bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ectopic expression of citrus UDP-GLUCOSYL TRANSFERASE gene enhances anthocyanin and proanthocyanidins contents and confers high light tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Rao Muhammad Junaid , Xu Yuantao , Huang Yue , Tang Xiaomei , Deng Xiuxin , Xu Qiang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Citrus fruits are consumed freshly or as juice to directly provide various dietary flavonoids to humans. Diverse metabolites at different levels are present among Citrus genera and many flavonoids biosynthetic genes were induced after abiotic stresses. To better understand the underlying mechanism, we designed experiments to overexpress a UDP-GLUCOSYL TRANSFERASE gene from Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) to evaluate its possible function in metabolism and response to stress.Results Our results demonstrated that overexpression of Cs-UGT78D3 resulted in high accumulation of proanthocyanidins in the seed coat and a dark brown color to transgenic Arabidopsis seeds. In addition, the total contents of flavonoid and anthocyanin were significantly enhanced in the leaves of overexpressed lines. Gene expression analyses indicated that many flavonoid (flavonol) and anthocyanin genes were up-regulated by 4-15 folds in transgenic Arabidopsis. Moreover, after 14 days of high light stress treatment, the transgenic Arabidopsis lines showed strong antioxidant activity and higher total contents of anthocyanins and flavonoids in leaves compared with the wild type.Conclusion Our study concluded that the citrus Cs-UGT78D3 gene is involved in proanthocyanidins accumulation in seed coats and confers tolerance to high light stress by accumulating the total anthocyanin and flavonoid contents with better antioxidant potential (due to photoprotective activity of anthocyanin) in the transgenic Arabidopsis.
Government Spending, Recession, and Suicide: Evidence from Japan
Authors: Matsubayashi Tetsuya , Sekijima Kozue , Ueda Michiko 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Backgrounds Austerity has been shown to have an adverse influence on people’s mental health and suicide rates. Most existing studies have focused on the governments’ reactions to a single event, for example, the Great Recession of 2008.Methods This study focused on significant changes in fiscal policy between 2001 and 2014 in Japan. The size of expenditures by national and local governments decreased dramatically between 2001 and 2006 under the neoliberal reform and then increased after the global economic crisis and the Great East Japan Earthquake. Using the data from 47 prefectures between 2001 and 2014, we tested whether more spending by the local governments was associated with a lower suicide rate in their jurisdiction. We also investigated whether this relationship was particularly salient during a more severe recession.Results Our analysis revealed that an increase of 1% in the per capita local government expenditures was associated with a decrease of 0.2% in the suicide rates among males and females aged between 40 and 64 and that this correlation was strengthened as the unemployment rate increased, particularly among males.Conclusions Government’s reaction to economic crises can either exacerbate or mitigate the negative impact of the economic recession on people’s mental health and suicide rates.
Tumor Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Older Women with Breast Cancer in Jordan
Authors: Abdel-Razeq Hikmat , Rahman Fadwa Abdel , Al-Masri Hanan , Abdulelah Hazem , Nasser Mahmoud Abu , Salam Mourad , Taqash Ayat 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background : Less than 10% of newly diagnosed breast cancer in our region are diagnosed in women 70 years or older. Treatment plans of such patients is less clear and have poor outcomes. In this paper, we describe clinical presentation, tumor characteristics and treatment outcomes in such patients. Methods : Consecutive patients aged 65 years or older with pathologically-confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer were included. Medical records and hospital databases were searched for patients’ characteristics and treatment outcomes. Results : A total of 553 patients, median age 70 (range: 65-91) years, were included. On presentation, 114 (20.6%) patients had metastatic disease and was mostly visceral (81; 71.1%). Patients with non-metastatic disease had poor pathological features including node-positive in 244 (55.6%), GIII in 170 (38.7%) and lymphovascular invasion in 173 (39.4%). Patients were treated less aggressively; 144 (32.8%) patients with early-stage disease and 98 (86.0%) with metastatic disease never had chemotherapy. After a median follow up of 45 months, 5-year overall survival for the whole group was 67.6%. Survival was better for patients with non-metastatic disease (78.8% vs. 25.4%, P<0.001) and for those with node-negative compared to node-positive disease (85.4% vs. 74.1%, P=0.002). On Cox regression, only positive lymph nodes were associated with poor outcome in patients with non-metastatic disease (Hazard Ratio [HR], 1.75; 95% CI: 1.006-3.034, P=0.048). Conclusions : Older Jordanian women with breast cancer present with more aggressive features and advanced-stage disease that reflect poorly on treatment outcomes. Because of comorbidities and poor performance status, some patients were not aggressively treated.
Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses between small yellow follicles and the smallest hierarchical follicles reveal a role of VLDLR in chicken follicle selection
Authors: Chen Qiuyue , Wang Yiya , Liu Zemin , Guo Xiaoli , Sun Yi , Kang Li , Jiang Yunliang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Follicle selection in chicken refers to the process of selecting one from a group of small yellow follicles (SY, 6-8mm in diameter) to enter the 12-15 mm hierarchical follicles (usually F6 follicles), which is a an important process affecting laying performance in the poultry industry. Although transcripromic analysis on chicken ovarian follicles was reported, integrated analysis on chicken follicles around selection by using both transcripromic and proteomic approaches was still lacking. In this study, we compared the proteomes and transcriptomes of SY and F6 follicles of laying hens and found some genes involved in chicken follicle selection.Results Transcriptomic analysis revealed 855 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between SY follicles and F6 follicles of laying hens, among which 202 were upregulated and 653 were downregulated. Proteomic analysis revealed 259 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), including 175 upregulated and 84 downregulated proteins. Among the identified DEGs and DEPs, the expression changes of seven genes including VLDLR1,WIF1, NGFR, AMH, BMP15, GDF6 and MMP13 , and nine proteins including VLDLR, VTG1, VTG3, PSCA, APOB, APOV1, F10, ZP2 and ZP3L2 were validated. In addition VLDLR expression was significantly down-regulated in F6 follicles compared with SY follicles, was signifcantly higher in the GCs than in the TCs and was stimulated by FSH in GCs of both hierarchical and prehierarchical follicles.Conclusions By comparing the proteomes and transcriptomes of SY follicles and F6 of laying hens, we identified some differentially expressed proteins/genes that might play certain roles in chicken follicle selection. These data may contribute to identification of the functional genes and proteins involved in chicken follicular development and selection.
Care after pancreatic resection according to an algorithm for early detection and minimally invasive management of pancreatic fistula versus current practice (PORSCH-trial): design and rationale of a nationwide stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial
Authors: Smits Francina J , Henry AC , Eijck CH van , Besselink MG , Busch OR , Arntz M , Bollen TL , Delden OM van , Heuvel D van den , Leij C van der , Lienden KP van , Moelker A , Bonsing BA , Rinkes IHM Borel , Bosscha K , Dam RM van , Festen S , Koerkamp B Groot , Harst E van der , de Hingh I , Kazemier G , Liem M , Kolk BM van der , de Meijer VE , Patijn GA , Roos D , Schreinemakers JM , Wit F , Werkhoven CH van , Molenaar IQ , Santvoort HC van 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Pancreatic resection is a major abdominal operation with 50% risk of postoperative complications. A common complication is pancreatic fistula, which may have severe clinical consequences such as postoperative bleeding, organ-failure and death. The objective of this study is to investigate whether implementation of an algorithm for early detection and minimally invasive management of pancreatic fistula may improve outcomes after pancreatic resection.Methods This is a nationwide stepped-wedge, cluster randomized, superiority trial, designed in adherence to the CONSORT guidelines. During a period of 22 months, all Dutch centers performing pancreatic surgery will cross over in a randomized order from current practice to best practice according to the algorithm. This evidence- and consensus based algorithm will provide daily multilevel advice on the management of patients after pancreatic resection (i.e. indication for abdominal imaging, antibiotic treatment, percutaneous drainage and removal of abdominal drains). The algorithm is designed to aid early detection and minimally invasive step-up management of postoperative pancreatic fistula. Outcomes of current practice will be compared with outcomes after implementation of the algorithm. The primary outcome is a composite of major complications (i.e. postpancreatectomy bleeding, new-onset organ failure and death) and will be measured in a sample size of at least 1600 patients undergoing pancreatic resection. Secondary endpoints include the individual components of the primary endpoint and other clinical outcomes, healthcare resource utilization and costs analysis. Follow-up will be up to 90 days after pancreatic resection.Discussion It is hypothesized that a structured nationwide implementation of a dedicated algorithm for early detection and minimally invasive step-up management of postoperative pancreatic fistula will reduce the risk of major complications and death after pancreatic resection, as compared to current practice.
Epidemiology and risk factors of infective endocarditis in a tertiary hospital in China from 2007 to 2016
Authors: Wu Zhenzhu , Chen Yi , Xiao Tingting , Niu Tianshui , Shi Qingyis , Xiao Yonghong 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: To explore the trends in epidemiology and risk factors related to the prognosis of infective endocarditis in a teaching hospital over the past ten years. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed. A total of 407 consecutive patients were included. The clinical characteristics and risk factors related to the prognosis of infective endocarditis during this period were analyzed. Results: A total of 407 patients with infective endocarditis were included, the average age was 48 ±16 years old with an increasing trend and in-hospital mortality rate was 10.6% and one-year mortality rate was 12.2%. Among patients with underlying heart disease, congenital heart disease was the most common(25.8%), followed by rheumatic heart disease which showed a decreased trend during this period (P<0.001). There were 222(54.5%) positive blood cultures and streptococci (44.1%) was the main pathogens with an increasing trend. There were 403 patients (99%) with surgical indications, but only 234 patients (57.5%) received surgical treatment. Hemodialysis (P = 0.041, OR = 4.697, 95% CI 1.068-20.665), pulmonary hypertension (P = 0.001, OR = 5.308, 95% CI 2.034-13.852), Pitt score ≥ 4 (P <0.001, OR = 28.5, 95% CI 5.5-148.1) and vegetation length＞30mm (P = 0.011, OR = 13.754, 95% CI 1.832-103.250) were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Conclusions: There was no significant change in the overall incidence of IE, the clinical features of IE have changed slightly during the past ten years. Streptococci IE was still the predominant. IE patients with hemodialysis, pulmonary hypertension, Pitt score ≥ 4 and vegetation length＞30mm had an worse in-hospital outcome.
A novel association of CCDC80 with gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant women: a propensity score analysis from a case-control study
Authors: Liu Lei , Hu Jiajin , Wang Ningning , Liu Yang , Wei Xiaotong , Gao Ming , Ma Yanan , Wen Deliang 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a growing global epidemic. Our study aims to confirm the association between circulatory coiled-coil domain-containing 80 (CCDC80) in pregnant women with GDM, to investigate the discriminatory power of CCDC80 on GDM, and to explore the relationships between this molecular level and clinical cardiometabolic parameters. Methods: A 1:2 matched case-control study with 61 GDM patients and 122 controls was conducted using a propensity score matching protocol. All participants were screened from a multicenter prospective pre-birth cohort: Born in Shenyang Cohort Study (BISCS). During 24 and 28 weeks of gestation, follow-up individuals underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and blood sampling for cardiometabolic characterization. Results: Following propensity score matching adjustment for clinical variables, including maternal age, gestational age, body mass index, SBP and DBP, plasma CCDC80 levels were significantly decreased in patients with GDM when compared with controls (0.25±0.10 vs. 0.31±0.12 ng/ml, P =0.003). Conditional multi-logistic regression analyses after adjustments for potential confounding factors revealed that CCDC80 was a strong and independent protective factor for GDM (ORs <1). In addition, the results of the ROC analysis indicated the CCDC80 exhibited the capability to identify pregnant women with GDM (AUC=0.633). Finally, multivariate regression analyses showed that CCDC80 levels were positively associated with AST, monoamine oxidase, complement C1q, LDL-C, apolipoprotein A1and B, and negatively associated with blood glucose levels at 1 h post- OGTT. Conclusions: Biomarker CCDC80 could be of great value for the development of prediction, diagnosis and therapeutic strategies against GDM in pregnant women.
Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron-derived outer membrane vesicles promote regulatory dendritic cell responses in health but not in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Durant Lydia , Stentz Régis , Noble Alistair , Brooks Johanne , Gicheva Nadezhda , Reddi Durga , O’Connor Matthew J. , Hoyles Lesley , McCartney Anne L. , Man Ripple , Pring E. Tobias , Dilke Stella , Hendy Philip , Segal Jonathan P , Lim Dennis N.F. , Misra Ravi , Hart Ailsa L. , Arebi Naila , Carding Simon R. , Knight Stella C. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (Bt) is a prominent member of the human intestinal microbiota that, like all Gram-negative bacteria, naturally generates nanosized outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) which bud off from the cell surface. Importantly, OMVs can cross the intestinal epithelial barrier to mediate microbe-host cell crosstalk involving both epithelial and immune cells to help maintain intestinal homeostasis. Here we have examined the interaction between Bt OMVs and blood or colonic mucosa-derived dendritic cells (DC) from healthy individuals and patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). Results: In healthy individuals, Bt OMVs stimulated significant (p<0.05) IL-10 expression by colonic DC, whereas in peripheral blood-derived DC they also stimulated significant (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively) expression of IL-6 and the activation marker CD80. Conversely, in UC Bt OMVs were unable to elicit IL-10 expression by colonic DC. There were also reduced numbers of CD103+ DC in the colon of both UC and CD patients compared to controls, supporting a loss of regulatory DC in both diseases. Furthermore, in CD and UC, Bt OMVs elicited a significantly lower proportion of DC which expressed IL-10 (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively) in blood compared to controls. These alterations in DC responses to Bt OMVs were seen in patients with inactive disease, and thus are indicative of intrinsic defects in immune responses to this commensal in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Conclusions: Overall, our findings suggest a key role for OMVs generated by the commensal gut bacterium Bt in directing a balanced immune response to constituents of the microbiota locally and systemically during health which is altered in IBD patients.
Oxidative stress and gut-derived lipopolysaccharides in children affected by Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections.
Authors: Loffredo Lorenzo , Spalice Alberto , Salvatori Francesca , Giovanna De Castro , Guido Cristiana Alessia , Zicari Anna Maria , Ciacci Paolo , Battaglia Simona , Brindisi Giulia , Ettorre Evaristo , Nocella Cristina , Salvatori Guglielmo , Duse Marzia , Violi Francesco , Carnevale Roberto 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Backgroundpaediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections syndrome (PANDAS) identifies patients with acute onset of obsessive-compulsive and tic disorders. The objective of this study was to assess NOX2 activity, as well as serum 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (iso-PGF2α) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) derived from Gram-negative bacteria in the gut of patients with PANDAS. Methodsa cross sectional study was performed to compare serum activity of soluble NOX-2-dp (sNOX-2-dp), blood levels of isoprostanes and LPS in 60 consecutive subjects, including 30 children affected by PANDAS and 30 controls (CT) matched for age and gender. Serum zonulin was used to assess gut permeability. Resultscompared with CT, PANDAS children had higher values of sNOX-2-dp, 8-iso-PGF2-alpha and LPS. Simple linear regression analysis showed that sNOX2-dp was signiﬁcantly correlated with serum LPS (Rs=0.359; p=0.005), zonulin (Rs=0.444; p<0.001) and iso-PGF2α (Rs=0.704; p<0.001). LPS signiﬁcantly correlated with serum zonulin (Rs=0.610; p<0.001), and iso-PGF2α (Rs=0.591; p=0.001). A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to define the independent predictors of sNOX-2-dp. Isoprostanes and zonulin emerged as the only independent predictive variables associated with sNOX2-dp (R2=68%).Conclusionthis study provides the first report attesting that children affected by PANDAS have high NOX2 activation, oxidative stress and circulating levels of LPS that could be potentially implicated in the process of neuroinflammation.
Role of the ADCY9 gene in cardiac abnormalities of the Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome
Authors: Wu Yueheng , Xia Yu , Li Ping , Qu Hui-Qi , Liu Yichuan , Yang Yongchao , Lin Jijin , Zheng Meng , Tian Lifeng , Wu Zhuanbin , Huang Shufang , Qin Xianyu , Zhou Xianwu , Chen Shaoxian , Liu Yanying , Wang Yonghua , Li Xiaofeng , Zeng Hanshi , Hakonarson Hakon , Zhuang Jian 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background： Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome (RSTS) is a rare, congenital, plurimalformative, and neurodevelopmental disorder. Previous studies have reported that large deletions contribute to more severe RSTS phenotypes than those caused by CREBBP point mutations, suggesting a concurrent pathogenetic role of flanking genes, typical of contiguous gene syndromes, but the detailed genetics are unclear. Results：This study presented a rare case of Rubinstein-Taybi (RT) syndrome with serious cardiac abnormalities. Based on the clinical and genetic analysis of the patient, the ADCY9 gene deletion was highlighted as a plausible explanation of cardiac abnormalities. In adcy9 morphant zebrafish, cardiac malformation was observed. Immunofluorescence study disclosed increased macrophage migration and cardiac apoptosis. RNA sequencing in zebrafish model highlighted the changes of a number of genes, including increased expression of the mmp9 gene which encodes a matrix metalloproteinase with the main function to degrade and remodel extracellular matrix. Conclusions：In this study, we identified a plausible new candidate gene ADCY9 of CHD through the clinical and genetic analysis of a rare case of Rubinstein-Taybi (RT) syndrome with serious cardiac abnormalities. By functional study of zebrafish, we demonstrated that deletion of adcy9 is the causation for the cardiac abnormalities. Cardiac apoptosis and increased expression of the MMP9 gene are involved in the pathogenesis.
Effect of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine doses for prevention of malaria during pregnancy in hypoendemic area in Tanzania
Authors: Mikomangwa Wigilya Padili , Minzi Omary , Mutagonda Ritah , Baraka Vito , Mlugu Eulambius M. , Aklillu Eleni , Kamuhabwa Appolinary A.R. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Malaria in pregnancy increases the risk of deleterious maternal and birth outcomes. The use of ≥3 doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) for intermittent preventive treatment of malaria (IPTp-SP) is recommended for preventing the consequences of malaria during pregnancy. However, the effect of IPTp-SP doses in low malaria transmission settings is not well established. This study assessed the effect of SP doses for prevention of malaria during pregnancy in low transmission settings. Methods: A cross-sectional study that involved consecutively selected 1,161 pregnant women was conducted at Mwananyamala regional referral hospital in Dar es Salaam. Assessment of the uptake of IPTp-SP was done by extracting information from antenatal clinic cards. Maternal venous blood, cord blood, placental blood and placental biopsy were collected for assessment of anaemia and malaria. High performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) was used to detect and quantify sulfadoxine (SDX). Dried blood spots (DBS) of placental blood were collected for determination of sub-microscopic malaria using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results: In total, 397 (34.2%) pregnant women reported to have used sub-optimal doses (≤2) while 764(65.8%) used optimal doses (≥3) of IPTp-SP at the time of delivery. The overall prevalence of placental malaria as determined by histology was 3.6%. Submicroscopic placental malaria was detected in 1.4% of the study participants. Women with peripheral malaria had six times risk of maternal anaemia than those who were malaria negative (aOR, 5.83; 95% CI, 1.10-30.92; p = 0.04). The overall geometric mean plasma SDX concentration was 10.76± 2.51μg/mL. Sub-optimal IPTp-SP dose was not associated with placental malaria, premature delivery and foetal anaemia. The use of ≤2 doses of IPTp-SP increased the risk of maternal anaemia by 1.36 fold compared to ≥3 doses (aOR, 1.36; 95%CI, 1.04-1.79; p = 0.02).Conclusion: The use of <2 doses of IPTp-SP increased the risk of maternal anemia. However, sub-optimal doses (≤2 doses) were not associated with increased the risk of malaria parasitaemia, foetal anaemia and preterm delivery among pregnant women in low malaria transmission setting. The use of optimal doses (≥3doses) of IPTp-SP and complementary interventions should continue even in areas with low malaria transmission.