bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanopolystyrene translocation and fetal deposition after acute lung exposure during late-stage pregnancy
Authors: Fournier Sara B , D’Errico Jeanine N , Adler Derek S , Kollontzi Stamatina , Goedken Michael J , Fabris Laura , Yurkow Edward J , Stapleton Phoebe A 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Plastic is everywhere. It is used in food packaging, storage containers, electronics, furniture, clothing, and common single-use disposable items. Microplastic and nanoplastic particulates are formed from bulk fragmentation and disintegration of plastic pollution. Plastic particulates have recently been detected in indoor air and remote atmospheric fallout. Due to their small size, microplastic and nanoplastic particulate in the atmosphere can be inhaled and may pose a risk for human health, specifically in susceptible populations. When inhaled, nanosized particles have been shown to translocate across pulmonary cell barriers to secondary organs, including the placenta. However, the potential for maternal-to-fetal translocation of nanosized-plastic particles and the impact of nanoplastic deposition or accumulation on fetal health remain unknown. In this study we investigated whether nanopolystyrene particles can cross the placental barrier and deposit in fetal tissues after maternal pulmonary exposure.Results: Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to 20 nm rhodamine-labeled nanopolystyrene beads (2.64 x 1014 particles) via intratracheal instillation on gestational day (GD) 19. Twenty-four hours later on GD 20, maternal and fetal tissues were evaluated using fluorescent optical imaging. Fetal tissues were fixed for particle visualization with hyperspectral microscopy. Using isolated placental perfusion, a known concentration of nanopolystyrene was injected into the uterine artery. Maternal and fetal effluents were collected for 180 minutes and assessed for polystyrene particle concentration. Twenty-four hours after maternal exposure, fetal and placental weights were significantly lower (7% and 8%, respectively) compared with controls. Nanopolystyrene particles were detected in the maternal lung, heart, and spleen. Polystyrene nanoparticles were also observed in the placenta, fetal liver, lungs, heart, kidney, and brain suggesting maternal lung-to-fetal tissue nanoparticle translocation in late stage pregnancy.Conclusion: These studies confirm that maternal pulmonary exposure to nanopolystyrene results in the translocation of plastic particles to placental and fetal tissues and renders the fetoplacental unit vulnerable to adverse effects. These data are vital to the understanding of plastic particulate toxicology and the developmental origins of health and disease.
BTG1 inhibits malignancy as a novel prognosis signature in endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Li Yibing , Huo Jianing , He Junjian , Zhang Yunzheng , Ma xiaoxin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one of the three major malignant tumors of the female reproductive system. In recent years, the incidence and mortality rate of EC have increased. B-cell translocation gene 1 (BTG1) is an anti-proliferation gene that regulates the occurrence and development of a variety of tumors, but there is no research regarding this gene in EC.Methods: Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we used a variety of bioinformatics tools and databases to explore the expression and prognosis of BTG1. We verified expression and prognosis of BTG1 in EC using qRT-PCR and analyzed the relevant clinicopathological parameters. We functionally enriched BTG1 and related genes in EC patients through the bioinformatics website and analyzed miRNA targets of BTG1 and interacting protein networks. Cell proliferation, wound healing, transwell invasion, and cell apoptosis assays were used to detect the effects of BTG1 on the malignant biological behavior of endometrial carcinoma cells (ECCs). The effect of BTG1 on the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process was detected using western blot.Results: We analyzed the expression and prognosis of BTG1 based on TCGA and found that low expression of BTG1 was associated with poor EC prognosis. The qRT-PCR suggested that BTG1 had low expression in EC. BTG1 expression was significantly correlated with overall survival (OS) shortening. Clinicopathological analysis suggested that expression of BTG1 was related to invasion depth and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage. EC pathological tissue type, fertility history, lymphatic metastasis, menopause, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and age of diagnosis were not related. Functional enrichment analysis showed that BTG1 plays an important role in regulating embryonic development, tumorigenesis, apoptosis, and cell cycle. Biological behavior experiments suggest that BTG1 inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of ECCs, and promotes apoptosis of ECCs. Western blot indicated that BTG1 inhibited the EMT process of ECCs.Conclusions: BTG1 plays an important role in the occurrence and development of EC. BTG1, as a tumor suppressor gene, shows low expression in EC, which can inhibit malignant biological behavior and EMT process of ECCs. In addition, BTG1 can be used as a potential prognostic biomarker for EC.
Evaluation of curcumin and copper acetate against Salmonella Typhimurium infection, intestinal permeability, and cecal microbiota composition in broiler chickens
Authors: Leyva-Diaz Anaisa A. , Hernandez-Patlan Daniel , Solis-Cruz Bruno , Adhikari Bishnu , Kwon Young Min , Latorre Juan D. , Hernandez-Velasco Xochitl , Fuente-Martinez Benjamin , Hargis Billy M. , Lopez-Arellano Raquel , Tellez Guillermo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Interest in the use of natural feed additives as an alternative to antimicrobials in the poultry industry has increased in recent years because of the risk of bacterial resistance. One of the most studied groups are polyphenolic compounds, given their advantages over other types of additives and their easy potentiation of effects when complexes are formed with metal ions. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of dietary supplementation of copper acetate (CA), curcumin (CR), and their combination (CA-CR) against Salmonella Typhimurium colonization, intestinal permeability, and cecal microbiota composition in broiler chickens through a laboratory Salmonella infection model, indirect determination of intestinal integrity by measuring fitc-d in serum and microbiota analysis by DNA extraction.Results: The obtained results showed that in two independent studies, all experimental treatments were able to significantly reduce the S. Typhimurium colonization in cecal tonsils (CT, P< 0.0001) compared to the positive control (PC) group. However, CR and CA-CR were the most effective treatments in reducing S. Typhimurium counts. Furthermore, the serum fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d) concentration in chickens treated with CR was significantly lower when compared to PC (P= 0.0084), which is related to a decrease in intestinal permeability and therefore intestinal integrity. The effect of dietary treatments in reducing S. Typhimurium colonization was further supported by the Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis of microbiota data, where Salmonella was significantly enriched in PC group (LDA score > 2.0 and P<0.05). In addition, Coprobacillus, Eubacterium, and Clostridium were significantly higher in the PC group compared to other treatment groups. On the contrary, Fecalibacterium and Enterococcus in CR, unknown genus of Erysipelotrichaceae at CA-CR, and unknown genus of Lachnospiraceae at CA were significantly abundant respectively.Conclusions: CR treatment was the most effective treatment to reduce S. Typhimurium intestinal colonization and maintain better intestinal homeostasis which might be achieved through modulation of cecal microbiota.
Automatic Segmentation of Coronary Lumen and External Elastic Membrane in Intravascular Ultrasound Images Using 8-layer U-Net
Authors: Dong Liang , Lu Wei , Jiang Jun , Zhao Ya , Song Xiangfen , Leng Xiaochang , Zhao Hang , Wang Jian’an , Li Changling , Xiang Jianping 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is the golden standard in accessing the coronary lesions, stenosis, and atherosclerosis plaques. In this paper, a fully-automatic approach by an 8-layer U-Net is developed to segment the coronary artery lumen and the area bounded by external elastic membrane, i.e. EEM cross section area (EEM-CSA). The database comprises of single-vendor and single-frequency IVUS data. Particularly, the proposed data augmentation of MeshGrid combined with flip and rotation operations is implemented, improving the model performance without pre- or post-processing of the raw IVUS images.﻿Results: The mean intersection of union (mIoU) of 0.941 and 0.750 for the lumen and EEM-CSA respectively were achieved, which exceeded the manual labeling accuracy of the clinician. Conclusion: The accuracy shown by the proposed method is sufficient for subsequent reconstruction of 3D IVUS images, which is essential for doctors’ diagnosis in the tissue characterization of coronary artery walls and plaque compositions, qualitatively and quantitatively.
Analysis Of Candidate Genes Expected To Be Essential For Melanoma Surviving
Authors: Krivosheeva Irina , Filatova Alexandra , Moshkovskii Sergei , Baranova Ancha , Skoblov Mikhail 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Cancers may be treated by selective targeting of the genes vital for their survival. A number of attempts have led to discovery of several genes essential for surviving of tumor cells of different types. In this work, we tried to analyze genes that were previously predicted to be essential for melanoma surviving. Here we present the results of transient siRNA-mediated knockdown of the four of such genes, namely, UNC45A, STK11IP, RHPN2 and ZNFX1, in melanoma cell line A375, then assayed the cells for their viability, proliferation and ability to migrate in vitro. In our study, the knockdown of the genes predicted as essential for melanoma survival does not lead to statistically significant changes in cell viability. On the other hand, for each of the studied genes, mobility assays showed that the knockdown of each of the target genes accelerates the speed of cells migrating. Possible explanation for such counterintuitive results may include insufficiency of the predicting computational models or the necessity of a multiplex knockdown of the genes.AimsTo examine the hypothesis of essentiality of hypomutated genes for melanoma surviving we have performed knockdown of several genes in melanoma cell line and analyzed cell viability and their ability to migrate.MethodsKnockdown was performed by siRNAs transfected by Metafectene PRO. The levels of mRNAs before and after knockdown were evaluated by RT-qPCR analysis. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed by MTT assay. Cell migration was assessed by wound healing assay.ResultsThe knockdown of the genes predicted as essential for melanoma survival does not lead to statistically significant changes in cell viability. On the other hand, for each of the studied genes, mobility assays showed that the knockdown of each of the target genes accelerates the speed of cells migrating. ConclusionOur results do not confirm initial hypothesis that the genes predicted essential for melanoma survival as a matter of fact support the survival of melanoma cells.
Inhibition of circRNA circVPS33B reduces cell malignant behaviors and Warburg effect through regulation of the miR-873-5p/HNRNPK axis in infiltrative gastric cancer&nbsp;
Authors: Lu Yizhuo , Cheng Jia , Cai Wangyu , Zhuo Huiqin , Wu Guoyang , Cai Jianchun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Circular RNA VPS33B (circVPS33B) is upregulated in gastric cancer (GC) tissues. However, the role of circVPS33B in infiltrative GC is indistinct. Methods: Expression of circVPS33B, miR-873-5p, and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (HNRNPK) mRNA was detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of infiltrative GC cells (XGC-1) were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT), plate clone, wound healing, or transwell assays. Several protein levels were examined by western blotting. The extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of XGC-1 cells were evaluated by XF96 extracellular flux analyzer. Glucose uptake and lactate production were analyzed by glycolysis assay. The relationship between circVPS33B or HNRNPK and miR-873-5p was verified by dual-luciferase reporter and/or RNA pull-down assays. In vivo tumorigenesis assay was executed for verifying the in vitro results.Results: CircVPS33B and HNRNPK were upregulated while miR-873-5p was downregulated in infiltrative GC tissues and XGC-1 cells. CircVPS33B silencing decreased tumor growth in vivo and inhibited proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, and Warburg effect of XGC-1 cells in vitro. CircVPS33B regulated HNRNPK expression via sponging miR-873-5p. The inhibitory influence of circVPS33B knockdown on the malignancy and Warburg effect of XGC-1 cells was overturned by miR-873-5p inhibitor. HNRNPK overexpression reversed the repression of the malignancy and Warburg effect of XGC-1 cells caused by miR-873-5p mimic.Conclusions: CircVPS33B accelerated infiltrative GC progression through regulating the miR-873-5p/HNRNPK axis, manifesting that circVPS33B might be a promising target for infiltrative GC treatment.
Evaluation of hepatic fibrosis in HIV/HCV Co-infected individuals in Yaoundé, Cameroon: Usefulness of APRI score in resource-constrained settings
Authors: Dobseu Rodolphe Steven , Nanfack Aubin Joseph , Kowo Mathurin , Ambada Georgia , Kamgaing Rachel Simo , Chenwi Collins , Fainguem Nadine , Ka’e Aude , Ngangoum Eric , Sosso Samuel Martin , Tchiegang Clergé , Ndjolo Alexis 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: HIV infection exacerbates the prognosis of HCV infection, with a faster progression of hepatitis. Hepatic fibrosis is the major disruption of the hepatic tissue architecture characterized by anarchic deposition and excess of the extracellular matrix. The objective of this study was to evaluate hepatic fibrosis in HIV/HCV co-infected individuals as compared to HCV mono-infected. Methods: A total of 97 participants (mean age 60.2±14.3 years and 0.76 male/female sex ratio) was enrolled in a study conducted in Yaoundé, Cameroon from November 2018 to January 2019. Liver fibrosis was assessed by the APRI score (Aspartate Aminotransferase or AST/Platelet Ratio Index) which identifies the stage of fibrosis classified by the Metavir system (F0 to F4). CD4 counts and plasmatic HIV viral load of HIV/HCV co-infected individuals were determined and the correlation between hepatic fibrosis and immuno-virological status established. Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Excel 2016 and EpiInfo7 software.Results: A high proportion (63.6%) of HIV/HCV co-infected participants had an abnormal AST level: 73.6±45.8 IU/L as compared to 58.5±39.3 IU/L (59.3%) among HCV mono-infected participants. The frequency of thrombocytopenia was 63.6% with a mean platelet count of 137±50x103 IU/L in HIV/HCV co-infected participants as compared to 176±67x103 IU/L in HCV mono-infected participants (38.4%). The progression of hepatic fibrosis in participants with clinically significant fibrosis: F2, F3 and F4 was higher among HIV/HCV co-infected and the mean APRI score was 1.7±1.4 versus 1±0.8 among HCV mono-infected (26.7%). All participants (100%) with detectable HIV viral load had clinically significant fibrosis compared to 33.4% in those with undetectable HIV viral load (p=0.55). Only 42.9% participants with CD4>500 cells/µL had clinically significant fibrosis (p=0.72) while 100% participants with CD4<200 cells/µL had clinically significant fibrosis (p=0.58). Conclusions: A high level of AST combined with thrombocytopenia (APRI score>1.5) is an indicator of hepatic fibrosis in HIV/HCV co-infected individuals. Because of its non-invasive and less costly nature, the APRI score can be a suitable biomarker to monitor hepatic fibrosis in HIV/HCV co-infected individuals in resource constrained settings.
Elevated serum triglyceride predicts recurrence of colorectal polyps in patients with advanced adenomas
Authors: Liu Boying , Wen Pingwu , Gu Xiaodong , Weng Ruiqiang , Liu Sudong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Recurrence of colorectal polyps is common and impacted by various factors. This study was performed to explore the association between lipid profiles and recurrence of colorectal polyps.Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed the lipid profiles of 435 patients who underwent colonoscopy with removal of colorectal polyps and assessed recurrence of polyps by follow-up colonoscopy. Multivariate regression logistic analysis was used to evaluate the association between lipid profiles and polyp recurrence.Results: During the 1.5-year follow-up, recurrence of colorectal polyps was observed in 135 of 435 patients (30.34%). Patients with recurrent polyps showed a higher level of triglycerides (P = 0.006) and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.008) and apolipoprotein A1 (P = 0.033). The multivariate regression logistic model suggested that an elevated triglyceride level was an independent risk factor for polyp recurrence (odds ratio, 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 - 2.35; P = 0.039) in patients with advanced adenoma.Conclusions: Lipid profiles are associated with recurrence of colorectal polyps. An elevated triglyceride level is an independent risk predictor of polyp recurrence in patients with advanced adenoma.
Identification of collagen genes related to immune infiltration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in glioma
Authors: Yin Wen , Tan Jun , Xin Zhaoqi , Zhou Quanwei , Cao Yudong , Wu Zhaoping , Lei Wang , Jiang Xingjun , Ren Caiping , Tang Guihua 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Gliomas account for the majority of fatal primary brain tumors, and there is much room for research in the underlying pathogenesis, the multistep progression of glioma, and how to improve survival. In our study, we aimed to identify potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets of glioma and study the mechanism underlying the tumor progression. Methods: We downloaded the microarray datasets (GSE43378 and GSE7696) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, we used weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to screen potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets related to the tumor progression. ESTIMATE (Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumors using Expression data) algorithm and TIMER (Tumor Immune Estimation Resource) database were used to analyze the correlation between the selected genes and the tumor microenvironment. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the selected gene. Transwell and wound healing assay were used to measure the cell migration and invasion capacity.Results: We identified specific module genes that were positively correlated with the WHO grade but negatively correlated with OS of glioma. Importantly, we identified that 6 collagen genes (COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, COL4A1, COL4A2, and COL5A2) could regulate the immunosuppressive microenvironment of glioma. Moreover, we found that these collagen genes were significantly involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of glioma. Finally, taking COL5A2 as a further research object, the results showed that knockdown of COL5A2 significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of SHG44 and A172 cells. Conclusions: In summary, our study demonstrated that collagen genes play an important role in regulating the immunosuppressive microenvironment and EMT process of glioma and could serve as potential therapeutic targets for glioma management.
Teaching Pediatric Otoscopy Skills to the Medical Student in the Clinical Setting: Preceptor Perspectives and Practice
Authors: Paul Caroline R , Joyce Alanna Higgins , Dallaghan Gary Beck , Keeley Meg , Lehmann Corinne , Schmidt Suzanne , Simonsen Kari , Christy Cynthia 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Acute otitis media (AOM) is the most frequent indication for antibiotic treatment of children in the United States. Its diagnosis relies on visualization of the tympanic membrane, a clinical skill acquired through a deliberate approach. Instruction in pediatric otoscopy begins in medical school. Medical students receive their primary experience with pediatric otoscopy during the required pediatric clerkship, traditionally relying on an immersion, apprentice-type learning model. A better understanding of their preceptors’ clinical and teaching practices could lead to improved skill acquisition. This study investigates how pediatric preceptors (PP) and members of the Council on Medical Student Education in Pediatrics (COMSEP) perceive teaching otoscopy. Methods: A 30-item online survey was administered to a purposeful sample of PP at six institutions in 2017. A comparable 23-item survey was administered to members through the 2018 COMSEP Annual Survey. Only COMSEP members who identified themselves as teaching otoscopy to medical students were asked to complete the otoscopy-related questions on the survey. Results: Survey respondents included 58% of PP (180/310) and 44% (152/348) of COMSEP members. Forty-one percent (62/152) of COMSEP member respondents identified themselves as teaching otoscopy and completed the otoscopy-related questions. The majority agreed that standardized curricula are needed (PP 78%, COMSEP members 97%) and that all graduating medical students should be able to perform pediatric otoscopy (PP 95%, COMSEP members 79%). Most respondents reported usefulness of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) AOM guidelines (PP 95%, COMSEP members 100%). More COMSEP members than PP adhered to the AAP’s diagnostic criteria (pediatric preceptors 42%, COMSEP members 93%). The most common barriers to teaching otoscopy were a lack of assistive technology (PP 77%, COMSEP members 56%), presence of cerumen (PP 58%, COMSEP members 60%), time to teach in direct patient care (PP 46%, COMSEP members 48%), and parent anxiety (PP 62%, COMSEP members 54%). Conclusions: Our study identified systemic and individual practice patterns and barriers to teaching pediatric otoscopy. These results can inform education leaders in supporting and enabling preceptors in their clinical teaching. This approach can be adapted to ensure graduating medical students obtain intended core clinical skills.