bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tolerance at the genetic level of the brine shrimp Artemia salina to a wide range of salinity
Authors: Lee JunMo , Park Jong Soo 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The brine shrimp Artemia salina can thrive in a variety of salinities and is commonly distributed in natural hypersaline lakes and solar salterns. The zooplankter A. salina proves to be a filter feeder, consuming the alga Dunaliella and prokaryotes and plays a critical role in the hypersaline food web. However, the high salinity adaptation mechanisms of A. salina remain poorly understood through transcriptome analysis. Here, we examined the gene expression patterns of A. salina adults that were salt-adapted for 2–4 weeks at five salinities (35, 50, 100, 150, and 230 psu), and generated long-read isoform sequencing (IsoSeq) data to construct a high-quality transcriptome assembly of A. salina. The patterns of A. salina along the salinity gradient provide evidence for halotolerant and euryhaline adaptations at the genetic level. Results: We confirmed that the activity of sodium/potassium ATPase was up-regulated at the genetic level in high salinity waters. Interestingly, genes related to beta-mannosidase and mannose activities were also up-regulated, suggesting that mannose and mannose derivatives may be accumulated as organic osmolytes. Alternatively, considering that glucose and galactose-related activities were suppressed at high salinities, mannose may be the primary sugar involved in the glycolytic pathway under such conditions. This result further supports the theory that mannose is the main energy source used by A. salina in highly saline environments. The gene expression patterns of A. salina may also be affected by increased thickness of the cuticle, increased numbers of mitochondria, and low dissolved oxygen in high salinity waters. Furthermore, the cellular response of A. salina to acclimation to intermediate salinities depends on the number and type of genes expressed; differential expression patterns are likely to fluctuate at the population level. Conclusions: Our results provide a high-quality transcriptome assembly of the cosmopolitan brine shrimp Artemia salina at five different salinities (35, 50, 100, 150, and 230 psu) for the first time. The gene expression patterns of salt-adapted A. salina display greater osmoregulation process complexity than we thought. Furthermore, A. salina represents a potential model organism to study locally adapted populations at various salinities.
The Prognostic Value of lncRNA SNHG3 in Cancer Patients: A meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhong Pingyong , Hua Hao 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background:Small nucleolar RNA host gene 3 (SNHG3) is a promising long non-coding RNA that may possess prognostic value for different types of tumors. The objective of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the prognostic value of lncRNA SNHG3 in cancer patients.Methods:A systematic literature search of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline, Web of Science, CNKI, Weipu, and Wanfang electronic databases was carried out in this meta-anaysis. The synthetic hazard ratios (HRs) or odd ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained to determine the prognostic and clinicopathological significance of SNHG3 expression in tumors. Results:The final meta-anaysis included 17 studies that contained 2072 patients. The pooled results provided evidence that SNHG3 overexpression predicted reduced overall survival (OS) (HR=2.15, 95%CI: 1.76–2.63, P<0.00001), recurrence-free survival (RFS) ( HR=2.22, 95%CI: 1.04–4.76, P=0.04) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR=2.04, 95%CI: 1.35–3.09, P=0.0007) for various cancers. Additionally, the SNHG3 overexpression was concerned with tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage (III/IV vs. I/II, OR=2.91, 95%CI: 1.60–5.29, P=0.0005), lymph node metastasis (LNM) (positive vs negative, OR=5.00,95%CI:2.82–8.87,P＜0.00001), distant metastasis (DM) (positive vs negative, OR=2.29, 95%CI: 1.52–3.47, P<0.0001) and tumor size (larger vs smaller, OR=1.80, 95%CI: 1.04–3.11, P=0.04).Conclusions:Our results indicated that SNHG3 overexpression was closely correlated with shorter OS in multiple cancer types, suggesting that SNHG3 might function as a promising predictor for clinical outcomes in cancer.
Eco-epidemiologic profile of an area of a Chagas disease outbreak: the risk of oral transmissions in the Brazilian northeast
Authors: Monsalve-Lara Jackeline , Lilioso Mauricio , Valença-Barbosa Carolina , Thyssen Patricia , Miguel Danilo C , Limeira Cleanne , Gadelha Fernanda R , Fontes Fernanda V H M , Pires-Silva Dayane , Dornak L Lynnette , Lima Marli M , Donalisio Maria R , Almeida Carlos E 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease strongly associated with low socioeconomic status, affecting nearly 8 million people – mainly Latin Americans. The current infection risk is based on acute case reports, most of which are typically associated with oral transmissions. In the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil, serious outbreaks of this transmission type have surged in the last years. One of those occurred in the city of Marcelino Vieira (2016), in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Rural residents of four municipalities surrounding Marcelino Vieira ingested sugar cane juice – which was probably ground with Trypanosoma cruzi infected insects. The structure of domiciliary unities (DUs) in the rural area of Marcelino Vieira was investigated to better understand the factors related to the outbreaks in this region – which was combined with entomological indicators. We found triatomines (mainly Triatoma brasiliensis) in 54% (36/67) of DUs and all rocky outcrops inspected (n = 7). Overall, 26% (119/458) of examined T. brasiliensis were infected by T. cruzi in artificial ecotopes, with almost the same prevalence in the sylvatic environment (23%; 35/154). The local variation in T. cruzi prevalence (variating from 0%-100%) was highly correlated with the presence of some ecotopes where the insects were found; and we identified those linked to high natural triatomine infection prevalence by T. cruzi (mainly wood/tile/brick piles). Ninety-five percent of people interviewed recognized the triatomines and knew the classic route (vector-borne) of transmission of disease. However, only 7.5% admitted knowledge that Chagas disease can also be acquired orally – which poses a risk this transmission route currently recognized. Here, we highlight the physical proximity between humans and infected vector populations as an additional risk factor to oral/vector contaminations, providing recommendations to avoid further outbreaks.
Do Mitochondrial DNA Mutations Play a Key Role in the Chronification of Sterile Inflammation? Special Focus on Atherosclerosis
Authors: Orekhov Alexander N. , Gerasimova Elena V. , Sukhorukov Vasily N. , Poznyak Anastasia V. , Nikiforov Nikita G. 
Published: October 2020

Background:
The aim of the elucidation of mechanisms implicated in the chronification of inflammation
is to shed light on the pathogenesis of disorders that are responsible for the majority of the incidences of
diseases and deaths, and also causes of ageing. Atherosclerosis is an example of the most significant inflammatory
pathology. The inflammatory response of innate immunity is implicated in the development of atherosclerosis
arising locally or focally.

:
Modified low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was regarded as the trigger for this response. No atherosclerotic changes
in the arterial wall occur due to the quick decrease in inflammation rate. Nonetheless, the atherosclerotic lesion
formation can be a result of the chronification of local inflammation, which, in turn, is caused by alteration of the
response of innate immunity.

Objective:
In this review, we discussed potential mechanisms of the altered response of the immunity in atherosclerosis
with a particular emphasis on mitochondrial dysfunctions.

Conclusion:
A few mitochondrial dysfunctions can be caused by the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations.
Moreover, mtDNA mutations were found to affect the development of defective mitophagy. Modern investigations
have demonstrated the controlling mitophagy function in response to the immune system. Therefore, we
hypothesized that impaired mitophagy, as a consequence of mutations in mtDNA, can raise a disturbed innate
immunity response, resulting in the chronification of inflammation in atherosclerosis.
In Silico Vaccine Designing Targeting the Virulence Factors of mce Operons of Mycobacterium avium subsp. Paratuberculosis
Authors: Mohinani Taruna , Saxena Aditya , Singh Shoor Vir 
Published: October 2020

Background:
Mycobacterium avium sp. paratuberculosis (MAP) causes Paratuberculosis
(pTB) in domestic livestock and has also been associated with auto-immune disorders in humans.
Infection leads to huge economic losses to the farmers associated with livestock production
system worldwide. Currently, search to find proteins with the potential to develop as vaccine candidates
against MAP is underway.

Objective:
In this study, we aimed to explore the immunogenicity of the proteins of mammalian
cell entry (mce) operons of MAP using computational tools.

Methods:
Genes of mce operons of MAP strain K10 were selected and their orthologs identification
was made using VFanalyzer tool. Mce proteins encoded by these operons were analyzed for
their antigenicity and sub-cellular localization. Three dimensional structures for Mce proteins were
predicted using Phyre2. B cell and T cell epitope analysis was done using methods available at Immune
Epitope Database and Analysis Resource. The selection analysis of mce genes was also performed.

Results:
Eight Mce proteins were predicted with B cell and T cell epitopes. Some of them were reported
with overlapping B cell and T cell epitopes. We found positively selected sites within some
predicted epitopes that indicated some kind of selection pressure by immune system on these protein
regions. Some predicted epitopes also had similarities with experimentally identified epitopes
of Mce proteins of M. tuberculosis which further strengthened the immunogenic role of Mce proteins.

Conclusion:
Our findings may potentially assist in the development of effective vaccine against incurable
infection due to MAP bacilli in the domestic livestock species.
Melatonin Alleviates Pyroptosis of Retinal Neurons Following Acute Intraocular Hypertension
Authors: Zhang Yu , Huang Yanxia , Guo Limin , Zhang Yun , Zhao Mingxuan , Xue Fuyao , Tan Cheng , Huang Jufang , Chen Dan 
Published: October 2020

Background:
Glaucoma is a multifactorial optic neuropathy progressively characterized
by structural loss of Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs) and irreversible loss of vision. High Intraocular
Pressure (HIOP) is a high-risk factor for glaucoma. It has been reported that the mechanisms of
the loss of RGCs are explored in-depth after acute HIOP injury, such as apoptosis, autophagy, and
necrosis. However, pyroptosis, a novel type of pro-inflammatory cell programmed necrosis, is rarely
reported after HIOP injury. Research studies also showed that melatonin (MT) possesses substantial
anti-inflammatory properties. However, whether melatonin could alleviate retinal neuronal
death, especially pyroptosis, by HIOP injury is still unclear.

Objective:
This study explored pyroptosis of retinal neurons and the effects of melatonin in preventing
retinal neurons from pyroptosis after acute HIOP injury.

Methods:
An acute HIOP model of rats was established by increasing the IOP followed by reperfusion.
Western Blot (WB) was adopted to detect molecules related to pyroptosis at the protein level,
such as GSDMD, GASMDp32, Caspase-1, and caspase-1 p20, and the products of inflammatory reactions,
such as IL -18 and IL-1β. At the same time, immunofluorescence (IF) was used to co-localize
caspase-1 with retinal neurons to determine the position of caspase-1 expression. Morphologically,
ethidium homodimer III staining, a method commonly used to evaluate cell death, was carried
out to stain dead cells. Subsequently, Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assay kit was
used to quantitatively analyze the LDH released after cell disruption.

Results:
The results suggested that pyroptosis played a vital role in retinal neuronal death, especially
in the Ganglion Cell Layer, by acute HIOP injury and peaked at 6h after HIOP injury. Furthermore,
it was found that melatonin (MT) might prevent retinal neurons of pyroptosis via NF-κ
B/NLRP3 axis after HIOP injury in rats.

Conclusion:
Melatonin treatment might be considered a new strategy for protecting retinal neurons
against pyroptosis following acute HIOP injury.
Key Issues in Software Reliability Growth Models
Authors: Haque Md. Asraful , Ahmad Nesar 
Published: October 2020

Background::
Software Reliability Growth Models (SRGMs) are most widely used mathematical models to monitor, predict and assess the software reliability. They play an important role in industries to estimate the release time of a software product. Since 1970s, researchers have suggested a large number of SRGMs to forecast software reliability based on certain assumptions. They all have explained how the system reliability changes over time by analyzing failure data set throughout the testing process. However, none of the models is universally accepted and can be used for all kinds of software.

Objective::
The objective of this paper is to highlight the limitations of SRGMs and to suggest a novel approach towards the improvement.

Method::
We have presented the mathematical basis, parameters and assumptions of software reliability model and analyzed five popular models namely Jelinski-Moranda (J-M) Model, Goel Okumoto NHPP Model, Musa-Okumoto Log Poisson Model, Gompertz Model and Enhanced NHPP Model.

Conclusion::
The paper focuses on the many challenges like flexibility issues, assumptions, and uncertainty factors of using SRGMs. It emphasizes considering all affecting factors in reliability calculation. A possible approach has been mentioned at the end of the paper.
Features of remodeling of the right heart in comorbid patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Chesnikova A. I. , Dzyurich T. A. , Safronenko V. A. , Terentyev V. P. , Skarzhinskaya N. S. , Godunko E. S. 
Published: October 2020

Objective: to identify the features of structural and functional remodeling of the right heart in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) against the background of a combination of atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), to assess the effect on the concentration of the heart failure marker NT-proBNP.Materials and methods: the study included 120 patients who were divided in to 4 groups depending on the presence of CHF, AF and COPD. Patients underwent an echocardiographic (EchoCG) study, and the concentration of the N-terminal fragment of the brain natriuretic peptide precursor (NT-proBNP) was determined.Results: comparison of EchoCG parameters of the right heart in patients with CHF of different groups was performed in pairs to determine the effect of diseases on the remodeling of the right atrium (RA) and right ventricle (RV) in comorbid conditions. In patients with CHF, AF and COPD, in comparison with patients with CHF and AF without COPD, lower volume parameters of RA (p=0.004), greater wall thickness of the RV (p<0.001), lower values of the indexed end-diastolic area (EDA) of the RV (p=0.007) and its fractional area measurement (FAM) (p=0.011) were revealed, which allows us to judge the effect of chronic bronchoobstruction on heart remodeling in patients with CHF and AF. When compared with patients with CHF and COPD without AF in patients with CHF, AF and COPD have large size of RV (p=0.012), its indexed end-systolic area (ESA) (p<0.001), lower ejection fraction (EF) of RV (p=0.002), FAM (p<0.001), systolic excursion of the tricuspid valve plane (TAPSE) (p=0.012), indicating the influence of concomitant AF in EchoCG parameters in patients with CHF and COPD. A higher concentration of NT-proBNP was found in patients with CHF, AF and COPD compared to the marker level in both patients with CHF and AF without COPD (p=0.010) and in patients with CHF and COPD without AF (p<0.001), due to more pronounced remodeling of the RV.Conclusions: In patients with CHF, AF and COPD were the features of the remodeling of the right heart, caused by influence of, on the one hand, AF, on the other, with COPD the structural and functional parameters of heart in patients with this combined pathology. Using the extended protocol EchoCG studies identify additional characteristics of structural-functional state of the right heart (ESA and EDA RV, RV EF, TAPSE and FAM) will optimize early diagnosis of CHF and cardiovascular and bronchopulmonary diseases.
Study of Angiogenesis Factors in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Khaisheva L. A. , Khorolets E. V. , Suroedov V. A. , Samakaev A. S. , Shlyk S. V. 
Published: October 2020

Objective: to study the level of angiogenesis factors (fibroblast growth factor, platelet growth factor, endostatin), as well as tumor necrosis factor alpha in the acute period of myocardial infarction 6 months after the event, depending on the presence of drug revascularization.Materials and methods: patients with AMI of the anterior wall of the left ventricle with St segment elevation were Included. AMI patients were divided into groups: I group included patients who received thrombolytic therapy (TLT), II - patients who did not receive TLT. Group III was composed of relatively healthy volunteers. Angiogenesis indicators were studied depending on the TIMI scale and complications at the hospital and outpatient stages of treatment.Results: In AMI patients, an increase in angiogenesis processes was detected, regardless of the presence or absence of thrombolytic therapy, and an increase in the level of angiogenesis inducers. Six months after the activity of angiogenesis processes is maintained, while inflammation decreases − a decrease in the tumor necrosis factor alpha.Conclusions: In patients with AMI with ST segment rise in the acute period, there is an increase in angiogenesis processes, regardless of the presence or absence of TLT.
DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION OF TAZAROTENE LOADED SOLID LIPID NANOPARTICLES FOR TOPICAL DELIVERY
Authors: RAJKUMAR ALAND  , GANESAN M  , RAJESWARA RAO P  
Published: October 2020

Objective: Psoriasis is an unswervingly recurring, inflammatory, autoimmune disorder of the skin, disturbing about 2–5% of the world population. The main objective for this investigation is to develop and optimize the solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) formulation of tazarotene for effective drug delivery.
Methods: Tazarotene SLNs were fabricated by hot homogenization followed by the ultrasonication using Taguchi’s orthogonal array with eight parameters that could affect the particle size and entrapment efficiency (EE). In view of the outcomes from the examinations of the responses acquired from Taguchi design, three diverse independent variables including sonication time (s), lipid to drug ratio (w/w), and surfactant concentration (%) were carefully chosen for further investigation utilizing central composite design. The lipid dynasan-116, surfactant poloxamer-188, and cosurfactant egg lecithin resulted in better percent drug loading and evaluated for particle size, drug EE, zeta potential, in vitro drug release, and stability.
Results: The prepared nanoformulations were evaluated for different parameters and found to be in an acceptable range. In vitro drug release of optimized SLN formulation (F1) was found to be 98.12±1.52%, whereas pure drug release was 42.12 after 60 min, and the major mechanism of drug release follows zero-order kinetics release data for optimized formulation (F1) with non-Fickian (anomalous) with a strong correlation coefficient (R2=0.98598) of Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Transmission electron microscopy analysis has demonstrated the presence of individual nanoparticles in spherical shape, and the results were also compatible with particle size measurements. The drug content of tazarotene gel formulation was found to 98.96±0.021%, and the viscosity of gel formulation at 5 rpm was found to be 5.98×103±0.34×103 cp. The release rate (flux) of tazarotene across the membrane and expunged skin diverges pointedly, which specifies the barrier nature of skin. The flux value for SLN based gel formulation (193.454±4.324 μg/cm2/h) was found to be higher than that for marketed gel (116.345±2.238 μg/cm2/h). The higher flux and Kp values of SLN based gel suggest that it might be able to enter the skin easily as compared with marketed gel with an advantage of low interfacial tension of the emulsifier film that ensures an excellent contact to the skin.
Conclusion: From the obtained results, the topically oriented SLN-based gel formulation of tazarotene could be useful in providing effective and site-specific psoriasis treatment.
IN VITRO EVALUATION OF HYPOLIPIDEMIC EFFECT OF EXTRACTS OF MEDICINAL DRACAENA CINNABARI BALF. F. RESIN
Authors: YASSER HUSSEIN EISSA MOHAMMED  , DEEPIKA HS  , FARES HEZAM AL-OSTOOT  , ZABIULLA  , ANILAKUMAR  , SHAUKATH ARA KHANUM  
Published: October 2020

Objective: The objective of the study was to in vitro evaluate of hypolipidemic effect of extracts of medicinal Dracaena cinnabari Balf. f. resin.
Methods: About 800 g of dry powder of the resin of dracaena cinnabar was taken in a Soxhlet apparatus and subjected for sequential extraction of solvents from non-polar to polar end (hexane, benzene, diethyl ether, dichloromethane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol, methanol, and water); the extract samples were kept at 4°C for further assays. All the extracts were subjected to glucose uptake assay.
Results: The ethanol extract showed significant (p<0.05) hypolipidemic effect by decreasing the activity of enzyme such as significant reduction in the pancreatic lipase enzyme, malic dehydrogenase enzyme, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme with IC50~13, ~13, and ~14, respectively. This results were similar to the standard drug atorvastatin with IC50~12, ~16, and ~17, respectively. Ethanol extract exhibited significant atherogenic index and percentage protection against hyperlipidemia. The potential biological activity of ethanol extract may be attributed to the highest polarity which needs further investigation.
MEDICATION ADHERENCE IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS - A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: PRATHYUSHA RANI T  , PRASHANTHI B  , AYESHA AMREEN FATHIMA  , AYESHA FIRDOSE  , SARA NASER  , NAJMA BEGUM  , KAUSER BEGUM  
Published: October 2020

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the adherence of medications among type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. To evaluate adherence to therapy and study factors associated with non-adherence and adherence in patients with type II DM.
Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted for 6 months in three hospitals. A total of 200 type II diabetic patients, who were on anti-diabetic drug therapy for at least 6 months, were enrolled. Blood glucose was measured and details of drug therapy were noted. Medication adherence was assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale and adherence scores were calculated.
Results: Only 15% had high medication adherence, while 24% had moderate and 61% had low medication adherence. Only 30% were having optimally controlled glycemic levels, whereas 70% were having uncontrolled glycemic levels. Medication adherence scores were lower (reflecting lower adherence) in type II patients with uncontrolled glycemic levels than those having optimally controlled glycemic levels, but this difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Overall, medication adherence was low in type II diabetic patients. The study shows that to improve medication adherence, better counseling and health education of patients are required. Although several patients were adherent to therapy, adherent patients are more preferably to achieve glycemic control than nonadherent patients. Greater efforts are needed to facilitate diabetes self-management behaviors to improve patient outcomes.