bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
M1 macrophage activation in severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria patients with pulmonary oedema
Authors: Klinkhamhom Aekkarin , Glaharn Supattra , Sris Charit , Ampawong Sumate , Krudsood Srivicha , Ward Stephen A. , Viriyavejakul Parnpen 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Pulmonary oedema (PE) is a serious complication of severe P. falciparum malaria which can lead to acute lung injury in severe cases. Lung macrophages are activated during malaria infection due to a complex host-immune response. The molecular basis for macrophage polarisation is still unclear but understanding the predominant subtypes could lead to new therapeutic strategies where the diseases present with lung involvement. The present study was designed to study the polarisation of lung macrophages, as M1 or M2 macrophages, in the lungs of severe P. falciparum malaria patients with and without evidence of PE. Methods Lung tissue samples, taken from patients who died from severe P. falciparum malaria, were categorised into severe malaria with PE and without PE (non-PE). Expression of surface markers (CD68- all macrophages, CD40- M1 macrophage and CD163- M2 macrophage) on activated lung macrophages was used to quantify M1/M2 macrophage subtypes.Results Lung injury was demonstrated in malaria patients with PE. The expression of CD40 (M1 macrophage) was prominent in the group of severe P. falciparum malaria patients with PE (p < 0.05), whereas there was no difference observed for CD163 (M2 macrophage) between PE and non-PE groups. Conclusions The study demonstrates M1 polarisation in lung tissues from severe P. falciparum malaria infections with PE. Understanding the nature of macrophage characterisation in malaria infection may provide new insights into therapeutic approaches that could be deployed to reduce lung damage in severe P. falciparum malaria.
Maintenance considerations in elderly dependent patients with implants
Authors: Sato Yuji , Koyama Shigeto , Ohkubo Chikahiro , Ogura Shin , Kamijo Ryutaro , Sato Soh , Aida Jun , Izumi Yuichi , Atsum Mihoko , Isobe Akio , Baba Shunsuke , Ikum Noriharu , Watanabe Fumihiko 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Self-care and professional care of implants may prove difficult for elderly people who require nursing care. However, the actual state of care and problems remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the actual state of implant problems in elderly people living in their own home or in a nursing home who received visiting dental treatment. Methods We mailed questionnaire survey forms to 2339 representatives or specialists who were members of the Japanese Society of Oral Implantology, the Japanese Society of Gerodontology or the Japan Prosthodontic Society. We narrowed down the respondents to those who provided visiting dental treatment, and analyzed the actual state of implants observed during visiting dental treatment (type, care, problems, countermeasures, etc.). Results Of the 924 dentists who responded to the questionnaire survey, 291 (22%) provided visiting dental treatment . While the majority of implant types encountered in the previous 12 months were root-form implants, there were still a certain number of blade and subperiosteal implants. Daily implant care involved mostly cleaning with a toothbrush + auxiliary tools. The most frequent implant problems encountered in the past were difficulty in cleaning and peri-implantitis. Medication and antiphlogistic treatment were most frequently adopted as countermeasures to implant problems, followed by observation. When we classified the results into those for the dentists who provided implant treatment and those for the dentists who did not, we found that many of the dentists who did not provide implant treatment opted for observation or medication, while those who provided implant treatment also implemented removal of superstructure, retightening of screws, repair and so forth. Conclusions We found that many of the implant troubles encountered by dentists who provided visiting dental care were difficulty in cleaning or peri-implantitis, and that the actions taken against these troubles varied depending on the experience of the dentist performing the implant treatment. Our study also revealed that dentists who provide visiting dental care need to acquire knowledge and skills of implant treatment, to have actions prepared in case they encounter such cases, or to closely coordinate with dentists who specialize in implants.
Expression of VEGF-C and its association with clinicopathological features among patients with gastric cancer undergoing gastric surgery at Tongji medical hospital, China.
Authors: MAWALLA BRIAN , Luo Xiaoxiao , Xianglin Yuan 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Objectives: Gastric cancer shows epidemiological variability according to geographic locations, these differences have been demonstrated both regionally and within countries. There is no baseline protocol regarding using VEGF-C as tumor marker in local setting therefore it was necessary to conduct this study, the current study conducted to analyze the correlation exists between VEGF-C and clinicopathological parameters in patients with gastric cancer undergoing a surgical procedure at Tongji medical hospital. Results: 161samples analyzed were from Chinese patients who had undergone either palliative or curative surgical procedure between October 2015 and September 2017 at Tongji medical hospital. I mmunohistochemistry was method was used to analyses presence of VEGF-C in tissues. Among 161 gastric cancer patients, 101 (62.7%) gastric samples showed strong VEGF-C expression and 60 (37.3%) gastric samples showed weak VEGF-C expression. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, tumor grade, invasion of lymph nodes and TNM staging were statistically significantly found to associate with strong expression of VEGF-C. VEGF-C strong expression was significantly seen more in adenocarcinoma of gastric cancer, and Therefore, VEGF-C may be used as a biological marker for assessing the biological characteristics of gastric.
Comparative transcriptome profiling reveals cold stress responsiveness in two contrasting Chinese jujube cultivars
Authors: Zhou Heying , He Ying , Zhu Yongsheng , Li Meiyu , Song Shuang , Bo Wenhao , Li Yingyue , Pang Xiaoming 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Low temperature is a major factor influencing the growth and development of Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) in cold winter and spring. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms enabling jujube to cope with different freezing stress conditions. To elucidate the freezing-related molecular changes, we conducted comparative transcriptome analyses from the cold-sensitive cultivar ‘Dongzao’ and cold-tolerant cultivar ‘Jinsixiaozao’ using RNA-Seq. Results: In our study, more than 20,000 genes were detected at chilling (4°C) and freezing (-10°C, -20°C, -30°C and -40°C) stress between the two cultivars. The numbers of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two cultivars were 1831, 2030, 1993, 1845 and 2137 under the five treatments. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that the metabolic pathway, response to stimulus and catalytic activity were significantly enriched under stronger freezing stress. Among the DEGs, nine participated in the Ca2+ signal pathway, thirty-two were identified to participate in sucrose metabolism, and others were identified to participate in the regulation of ROS, plant hormones and antifreeze proteins. In addition, important transcription factors (WRKY, AP2/ERF, NAC and bZIP) participating in freezing stress were activated under different degrees of freezing stress. Conclusions: Our research first provides a more comprehensive understanding of DEGs involved in freezing stress at the transcriptome level in two Z. jujuba cultivars with different freezing tolerances. These results may help to elucidate the molecular mechanism of freezing tolerance in jujube and also provides new insights and candidate genes for genetically enhancing freezing stress tolerance.
Genome-wide genetic structure and selection signatures for color in 10 traditional Chinese yellow-feathered chicken breeds
Authors: Huang Xunhe , Otecko Newton O. , Peng Minsheng , Weng Zhuoxian , Li Weina , Chen Jiebo , Zhong Ming , Zhong Fusheng , Jin Sihua , Geng Zhaoyu , Luo Wei , He Danlin , Ma Cheng , Han Jianlin , Ommeh Sheila C. , Zhang Yaping , Zhang Xiquan , Du Bingwang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Yellow-feathered chickens (YFCs) have a long history in China. They are well-known for the nutritional and commercial importance attributable to their yellow color phenotype. Currently, there is a huge paucity in knowledge of the genetic determinants responsible for phenotypic and biochemical properties of these iconic chickens. This study aimed to uncover the genetic structure and the molecular underpinnings of the YFCs trademark coloration.Results: The whole-genomes of 100 YFCs from 10 major traditional breeds and 10 Huaibei partridge chickens from China were re-sequenced. Comparative population genomics based on autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) revealed three geographically based clusters among the YFCs. Compared to other Chinese indigenous chicken genomes incorporated from previous studies, a closer genetic proximity within YFC breeds than between YFC breeds and other chicken populations is evident. Through genome-wide scans for selective sweeps, we identified RALY heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (RALY), leucine rich repeat containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4), solute carrier family 23 member 2 (SLC23A2), and solute carrier family 2 member 14 (SLC2A14), besides the classical beta-carotene dioxygenase 2 (BCDO2), as major candidates pigment determining genes in the YFCs.Conclusion: We provide the first comprehensive genomic data of the YFCs. Our analyses show phylogeographical patterns among the YFCs and potential candidate genes giving rise to the yellow color trait of the YFCs. This study lays the foundation for further research on the genome-phenotype cross-talks that define important poultry traits and for formulating genetic breeding and conservation strategies for the YFCs.
Emodin alleviates LPS-induced inflammatory response in lung injury rat by affecting the function of neutrophils
Authors: Mei Hongxia , Tao Ying , Zhang Tianhao , Qi Feng 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Acute lung injury (ALI) and/or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are critical life-threatening syndromes characterized by the infiltration of a large number of neutrophils that lead to an excessive inflammatory response. Emodin (Emo) is a naturally occurring anthraquinone derivative and an active ingredient of Chinese medicine. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we examined the impact of Emo on the pulmonary inflammatory response and the neutrophil function in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI.Results: Treatment with Emo protected rat against LPS-induced ALI. Compared to untreated rat, Emo-treated rat exhibited significantly ameliorated lung pathological changes and decreased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). However, Emo has no protective effect on the rat model of acute lung injury with neutrophil deficiency. In addition, treatment with Emo enhanced the bactericidal capacity of LPS-induced neutrophils via the up-regulation of the ability of neutrophils to phagocytize bacteria and generate neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Emo also downregulated the neutrophil respiratory burst and the expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in LPS-stimulated neutrophils, alleviating the damage of neutrophils to surrounding tissues. Finally, Emo can accelerate the resolution of inflammation by promoting apoptosis of neutrophils. Conclusion: Our results provide the evidence that Emo could ameliorates LPS-induced ALI via its anti-inflammatory action by modulating the function of neutrophils. Emo may be a promising preventive and therapeutic agent in the treatment of ALI.
How to recover from a bad start: size at metamorphosis affects growth and survival in a tropical amphibian
Authors: Szekely Diana , Cogalniceanu Dan , Szekely Paul , Armijos-Ojeda Diego , Espinosa-Mogrovejo Valentina , Denoel Mathieu 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: In species with complex life cycles, size at metamorphosis is a key life-history trait which reflects the complex interactions between costs and benefits of life in the aquatic and terrestrial environments. Whereas the effects of a deteriorating larval habitat (e.g. pond desiccation) on triggering an early metamorphosis have been extensively investigated in amphibians, the consequences of the resulting reduced size at metamorphosis on fitness in the post-metamorphic terrestrial stage remain poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that a smaller size at metamorphosis negatively affects performance and survival in the ensuing terrestrial stage. Using as model a tropical amphibian (Ceratophrys stolzmanni) showing a large phenotypic plasticity in metamorphosing traits, we evaluated the effects of size at metamorphosis on fitness-related trophic and locomotor performance traits, as well as on growth and survival rates. Results: Our results support the hypothesis that a larger size at metamorphosis is correlated with better survival and performance. The survival rate of large metamorphosing individuals was 95%, compared to 60% for those completing metamorphosis at a small size. Locomotor performance and gape size were positively correlated with body size, larger animals being more mobile and capable to ingest larger prey. However, smaller individuals achieved higher growth rates, thus reducing the size gap. Conclusions: Overall, size at metamorphosis affected profoundly the chances of survival in the short term, but smaller surviving individuals partly compensated their initial disadvantages by increasing growth rates.
Adjunct use of mouth rinses with a sonic toothbrush accelerates the detachment of a Streptococcus mutans biofilm: an in vitro study
Authors: Ohsumi Tatsuya , Takenaka Shoji , Sakaue Yuuki , Suzuki Yuki , Nagata Ryoko , Hasegawa Taisuke , Ohshima Hayato , Terao Yutaka , Noiri Yuichiro 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The aim of this in vitro study was to examine the possible enhancement of the biofilm peeling effect of a sonic toothbrush following the use of an antimicrobial mouth rinse.Methods: The biofilm at a noncontact site in the interdental area was treated by sound wave convection with the test solution or by immersion in the solution. The biofilm peeling effect was evaluated by determining the bacterial counts and performing morphological observations. A Streptococcus mutans biofilm was allowed to develop on composite resin discs by cultivation with stirring at 50 rpm for 72 hours. The specimens were then placed in recesses located between plastic teeth and divided into an immersion group and a combination group. The immersion group was treated with phosphate buffer, Peridex™ mouth rinse or Listerine® mouth rinse. The combination group was treated with Peridex™ or Listerine® and a sonic toothbrush.Results: The biofilm thickness was reduced by approximately one-half compared with the control group. The combination treatment produced a 1 log reduction in the number of bacteria compared to the Listerine® immersion treatment. No significant difference was observed in the biofilm peeling effect of the immersion group compared to the control group.Conclusions: The combined use of a sonic toothbrush and a mouth rinse enhanced the peeling of the biofilm that proliferates in places that are difficult to reach using mechanical stress.
Serum Fetuin-A levels are increased and associated with insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Liu Sha , Hu Wenjing , He Yirui , Li Ling , Liu Hua , Gao Lin , Yang Gangyi , Liao Xin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is a common characteristic of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It has been reported that circulating Fetuin-A levels were associated with IR and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, previous reports were inconsistent. Methods: 207 subjects were screened for PCOS according to the diagnostic guideline of the Rotterdam consensus criterion. Serum Fetuin-A levels were measured using an ELISA kit. An independent t- test or Nonparametric test was used to detect differences between PCOS and control groups.Spearman’s correlation analysis was used to examine the association of the serum Fetuin-A with other parameters. Results: Our findings showed that circulating Fetuin-A concentration ranged from 196.6 to 418.2 µg/L for most women without PCOS (95 %). Women with PCOS had higher circulating Fetuin-A levels than healthy women (437.9 ± 119.3 vs. 313.8 ± 60.5 μg/L; p < 0.01). Serum Fetuin-A was positively correlated with BMI, WHR, TG, TC, LDL-C, HOMA-IR, LH, T, and DHEA-S. Multivariate regression analysis showed that WHR, TG, HOMA-IR, and DHEA-S were independent predictors of the levels of circulating Fetuin-A. Binary logistic regression revealed that serum Fetuin-A was associated with the occurrence of PCOS. In addition, our ROC curve analysis found that the cutoff values for Fetuin-A to predict PCOS and IR were 366.3 and 412.6 µg/L. Conclusion: Blood Fetuin-A may be a useful biomarker for screening women for PCOS and IR.
Osteopontin promoter polymorphisms and risk of urolithiasis: a candidate gene association and meta-analysis study
Authors: Amar Ali , Afzal Ayesha , Hameed Athar , Ahmad Mumtaz , Khan Abdul Rafay , Najma Humaira , Abid Aiysha , Khaliq Shagufta 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Urolithiasis is a worldwide urological problem with significant contribution of genetic factors. Pakistan, which resides within the Afro-Asian stone belt, has a high reported prevalence (12%) of urolithiasis. Osteopontin (SPP1) is a urinary macromolecule with a suggested critical role in modulating renal stone formation, genetic polymorphisms of which may determine individual risk of developing urolithiasis. However, results of previous studies regarding SPP1 polymorphisms and susceptibility to urolithiasis have apparent inconsistencies with no data available for local population. Methods: 483 Pakistani subjects, including 235 urolithiasis patients and 248 healthy controls, were genotyped for 6 SPP1 genetic polymorphisms to investigate association with urolithiasis in an indigenous candidate gene association study. Further, a comprehensive meta-analysis following a systematic literature search was also performed to provide evidence based account of any existent association between SPP1 promoter polymorphisms and urolithiasis risk.Results: Three SPP1 promoter polymorphisms, rs2853744:G>T, rs11730582:T>C and rs11439060:delG>G, were found to be significantly associated with risk of urolithiasis in indigenous genetic association study (OR = 3.14; p = 0.006, OR = 1.78; p = 0.006 and OR = 1.60; p = 0.012, respectively). We also observed a 1.68-fold positive association of a tri-allelic haplotype of these SPP1 promoter polymorphisms (G-C-dG) with risk of urolithiasis (OR = 1.68; p = 0.0079). However, no association was evident when data were stratified according to gender, age at first presentation, stone recurrence, family history of urolithiasis, parental consanguinity and stone multiplicity. The overall results from meta-analysis, which included 4 studies, suggested a significant association of SPP1 rs2853744:G>T polymorphism with susceptibility of urolithiasis (OR = 1.37; p = 0.004), but not for other SPP1 polymorphic variants analyzed. Conclusions: In conclusion, we report significant association of 3 SPP1 polymorphisms with urolithiasis for the first time from South Asia, however, this association persisted only for SPP1 rs2853744:G>T polymorphism after meta-analysis of pooled studies. Further studies with a larger sample size will be required to validate this association and assess any potential usefulness in diagnosis and prognosis of renal stone disease.
Aucubin alleviates oxidative stress and inflammation via Nrf2-mediated signaling activity in experimental traumatic brain injury
Authors: Wang Han , Zhou Xiaoming , Wu Lingyun , Liu Guangjie , Xu Weidong , Zhang Xiangsheng , Gao Yongyue , Tao Tao , Zhou Yan , Lu Yue , Wang Juan , Deng Chulei , Zhuang Zong , Hang Chunhua , Li Wei 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Aucubin (Au) has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory bioactivities; however, its effects on a traumatic brain injury (TBI) model remain unknown. We explored the potential role of Au in a H 2 O 2 -induced oxidant damage in primary cortical neurons and weight-drop induced-TBI in a mouse model. Methods: Neuronal apoptosis, brain water content, histological damages and neurological deficits and cognitive functions were measured. We performed western blot, TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) staining, Nissl staining, quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR), immunofluorescence/immunohistochemistry and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RNA interference experiments were performed to determine the effects of Nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) on TBI mice with intraperitoneal injection of Au. Results: We found that Au enhanced the translocation of Nrf2 into the nucleus, activated antioxidant enzymes, suppressed excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced cell apoptosis in vitro and vivo experiments. In the mice model of TBI, Au markedly attenuated brain edema, histological damages and improved neurological and cognitive deficits. Au significantly suppressed high mobility group box 1(HMGB1)-mediated aseptic inflammation. Nrf2 knockdown in TBI mice blunted the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory neuroprotective effects of the Au. Conclusions: Taken together, our data suggest that Au provides a neuroprotective effect in TBI mice model by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory responses; the mechanisms involve triggering Nrf2-induced antioxidant system.
Molecular assessment of kelch13 non-synonymous mutations in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Central African Republic (2017–2019)
Authors: Nzoumbou-Boko Romaric , Panté-Wockama Chris-Boris Gildas , Ngoagoni Carine , Petiot Nathalie , Legrand Eric , Vickos Ulrich , Gody Jean-Chrysostome , Manirakiza Alexandre , Ndoua Christophe , Lombart Jean-Pierre , Menard Didier 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Over the last decade, Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACT) have contributed substantially to the decrease in malaria-related morbidity and mortality. The emergence of Plasmodium falciparum parasites resistant to artemisinin derivatives in Southeast Asia and the risk of their spread or of local emergence in sub-Saharan Africa are a major threat to public health. This study thus set out to estimate the proportion of P. falciparum isolates, with PfKelch13 gene mutations associated with artemisinin resistance previously detected in Southeast Asia. Methods: Blood samples were collected in two sites of Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic form 2017 to 2019. DNA was extracted and nested PCR were carried out to detect Plasmodium species and mutations in the propeller domain of the PfKelch13 gene. Results: A total of 255 P. falciparum isolates were analyzed. Among them, P. ovale DNA was found in four samples (1.57%, 4/255). Of 187 samples with interpretable PfKelch13 sequences, four isolates presented a mutation in the PfKelch13 gene (2.1%, 4/187), including one non-synonymous mutation (Y653N) (0.5%, 1/187). This mutation has never been described as associated with artemisinin resistance in Southeast Asia and its in vitro phenotype is unknown. Conclusion: This preliminary study indicates the need for a larger study on samples collected across the whole country along with the evaluation of in vitro and in vivo phenotype profiles of PfKelch13 mutant parasites to estimate the risk of artemisinin resistance in the CAR.