bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A daf-7-related TGF-β ligand (Hc-tgh-2) shows important regulations on the development of Haemonchus contortus
Authors: He Li , Liu Hui , Zhang Biying , Li Fangfang , Di Wenda , Wang Chunqun , Zhou Caixian , Liu Lu , Li Tingting , Zhang Ting , Fang Rui , Hu Min 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background In most multicellular organisms, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signalling pathway is involved in regulating the growth and stem cell differentiation. Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of three key molecules in this pathway in the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus , including one TGF-β type I receptor ( Hc-tgfbr1 ), one TGF-β type II receptor ( Hc-tgfbr2 ), and one co-Smad ( Hc-daf-3 ), which regulated the developmental transition from the free-living to the parasitic stages of this parasite. However, almost nothing is known about the function of the TGF-β ligand ( Hc-tgh-2 ) of H. contortus . Methods Here, the temporal transcription profiles of Hc-tgh-2 at eight different developmental stages and spacial expression patterns of Hc- TGH-2 in adult female and male worms of H. contortus have been examined by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. In addition, RNA interference (RNAi) by feeding was employed to assess the importance of Hc-tgh-2 in the development from exsheathed third-stage larvae (xL3s) to fourth-stage larvae (L4s) in H. contortus . Results Hc-tgh-2 was continuously transcribed in all eight developmental stages of H. contortus studied with the highest level in the infective third-stage larvae (iL3) and Hc -TGH-2 was located in the muscle of the body wall, intestine, ovary of adult females and testes of adult males. Silencing Hc-tgh-2 by the specific double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), decreased the transcript level of Hc-tgh-2 and resulted in fewer xL3s developing to L4s in vitro. Conclusions These results suggested that the TGF-β ligand, Hc -TGH-2, could play important roles in the developmental transition from the free-living (L3s) to the parasitic stage (L4s). Furthermore, it may also take part in the processes such as digestion, absorption, host immune response and reproductive development in H. contortus adults.
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: February 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 H2O2-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.
Relationship between the Inflammation/immune Indexes and Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) following Tibial Plateau Fractures
Authors: Liu Dawei , Chen Wei , Li Junyong , Zhao Kuo , Zhang Junzhe , Meng Hongyu , Zhu Yanbin , Zhang Yingze 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective To determine the relationship between inflammation/immune-based indexes and preoperative DVT of lower extremities following tibial plateau fracturesMethods Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected data on patients undergoing surgeries of tibial plateau fractures between October 2014 and December 2018 was performed. Duplex ultrasonography (DUS) was routinely used to screen for preoperative DVT of bilateral lower extremities. Data on biomarkers (neutrophil-, lymphocyte-, monocyte- and platelet counts) at admission were collected, based on which neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte/lymphocyte (MLR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII, neutrophil* platelet/ lymphocyte) were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was used to determine the optimal cut-off value for each variable. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the independent relationship of each biomarker or index with DVT, after adjustment for demographics, co-morbidities and injury-related variables.Results Among 1179 patients included, 16.3% (192/1179) of them had (16.3%) had a preoperative DVT. Among the biomarkers and indexes, only platelet and neutrophil were identified to be independently associated with DVT, and their predictive ability was stable regardless of open fracture with or without included. The other independent variables were elevated D-dimer level (>0.55mg/L), male gender and hypertension in the sensitivity analysis with open fractures excluded.Conclusion These identified factors are conducive to the initial screening for patients at-risk of DVT, individualized risk assessment, risk stratification and accordingly development of targeted prevention programs.
Biomechanical evaluation and finite element analysis of axial-loading simulated experiment of wrist fracture
Authors: Zhang Yuan-Wei , Xiong Liang-Yu , Huang Zu-Tai , Xiao Xin , Zhang Su-Li , Ni Wen-Yan , Deng Liang 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objectives

This study combined mechanical experiments and finite element analysis (FEA), and verified each other, to assess the biomechanical analysis and effect of wrist fracture, providing theoretical basis for the simulation experiments of wrist fracture and optimal design of wrist protector.

Methods and Materials

Six cadaveric wrists were included to create experimental specimens. After grouping, the wrist models were axially loaded under physiological load of 600 N, the stress magnitude and distribution of experimental group and control group were obtained. Moreover, a three-dimensional (3D) wrist finite element model (FEM) of a healthy volunteer was developed to verify the rationality and effectiveness of wrist models.

Results

Within the range of physiological load, the stress of radioulnar palmar unit was high and in shape of pressure, while the stress of radioulnar dorsal unit was relatively lower and in shape of tension. The stresses of radial distal palmar, ulnar distal palmar, radial distal dorsal, ulnar distal dorsal, radial proximal palmar and ulnar proximal palmar units in experimental group were less than those in control group. However, the stresses of radial proximal dorsal and ulnar proximal dorsal units were higher than those in control group.

Conclusions

Under physiological load, wearing wrist protector can apparently reduce the stress on radioulnar distal palmar, radioulnar proximal palmar and radioulnar distal dorsal units, while has no obvious effect on radioulnar proximal dorsal units. During the process of designing and improving the wrist protector, it is reasonable to place the stress center on radioulnar distal palmar and dorsal units.
Comparison the effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Rheum ribes on insulin resistance and apolipoprotein AI (ApoA1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and Apo B to ApoA1 ratio in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Ghafouri Atieh , Karegar Sahar Jafari , Hajiluian Ghazaleh , Hosseini Sharieh , Shidfar Shahrzad , Kamalinejad Mohamad , Hosseini AghaFatemeh , Heydari Iraj , Shidfar Farzad 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: This study was conducted to determine the effect of Rheum ribes supplementation on glycemic indices and apolipoproteins in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DMT2).Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, sixty type 2 diabetic patients, aged 30-60 years with body mass index (BMI) of 20-30 kg/m 2 , and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 6-8% were included. The patients were randomly assigned to receive 450 mg of Rheum ribes aqueous extract (AG), 450 mg of Rheum ribes ethanolic extract (EG) or placebo (PG), three times daily for 6 weeks. Then glucose, the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR and HOMA-B) and apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA1) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) were measured.Results: According to these findings, in the AG and EG intervention groups, we observed a significant reduction in serum levels of insulin (P=0.003 and P=0.001, respectively), HOMA-IR (P=0.01 and P=0.001, respectively) and HOMA-B (P=0.002 and P=0.001, respectively) indices, without no significant changes in glucose. There was also a significant reduction in serum levels of ApoB (P=0.006 and P=0.03, respectively) and ApoB/ApoA1 ratio (P=0.016 and P=0.04, respectively) in both AG and EG. Intervention in both AG and EG had increasing effects on ApoA1 (P=0.08 and P=0.05, respectively). None of these variables had a significant change in PG. At the end of study, there were significant differences in insulin (P=0.04), HOMA-IR (P=0.03), HOMA-B (P=0.01), ApoB (P=0.02), and ApoB/ApoA1 (P=0.03) ratio among groups.Conclusions: Rheum ribes intake may have favorable effects on insulin resistance and apolipoproteins in diabetic patients.Trial registration: The study was recorded in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials under the registration number of IRCT201410142709N31 (Registration date: 2014-12-11, https://en.irct.ir/trial/2543 ).
Adipokines: The possible association between low carbohydrate diet score and depression
Authors: Setayesh Leila , Pooyan Sara , Ebrahimi Reyhane , Yarizadeh Habib , Rashidbeygi Elaheh , Badrooj Negin , Imani Hossein , Mirzaei Khadijeh 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Due to lack of enough date to confirm the association of obesity and depression in middle east, We aimed to explore the possible mediatory role of adipokines such as galactin1, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), and endothelial plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) in the association between obesity and depression.Methods A total of 256 women ranged between 18-48 years old were grouped based on their low carbohydrate diet (LCD) score. Body composition and dietary intake were assessed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure serum adipokines levels.Results There was a negative association between LCD score as a covariant and depression as an independent variable (P= 0.02) (beta ±SE= -0.143±0.031) (CI= -0.129 to -0.08). A regression model linear analysis using galactin1, TGF-β, and PAI 1 as a covariant indicated the mediatory effects of these adipokines (P > 0.05). The higher adherence to LCD was associated with a decrease of anthropometric components (p < 0.05).Conclusion We indicated that a higher adherence to LCD would probably ameliorate depression through the mediatory role of the study adipokines. The higher adherence of LCD in depressive obese individuals due to possible improvement effects on mental health.
Prenatal Exposure to Ambient Air Multi-Pollutant Mixture Significantly Impairs Intrauterine Fetal Development Trajectory
Authors: Shao Xiaowen , Cheng Haoxiang , Zhou Jonathan , zhang Jushan , Zhu Yujie , Yang Chun , Narzo Antonio Di , Yu Jing , Shen Yuan , Li Yuanyuan , Xu Shunqing , Zhang Zhongyang , Chen Jia , Cheng Jiajing , Hao Ke 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Impaired in utero fetal growth trajectory may have long term health consequences of the newborns and increase risk of adulthood metabolic diseases. Prenatal exposure to air pollution has been linked to fetal development restriction; however, the impact of exposure to ambient air pollutants on the entire course of intrauterine fetal development has not been comprehensively investigated. Methods During 2015 – 2018, two cohorts of mother-infant dyads (N=678 and 227) were recruited in Shanghai China, from which three categories of data were systematically collected: (1) daily exposure to six air pollutants during pregnancy, (2) fetal biometry in the 2 nd (gestational week 24, [GW24]) and 3 rd trimester (GW36), and (3) neonatal outcomes at birth. We investigated the impact of prenatal exposure to a mixture of air pollutants on the trajectory of fetal development during the course of gestation, adjusting for a broad set of potential confounds. Results Prenatal exposure to PM 2.5 , PM 10 , SO 2 and O 3 significantly reduced fetal biometry at GW24, where SO 2 had the most potent effect. For every 10 ug/m 3 increment increase of daily SO 2 exposure during the 1 st trimester shortened femur length by 2.20 mm (p=6.7E-21) translating to 5.3% reduction from population average. Prenatal air pollution exposure also decreased fetal biometry at GW36 with attenuated effect size. Comparing to the lowest exposed quartile, fetus in the highest exposed quartile had 6.3% (p=3.5E-5) and 2.1% (p=2.4E-3) lower estimated intrauterine weight in GW24 and GW36, respectively; however, no difference in birth weight was observed, indicating a rapid catch-up growth in the 3 rd trimester. Conclusions To our knowledge, for the first time, we demonstrated the impact of prenatal exposure to ambient air pollutants on the course of intrauterine fetal development. The altered growth trajectory and rapid catch-up growth in associated with high prenatal exposure may lead to long-term predisposition for adulthood metabolic disorders.
Identification of a dynamic middle ear microbiome in healthy adults
Authors: Lee Joo-Young , Kashefi Kazem , Reguera Gemma 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background The entrenched dogma of a sterile middle ear in health is incongruent with its periodic exposure to exhaled air when the tympanic (Eustachian) tube opens while swallowing, yawning or inhaling deeply. Tubal patency is brief but frequent to provide adequate aeration, equalize pressure across the eardrum and drain mucus down the sides of the oropharynx. It also provides a mechanism for aerial dispersal of microorganisms from the aerodigestive tract. Method We designed a pilot study and received institutional approval to collect otic secretions that naturally drain on the sides of the oropharynx, behind the palatopharyngeal arch. This protocol bypassed the need to surgically access the middle ear through or around the eardrum, allowed us to collect samples from individuals with no underlying otic conditions, and prevented sample cross-contamination. As controls, we also collected samples from the center of the oropharynx and buccal mucosae seeded by saliva, which may serve as sources of microbial dispersal into the middle ear. Results We sequenced 16S rRNA-V4 amplicons from otic, oropharyngeal and buccal samples collected from a cohort of 19 healthy young adults. The survey identified in the otic samples a diverse bacterial community with many oropharyngeal and buccal keystone taxa and most of the functional traits of the neighboring oral microbiomes. Neutral community models predicted a large contribution of oral dispersal to the composition of the otic microbiome as well as several taxa responsive to positive selection. This was further supported by the enrichment in the otic communities of obligate anaerobes of Bacteroidetes and Fusobacteria over facultative anaerobic Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. Furthermore, the prevalence of the anaerobic members decreased with the more frequent otic aeration predicted from the equalization training of scuba divers recruited to the study. Conclusions These results challenge the long held view of a sterile middle ear and suggest instead that frequent seeding with oral microbes supports the establishment of a rich and robust otic community dynamically adapted to the episodic ventilation of the tympanic space.
Dynamic simulations of microbial communities under perturbations: opportunities for microbiome engineering
Authors: García-Jiménez Beatriz , Carrasco Jorge , Medina Joaquín , Wilkinson Mark D 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background : There are few large longitudinal microbiome studies, and fewer that include controlled, well-annotated perturbations between sampling-points. Thus, there are few opportunities to employ data-driven computational analyses of perturbed microbial communities over time. Results : Our novel computational system simulates the dynamics of microbial communities under perturbations using genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs). Perturbations include modifications to a) the nutrients available in the medium, allowing modelling of prebiotics; and/or b) the microorganisms present in the community to model, for example, probiotics or pathogen infection. These simulations generate the quantity and types of information required by MDPbiome, an AI system which builds predictive models suggesting the perturbation(s) required to engineer microbial communities to a desired state. We call this novel combination of technologies "MDPbiomeGEM"'. We demonstrate, in a Crohn’s disease microbiome, that MDPbiomeGEM correctly models the influence of both prebiotic fiber and a probiotic, resulting in a recommendation to consume inulin to recover from dysbiosis, consistent with prior biomedical knowledge. When used to model the soil microbiome's ability to degrade the herbicide Atrazine, differing recommendations arise depending on the highly variable state of the initial soil microbial composition, highlighting the relevance of both phosphate and microbes (i.e. Halobacillus sp. and H.stevensii ) in a directed microbiome engineering strategy, consistent with previously published observations. Conclusions : MDPbiomeGEM generates large volumes of longitudinal data of complex microbial communities experiencing perturbations. Machine learning on these data reveal patterns consistent with existing biological knowledge, supporting the validity of the approach. MDPbiomeGEM could save research resources by optimizing sample collection in metagenomics studies through identification of "informative" scenarios/time-points, or by predicting optimal in-vitro culture formulations for generating performant synthetic microbial communities. Finally, MDPbiomeGEM outputs include detailed information about the metabolic state of the community, which can be used to further interpret the impact of perturbations, and potentially could be used to predict novel metabolic biomarkers of a microbiome's state.
Copy number variation in the carboxylesterase 1 gene and the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver in a Chinese Han population-a case control study
Authors: Chen Bing bing , Peng Xian-E , Yan Jianhui , Peng Hewei , Cai Xiaoling , Pan Xinting , Li Huiquan , Hong Qizhu 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: A recent genome-wide copy number variations (CNVs) scan identified a 16q12.2 deletion that included the carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) gene, which is important in the metabolism of fatty acids and cholesterol. We aimed to investigate whether CES1 CNVs was associated with susceptibility to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a Chinese Han population. Methods: A case-control study was conducted among 303 patients diagnosed with NAFLD and 303 age (± 5) and sex-matched controls from the Affiliated Nanping First Hospital of Fujian Medical University in China. The copy numbers of CES1 were measured using TaqMan quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and serum CES1 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The Chi-squared test and a logistic regression model were used to evaluate the association between CES1 CNVs and NAFLD susceptibility. Results: The distribution of CES1 CNVs showed a higher frequency of CNVs loss (< 2) among patients; however, the difference was not significant (P = 0.05). After controlling for other known or suspected risk factors for NAFLD, CES1 CNVs loss was significantly associated with greater risk of NAFLD (adjusted OR = 2.75, 95% CI: 1.30–5.85, P = 0.01); while CES1 CNVs gain (>2) was not. There was a suggestion of an association between increased CES1 serum protein levels and CNVs losses among cases, although this was not statistically significant (P=0.07). Conclusions: Copy number losses (< 2) of CES1 contribute to susceptibility to NAFLD in the Chinese Han population.
Evaluating Blood-brain Barrier Permeability in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Qiao Ju , Lawson Christopher M , Rentrup Kilian FG , Kulkarni Praveen , Ferris Craig 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: This is an exploratory study using a novel imaging modality, quantitative ultrashort time-to-echo, contrast enhanced (QUTE-CE) magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the permeability of the blood brain barrier in a rat model of type 2 diabetes with the presumption that small vessel disease is a contributing factor to neuropathology in diabetes. Methods: The BBZDR/Wor rat, a model of type 2 diabetes, and age-matched controls were studied for changes in blood brain barrier permeability. QUTE-CE, a quantitative vascular biomarker, generated angiographic images with over 500,000 voxels that were registered to a 3D MRI rat brain atlas providing site-specific information on blood-brain barrier permeability in 173 different brain areas.Results: In this model of diabetes, without the support of insulin treatment, there was global capillary pathology with over 84% of the brain showing a significant increase in blood brain barrier permeability over wild-type controls. Areas of the cerebellum and midbrain dopaminergic system were not significantly affected. Conclusion: Small vessel disease as assessed by permeability in the blood brain barrier in type 2 diabetes is pervasive and includes much of the brain. The increase in blood-brain barrier permeability is a likely contributing factor to diabetic encephalopathy and dementia.