Rui , Hu Yuexin , Qi Yue , Li Xiao , Liu Qing , Liu Juanjuan , Lin Bei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in gynecology. The potential functions and mechanisms of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the occurrence and progression of EC remains unclear. It’s meaningful to explore lncRNAs signature for providing prognostic value of EC. Methods：The differentially expressed lncRNAs and their prognostic values in EC were investigated based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database; the transcriptional factors (TFs), the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism, functional regulatory network and immune infiltration of RP11-89K21.1 and RP11-357H14.17 were further explored by various bioinformatics tools and databases. Results: We first identified high expression of RP11-89K21.1 and RP11-357H14.17 were closely associated with shorten overall survival (OS) and poor prognosis in patients with EC. We also elucidated the networks of transcription factor and co-expression genes associated with RP11-89K21.1 and RP11-357H14.17. Furthermore, the ceRNA network mechanism was successfully constructed through 2 lncRNAs (RP11-89K21.1 and RP11-357H14.17), 11 miRNAs and 183 mRNAs. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the targeting genes of RP11-89K21.1 and RP11-357H14.17 were strongly associated with microRNAs in cancer, vessel development, growth regulation, growth factor and cell differentiation, and involved in pathways including pathways in cancer, microRNAs in cancer and apoptotic signaling pathway. Conclusions: We demonstrated for the first time that RP11-89K21.1 and RP11-357H14.17 may play crucial roles in the occurrence, development and malignant biological behavior of EC, and can be regarded as potential prognostic biomarkers for EC.