bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wogonin Inhibits in vitro Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and 2 Infection Through Modulating Cellular NF-κB and MAPK Pathways
Authors: Chu Ying , Lv Xiaowen , Zhang Longfeng , Fu Xingli , Song Siwei , Su Airong , Chen Deyan , Xu Lianhong , Wang Yongfang , Wu Zhiwei , Yun Zhihua 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Wogonin, a naturally flavonoid-like chemical compounds, has exhibited anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-viral, neuroprotective, and anxiolytic effects through modulating a variety of signaling pathways including PI3K-Akt, p53, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). In this study, its antiviral effect against herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) replication has been investigated.Results The evidence showed that wogonin could suppress HSV-1 and − 2-induced cytopathogenic effect (CPE) and reduce viral RNA transcription, protein synthesis, and titers of infectious virion particles formation in a dose-dependent manner. Time-of-drug-addition assay demonstrated that wogonin acted as a viral post-entry inhibitor. It was also found that wogonin significantly reduced HSV-induced NF-κB and MAPK pathways activation, which were proved to be significant for viral replication previously.Conclusions Our results suggested that anti-herpes effect of wogonin may be mediated by its modulation of cellular NF-κB and JNK/p38 MAPK pathways, implying its potential application as an anti-HSV agent.
Impact of periodontal therapy on systemic markers of inflammation in patients with metabolic syndrome: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Montero Eduardo , López Mercedes , Vidal Honorato , Martínez María , Marrero Jorge , Virto Leire , Herrera David , Zapatero Antonio , Sanz Mariano 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Although there is evidence of positive effect of periodontal therapy on systemic inflammation, this response is highly variable among subjects. It was the aim of this clinical investigation to determine the impact of periodontal treatment on systemic markers of inflammation in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and periodontitis.
Methods
In this parallel-arm, double blind, randomized controlled clinical trial, 63 patients with MetS and severe periodontitis were randomly assigned to receive intensive periodontal treatment (IPT; scaling and root planing plus azithromycin 500 mg, q.d., for three days) or minimal periodontal treatment (MPT; supragingival professional mechanical plaque removal plus a placebo). The primary outcome was the impact of the tested interventions on hs-CRP serum levels at 6 months. As secondary outcomes, differences in the levels of cytokines, markers of prothrombotic states, carbohydrate and lipids metabolism, as well as blood pressure, were measured at 3 and 6 months after therapy.
Results
The ITT population consisted on 63 subjects randomly assigned to either MPT (n = 31) or IPT (n = 32) groups. At baseline, mean hs-CRP was 3.9 mg/L (standard deviation, SD = 2.9) and 3.9 mg/L (SD = 3.4), respectively, and no significant differences in their cardiometabolic risk profiles were detected between groups. After 6 months, unadjusted mean hs-CRP were 2.9 mg/L (standard error, SE = 0.4) and 4.0 (SE = 0.8), respectively. Adjusting for baseline hs-CRP, sex, age, smoking status and body mass index, hs-CRP was 1.2 mg/L (95% confidence interval, [CI 0.4; 2.0]; p = 0.004) lower in the IPT group than in the MPT group. In the secondary outcomes, significant reductions in IL-1β, TNF-α, HbA1c and blood pressure were observed in the IPT group at 3 months, when compared to the MPT group.
Conclusion
Effective periodontal treatment significantly reduced hs-CRP after 6 months in patients with MetS and severe periodontitis. Periodontal therapy might be useful to reduce cardiovascular risk in these patients.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov Registration Number: NCT03960216.
Comprehensive treatment of critical coronavirus disease 2019: a single-center retrospective case series from Wuhan
Authors: Huang Ke , Zhang Yi , Li Min , Feng Yingying , Yu Xin , Cai Ying , Xia Jingen , Duan Jun , Zhan Qingyuan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has now spread worldwide. This study aimed to provide a reference for comprehensive treatment, personal protection, and team management of patients with critical COVID-19. Methods: The study included critical COVID-19 cases at a single centre in Wuhan, China. We retrospectively analysed data on symptoms, laboratory tests, radiology findings, treatment, and outcomes. Air samples and environmental surface swabs in the isolation ward were tested for SARS-CoV-2.Results: Fourteen critically ill patients (mean age 62.1 years) were treated between February 4, 2020 and April 6, 2020. Less than half had underlying diseases, including hypertension (n=6, 42.9%) and diabetes (n=4, 28.6%). Laboratory tests showed decreased lymphocyte levels and increased serum ferritin and inflammatory cytokine levels. More than half of the patients received antiviral drugs, including lopinavir/ritonavir (n=10; 71.4%) and arbidol (n=6, 42.9%). Eight patients (57.1%) received convalescent plasma, and 12 (85.7%) received systemic glucocorticoids. Eleven (78.6%) received high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy, five (35.7%) received non-invasive positive pressure ventilation, seven (50.0%) received invasive positive pressure ventilation, and three (21.4%) received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. By April 6, 2020, nine (64.3%) patients were discharged, four remained in hospital, and one had died. All air samples tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Of 128 environmental surface swabs, one gastric tube swab and one anal tube swab were positive for SARS-CoV-2. All oropharyngeal swabs taken from medical staff tested negative for SARS-CoV-2.Conclusions: Individualised comprehensive treatment, appropriate personal protection, and teamwork may improve the prognosis in patients with COVID-19 who are critically ill.
The role of Pirfenidone in the treatment of interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features
Authors: Chen Tao , Li Qiu-Hong , Zhang Yuan , Yin Cheng-Sheng , Weng Dong , Zhou Ying , Hu Yang , Shi Jing-Yun , Chen Ya-Nan , Ye Shuang , Wang Xiao-Dong , Wu Chun-Yan , Huang Yan , Zhang Ai-Hong , Li Huiping 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Rationale: No study indicated whether pirfenidone is appropriate for treatment of Interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) patients. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pirfenidone in the treatment of IPAF.Methods: The clinical data of 184 patients who met the diagnostic criteria of IPAF was selected. Those patients were assigned to pirfenidone treatment group (n=81) and control group (n=103). The baseline data and diagnostic characteristics of patients were retrospectively collected. Pulmonary function and prednisone dose were analyzed by mix-effect model.Results: 1. Baseline data: Forced vital capacity (FVC%, P< 0.001) and diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO%, P= 0.003) of predicted values in the pirfenidone group were lower than those in the control group. 2. Diagnostic characteristics: There was no significant difference of diagnostic characteristics between two groups. 3. Therapeutic evaluation: The volume of FVC in pirfenidone group was increased by 0.0390 L/year, while that was decreased by 0.0769 L/year in the control group (P=0.038). 4. Subgroup analysis: Pirfenidone with dosage > 600 mg/day (P = 0.010) and medication course of treatment longer than 12 months (P = 0.007) showed superior therapeutic effects. 5. Dose of prednisone: During the period of 12-40 months, prednisone dose was reduced by 6.27 mg per day in pirfenidone group, compared with control group. 6. Side effects: A total of 17 patients (19.32%) experienced side effects after taking pirfenidone.Conclusion: Pirfenidone (600-1800 mg/day) can improve FVC of pulmonary function and help to reduce prednisone dose in IPAF patients. It contains controllable side effects.
Parathyroid hormone (1-34) promotes the effects of 3D printed scaffold-seeded bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on meniscus regeneration
Authors: Zhao Wen , Zou Tong , Cui Hao , Lv Yangou , Gao Dengke , Ruan Chenmei , Zhang Xia , Zhang Yihua 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Cell-based tissue engineering represent a promising management for meniscus repair and regeneration. The present study aimed to investigate whether the injection of parathyroid hormone (PTH) (1–34) could promote the regeneration and chondroprotection of 3D printed scaffold seeded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in a canine total meniscal meniscectomy model.
Methods
3D printed poly(e-caprolactone) scaffold seeded with BMSCs was cultured in vitro, and the effects of in vitro culture time on cell growth and matrix synthesis of the BMSCs-scaffold construct were evaluated by microscopic observation and cartilage matrix content detection at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. After that, the tissue-engineered meniscus based on BMSCs–scaffold cultured for the appropriate culture time was selected for in vivo implantation. Sixteen dogs were randomly divided into four groups: PTH + BMSCs–scaffold, BMSCs–scaffold, total meniscectomy, and sham operation. The regeneration of the implanted tissue and the degeneration of articular cartilage were assessed by gross, histological, and immunohistochemical analysis at 12 weeks postoperatively.
Results
In vitro study showed that the glycosaminoglycan (GAG)/DNA ratio and the expression of collagen type II (Col2) were significantly higher on day 21 as compared to the other time points. In vivo study showed that, compared with the BMSCs–scaffold group, the PTH + BMSCs–scaffold group showed better regeneration of the implanted tissue and greater similarity to native meniscus with respect to gross appearance, cells composition, and cartilage extracellular matrix deposition. This group also showed less expression of terminal differentiation markers of BMSC chondrogenesis as well as lower cartilage degeneration with less damage on the knee cartilage surface, higher expression of Col2 and lower expression of degeneration markers.
Conclusions
Our results demonstrated that PTH (1–34) promotes the regenerative and chondroprotective effects of the BMSCs–3D printed meniscal scaffold in a canine model, and thus their combination could be a promising strategy for meniscus tissue engineering.
MicroRNA-520a discourages lung cancer pathogenesis and progression involving the downregulation of RRM2 and Wnt signaling deficits
Authors: Xie Yi , Xue Congyu , Guo Shuai , Yang Lei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Increasingly evidence has noted the critical functions of microRNAs (miRNAs) in disease control including cancer progression. This paper aimed to explore the functions of miR-520a in lung cancer (LC) and the downstream molecules implicated.
Methods

Aberrantly expressed miRNAs in LC tissues were screened out by miRNA microarrays. miR-520a expression in LC tissues and cell lines was determined, and the correlation between miR-520a level and survival rate of patients was analyzed. Altered expression of miR-520a was introduced to evaluate its function in LC cell malignant behaviors. The target mRNA and the potential signaling pathway mediated by miR-520a were figured out. Xenograft tumors were induced in mice to test the role of miR-520a in tumorigenesis in vivo.
Results

Poor expression of miR-520a was found in LC tissues and cell lines. A higher miR-520a level indicated a better survival rate in LC patients. Overexpression of miR-520a led to declines in cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion and resistance to apoptosis. The target mRNAs of miR-520a were enriched on the Wnt signaling. miR-520a inactivated the Wnt pathway. miR-520a could bind to RRM2 and downregulate RRM2 expression in LC cells. Overexpression of RRM2 promoted the malignant behaviors of cancer cells, but this promotion was inhibited by miR-520a. Overexpression of miR-520a also inhibited the tumor growth and metastasis in nude mice.
Conclusion

The present study provided evidence that miR-520a could inhibit LC progression through RRM2 down-regulation and Wnt signaling deficit. This paper may offer novel ideas concerning LC treatment.
Physical geography shapes the distribution characteristics of extracellular polymeric substances in periphytic biofilms
Authors: Sun Pengfei , Xu Ying , Sun Rui , Gao Mengning , Wu Yonghong , Dolfing Jan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are the glue that holds periphytic biofilms together. However, little is known about the chemical composition of the EPS and whether and if so how these components vary over different geographic regions. Therefore, we collected a large series of periphytic biofilms from paddy fields in different geographic regions to study the content, geographical distribution, and potential ecological function of EPS in periphytic biofilms, as well as the function of microbial components on EPS in periphytic biofilm.Results: EPS accounted for 1.3-2.9% of the total biomass of periphytic biofilms, while the protein content in periphytic biofilm was 1.8 to 20 times higher than that of the polysaccharides. The geographical distribution of EPS in periphytic biofilms follows the typical latitudinal diversity gradient theory: EPS contents decreased with increasing latitudes, but the ratio of protein to polysaccharide in periphytic biofilms showed the opposite trend. Physical geography characteristics, including temperature and light, are the principal forces driving the geographical distribution of EPS in periphytic biofilms, affecting their microbial composition. Prokaryotes in periphytic biofilm negatively affect the EPS content in periphytic biofilm, suggesting that prokaryotes may function as EPS consumers, while eukaryotes may be EPS producers, because they positively affect the EPS content in periphytic biofilm. Functionally, EPS components contribute to N and P accumulation in periphytic biofilms, as well as enhance the total organic carbon content in periphytic biofilm.Conclusion: These analyses provide invaluable information on the biogeochemistry of EPS in periphytic biofilms and their potential role in modulating nutrient cycles in paddy fields.
A proteomic investigation of protein adsorption to cerebral microdialysis membranes in surgically treated intracerebral hemorrhage patients
Authors: Tobieson Lovisa , Czifra Zita , Wåhlén Karin , Marklund Niklas , Ghafouri Bijar 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background:
Cerebral microdialysis (CMD) is a minimally invasive technique for sampling the interstitial fluid in human brain tissue. CMD allows monitoring the metabolic state of tissue, as well as sampling macromolecules such as proteins and peptides. Recovery of proteins or peptides can be hampered by their adsorption to the CMD membrane as has been previously shown in-vitro, however, protein adsorption to CMD membranes has not been characterized following implantation in human brain tissue.
Methods:
In this paper, we describe the pattern of proteins adsorbed to CMD membranes compared to that of the microdialysate and of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We retrieved CMD membranes from three surgically treated intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients, and analyzed protein adsorption to the membranes using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) in combination with nano-liquid mass spectrometry. We compared the proteome profile of three compartments; the CMD membrane, the microdialysate and ventricular CSF collected at time of CMD removal.
Results:
We found unique protein patterns for each of the three compartments, particularly in the molecular weight range of 10–35 kDa.
Conclusion:
This study highlights the importance of analyzing the membranes in addition to the microdialysate when using CMD to sample proteins for biomarker investigation.
Comparison of Health Care Utilization Among Patients Affiliated and Not Affiliated with Healthcare Professionals in China
Authors: Si Yafei , Zhou Zhongliang , Su Min , Hu Han , Yang Zesen , Chen Xi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Doing “more” in healthcare can be a major threat to the delivery of high-quality health care. It is important to identify the supplier-induced demand of healthcare. This study aims to test supplier-induced demand theory by comparing health care utilization among patients affiliated with healthcare professionals and their counterpart patients not affiliated with healthcare professionals.Methods: Using cross-sectional data of the China Labour-force Dynamics Survey (CLDS) implemented in 2014, we identified 806 patients affiliated with healthcare professionals and 22788 patients not affiliated with healthcare professionals. We used the coarsened exact matching method to control for confounding factors. The main outcomes were outpatient rate and expenditure as well as inpatient rate and expenditure.Results: The matched outpatient rate of patients not affiliated with healthcare professionals was 0.6% higher (P = .75) than that of their counterparts, and the matched inpatient rate was 1.1% lower (P = .17). Patients not affiliated with healthcare professionals paid significantly more (680 CNY, P < .001) than their counterpart patients did per outpatient visit (1126 CNY [95% CI 885–1368] VS 446 CNY [95% CI 248–643]), while they paid 2,061 CNY insignificant less per inpatient visit (P = .75).Conclusion: Our results lend support on supplier-induced demand hypothesis and highlight the need for policies to address the large outpatient care expenses of patients not affiliated with healthcare professionals. Creating incentives for providers to offer less avoidable healthcare service during outpatient visits may work to reduce healthcare costs.
Dynamic characteristics of a gear system with double-teeth spalling fault and its fault feature analysis
Authors: Shi Luojie , Wen Juan , Pan Baisong , Xiang Yongyong , Zhang Qi , Lin Congkai 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Gear fault diagnosis has been a vital technology to enhance the reliability and reduce the maintenance cost of gear systems. Tooth spalling is one of the most destructive surface failure models of the gear faults. Revealing the dynamic characteristics of a gear system with spalling fault and extracting the fault feature are the premise and basis for effective fault diagnosis. Previous studies have mainly concentrated on the spalling damage on a single gear tooth, but the spalling distributed over double teeth which usually occurs in practical engineering problems is rarely reported. To remedy this deficiency, this paper constructs a new dynamical model of a gear system with double-teeth spalling fault and validates this model with various experimental tests. The dynamic characteristics of gear systems are obtained by considering the excitations induced by the number of spalling teeth, the relative position of two faulty teeth, and the rotational speed. The method based on the Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) and the Fast Kurtogram (FK) is proposed to extract the features of the double-teeth spalling fault. First, the raw signal is decomposed into a set of Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs) by applying the VMD, and the IMFs with strong correlation are summed as a reconstructed signal. The reconstructed signal is then filtered by an optimal band-pass filter based on the FK. Combined with envelope spectrum analysis, the feature extraction ability of the proposed method is compared with that of the original FK method and the method based on the Empirical Mode Decomposition and the FK, respectively. The results indicate that the proposed dynamic model and fault feature extraction method can provide a theoretical basis for spalling defect diagnosis of gear systems.
Characterisation of the Swarming Behavior of An. coluzzii and An. Gambiae Populations from a Hybrid Zone of Senegal.
Authors: Gueye Oumou Kalsom , Faye Mouhamed Bachir , Ahmed Amblat Ali , Dia Abdoulaye Kane , SY Ousmane , Tripet Frederic , Konaté Lassana , Dia Ibrahima , Wondji Charles , Gaye Oumar , Faye Ousmane , Diabaté Abdoulaye , Niang El Hadji Amadou 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Anopheles gambiae s.s. and An. coluzzii, two major malaria vectors in Africa, exist in the nature as two incipient, sympatric or allopatric species. In most of their sympatric areas, the reproductive isolation between these two distinct species is thought to be the main barrier to hybridization. However, in Senegal, barriers to the gene flow seems to be leaky in some areas with relatively higher than expected hybridization rates. Here, we characterized the swarming behavior of these two species to investigate its role in the observed high hybridization.Methods The study was carried out in the south and center of Senegal during the 2018 rainy season. Swarms were surveyed at sunset towards the lightest part of the sky, about 0.5–4 m above the ground. Once located, swarm were collected using a net. Indoor resting populations were also collected during the same period from each sentinel village by pyrethrum spray catch earlier the morning. All specimens collected were identified morphologically followed by PCR to estimate the frequency of the two species and female hybrids.Results Results showed that An. gambiae swarmed mainly over bare ground whereas An. coluzzii swarms over various objects forming a dark-light contrast with the ground. The height of swarms varied between 0.5 to 2.5 meters and the swarming duration was about 10 minutes. Start of swarming was mainly correlated with sunset and no mixed swarms were found in areas of sympatry despite the high level of hybridization rate (2.4% − 4.4%).Conclusion As found elsewhere in West Africa, swarming site segregation is an important pre-mating reproductive barrier between An. coluzzii and An. gambiae in Senegal. No link was found between swarming behavior and hybridization, but the lack of mixed swarms may be the result of low number of samples obtained in the sympatric area.