bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Embryo-Derived Chemokine CXCL12 Enhances Pregnancy Outcome via Improvement of Endometrial Receptivity
Authors: Koo Hwa Seon , Yoon Min-Ji , Hong Seon-Hwa , Ahn Jungho , Cha Hwijae , Lee Danbi , Kwon Hwang , Choi Dong Hee , Lee Kyung-Ah , Ko Jung-Jae , KANG YOUN-JUNG 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Successful pregnancy inevitably depends on the implantation of a competent embryo into a receptive endometrium. Although a remarkable improvement of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has been achieved over the last few decades, there are still a number of infertile women experiencing frequent ART failure after repeated attempts due to many unsolved problems including repeated failure of implantation. Many substances have been suggested to improve the rates of embryo implantation by enhancing the endometrial receptivity for the patients who are suffering from repeated failure of implantation. However, despite these numerous extensive research work, there are currently no effective evidence-based treatments to prevent or cure this condition. Therefore, here we aim to suggest non-invasive intra-uterine administration of embryo-secreted chemokine CXCL12 as an effective therapeutic intervention to solve this problem.Results: We demonstrated that chemokine CXCL12 is derived from pre- and peri-implanting embryos and its interaction with endometrial CXCR4 and CXCR7 enhances endometrial receptivity and significantly promoted endothelial vessel formation and sprouting in vitro. Consistently, intra-uterine CXCL12 administration in vivo, which is a completely non-invasive treatment strategy, improved endometrial receptivity showing increased integrin b3 and its ligand osteopontin, and induced endometrial angiogenesis displaying increased numbers of vessel formation near the lining of endometrial epithelial layer with higher CD31 and CD34 expression. Furthermore, intra-uterine CXCL12 application dramatically promoted the rates of embryo implantation with no morphologically retarded embryos. Conclusions: Our present study provides a novel evidence that improved uterine endometrial receptivity and enhanced angiogenesis induced by embryo-derived chemokine CXCL12 may aid to develop a non-invasive therapeutic strategy for clinical treatment or supplement for the patients with repeated implantation failure with less risk.
Awareness among general public of India towards COVID-19 pandemic: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Maharshi Vikas , Puja Puja , Jakhar Dheeraj Kumar , Singh Vishwajeet 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Control of a pandemic is influenced considerably by practices followed by the general public which in turn is supposed to be influenced by the knowledge and its attitude. The study intended to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) among the general public of India towards transmission of COVID-19.Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was prepared from the awareness material available on the WHO and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India websites. The questionnaire contained 35 items (scored and un-scored both) in total (‘9’ from each viz KAP and ‘8’ to collect demographic details) and was sent to 600 people through e-mail for convenience sampling. The scores for KAP for an individual could range from 0-9, -5 to 5 and 0-8 respectively. Demographic variables were compared for scores attained and an association among KAP was measured.Results: A total of 229 volunteers representing different states/union territories were included in the analysis. The mean+SD scores attained for KAP were 3.9+1.9, 2.6+2.1, and 5.9+1.9 respectively. Around 39.7% of the individuals had adequate knowledge (score >50% of the maximum), 82.1% showed positive attitude (score >0) and 82.9% revealed appropriate practices (score >50% of the maximum). The scores attained by different age groups and genders were comparable. A fair correlation between KA, KP, and a good correlation between AP was found. The associations of KAP with each other were statistically significant (p<0.001).Conclusion: A positive attitude and appropriate practices were seen in the majority whereas adequate knowledge was there in a fair number of participants. Overall awareness among the general public of India was satisfactory.
Comparative analysis of combined phosphorus and drought stress-responses in two winter wheat
Authors: Zhang Xiangchi , Lu Weidan , Wang Xiaoli , Ma Bin , Fu Kaiyong , Li Chunyan , Li Cheng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Phosphorus stress and drought stress are common abiotic stresses. In this study, two winter wheat “Xindong20” and “Xindong23” were solution cultured and then treated with drought stress under conventional phosphorus level (CP: 1.0 mmol/L) and low phosphorus level (LP: 0.05 mmol /L), respectively. The results showed that with the increase of drought stress, the LP application was more conducive to the growth of root tips, length, forks, surfarea and root vitality of wheat. Under the LP treatment, the total phosphorus content of root at rewatered 3d was increased by 94.2% in Xindong20 wheat and decreased by 48.9% in Xindong23 wheat, compared with their respective samples at drought 0d. The LP treatment increased the percentage content of K and decreased the P and Ca percentage content. However, under CP treatment, the percentage content of Zn after rewatered 3 days were increased, compared with drought 7d. Based on the GeneChip analysis of root samples from drought 7d, the microarray results showed that 4577 and 202 differentially expressed genes were detected from Xindong20 and Xindong23, respectively. Among them, 89.9% of differentially expressed genes were involved in organelles and vesicles in Xindong20, and 69.8% were involved in genes encoding root anatomical structure, respiratory chain, electron transport chain, ion transport and enzyme activity in Xindong23. Therefore, the supply of low phosphorus has more effects on the drought tolerance of wheat, and the wheat with different drought tolerance has different regulatory genes. The higher drought-tolerant wheat has more genes up-regulation in response to drought stress.
Barriers and Facilitators To Implementation and Sustainment of 17 New Medicaid Accountable Care Organizations in Massachusetts: A Study Protocol
Authors: Goff Sarah L. , Gurewich Deborah , Alcusky Matthew , Kachoria Aparna G. , Nicholson Joanne , Himmelstein Jay 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Accountable care organizations (ACOs) utilize value-based payment models, which incentivize quality of care and cost reduction through shared financial risk contracts for payers and providers. The impact of ACOs on cost and quality has been mixed for Medicare and commercial insurers, but the model has yet to be extensively tested in the Medicaid system, which insures a large number of patients in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Additionally, despite substantial heterogeneity in ACO models, the majority of ACO studies have examined ACO outcomes without exploring the potential impact of implementation and sustainment on these outcomes. Understanding barriers and facilitators to implementation and sustainment of Medicaid ACOs will help to better understand their impact on patient care, outcomes and costs for a vulnerable population.Methods and Design: The state of Massachusetts (MA) approved 17 new Medicaid ACOs and associated Community Partner (CP) organizations in 2018 as part of a large-scale pragmatic experiment in healthcare reform. The new ACOs will receive $1.8 billion dollars in state and federal funds over five years aimed at supporting implementation and sustainment the new model. This study aims to identify barriers and facilitators to implementation and sustainment of activities supported by these funds using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Science (CFIR) as a guiding framework through: (1) review of administrative documents classify organizational characteristics of the ACOs and CPs including plans for innovation; (2) key informant interviews (KII) with ACO and CP leaders, governmental administrative leaders, and patients; (3) case studies of ACOs and CPs; and (4) a survey of front-line providers and staff in the ACOs and CPs. Descriptive quantitative statistics will be used to analyze document and survey data and framework analysis will be used to analyze KII and site visit data.Discussion: The new Medicaid ACOs in MA aim to improve care integration, quality of care, and patient experience while reducing costs through innovations in healthcare delivery and payment. Understanding the barriers and facilitators to implementing and sustaining the ACO model will provide critical context for understanding the overall impact of the Medicaid ACO experiment in MA.
Pediatric Burn Outcome; Diagnostic Value of R-Baux and P-Baux Scores
Authors: Nia Kavous Shahsavari , Razzaghi Alireza , Rahmani Farzad , Soleimanpour Hassan , Khalili Ayda , Saadati Mohammad 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Nuclear Import of Epstein-Barr virus BLLF2 is Mediated by an Importin β1-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Li Meili , Guo Yingjie , Deng Yangxi , Li Yiwen , Ou Xiaowen , Chen Tao , Zhong Jiayi , Li Bolin , Hu Li , Deng Shenyu , Cai Mingsheng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the pathogen of several human malignancies, encodes many proteins that require to be transported into the nucleus for viral DNA reproduction and nucleocapsids assembly in the lytic replication cycle. A nuclear membrane phosphoprotein encoded by EBV BLLF2, is believed to associate with viral DNA packaging and primary egress across the nuclear membrane. Results: Here, fluorescence microscope, mutation analysis, interspecies heterokaryon assays, co-immunoprecipitation assays and western blot were performed to explore the nuclear import mechanism of BLLF2. As results, BLLF2 was shown to be a nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein, which was mediated neither by chromosomal region maintenance 1 (CRM1)- nor transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP)-dependent pathway. Yet, two functional nuclear localization signals (NLSs) of BLLF2, NLS1 (16KRQALETVPHPQNRGR31) and NLS2 (48PPVAKRRR58), were identified, whereas the predicted NES was nonfunctional. Finally, BLLF2 was proved to transport into the nucleus via Ran-dependent and importin β1-dependent pathway. Conclusions: This mechanism may contribute to a more extensive insight of the assembly and synthesis of EB virions in the nucleus, thus affording a new direction for the treatment of viruses.
Mechanism of manganese oxidization of Bacillus safensis strain ST7 isolated from the soil of mineral area
Authors: Ran XQ , Long Hong , Tian Qun , Wang Jiafu , You Longjiang , Huang Shihui , Niu Xi , Li Sheng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The manganese pollution is very serious surrounding the mine area, which could be enriched and harmful to animal, plant and human. Manganese oxidation bacteria (MOB) can completely remove the toxicity of Mn(II) with diverse mechanisms.

Results: To seek a resource and disclose the oxidation mechanism of MOB, we isolated the Bacillus safensis strain ST7 from the soil of Songtao manganese mine in Guizhou province, China. Strain ST7 could survive in media containing 2200 mg/L Mn(II) with the Mn(II) removal efficiency of 82% after seven days cultivation. The rate was 7.75 μmol/L of Mn(II) each day detected by LBB method. The manganese oxides appeared after stationary growth phase and lots of irregular precipitates were observed on the surface of bacteria by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We further constructed eight cDNA libraries at two growth stages of strain ST7, at which the first stage is the mid-exponential growth phase (stage1) and the second one at the onset of stationary phase (stage2). The gene expression patterns were analyzed across the entire transcriptome under 250 mg/L Mn(II) stress by using Illumina Hiseq platform. After mapping to the reference B. safensis genome, we detected 3574 expressed genes from the eight libraries. At the first stage, 1040 differently expressed genes (DEGs) were determined with 502 genes up-regulated in Mn(II) dealt group. For the second stage, 760 genes were increased and 702 genes down-regulated under Mn(II) stress. Of those, the expressed trend of seventeen random selective genes were confirmed by RT-qPCR method. Only nine high expressed DEGs were screened out and all of them were up-regulated in the manganese dealt group at stage1. The great changes at stage 1 were focused on the genes related with siderophore synthesis to help Mn(II) uptake and oxidation and gene cheA to elevate the chemotaxis and the motility of bacteria. It was observed that the motility of strain ST7 was much active in the media with Mn(II) supply. And the expression level of gene601, coded for a multicopper oxidase (MCO) enzyme-like protein, raised about 3.66 times than its control group at stage 1. By using homologous recombination technology, it was demonstrated that the Mn(II) oxidase ability decreased obviously when the gene601 of B. safensis strain ST7 was knocked out. For stage 2 of strain ST7 dealt with Mn(II), there were nineteen genes related with sporulation and most of flagellum genes were inhibited. However, lots of transporters genes were augmented to function as pumps to extrude manganese outside of the bacterium cell.

Conclusions: In a brief, the isolated B. sanfensis took two strategies against Mn stress including manganese oxidation at exponential growth stage and transformation of Mn(II) at stationary phase. The strain could be used to treat the environmental manganese pollution to minimize the use of chemical oxidants as a cost-effective technology.
­Evaluation of Immediate and Short-Term Efficacy of DualStim Therapy with and without Intracavernosal Umbilical Cord-Derived Wharton’s Jelly in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction: Study Protocol for a Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Gupta Ashim , Rodriguez Hugo C. , Delfino Kristin , Levy Howard J. , III Saadiq F. El-Amin , Gaines Richard 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Erectile Dysfunction (ED) affects a significant portion of the U.S. population and causes negative psychological burdens that affects men and their partner’s quality of life and satisfaction. Extracorporeal shock therapy (ESWT) utilizing focused ESWT (fESWT) and radial ESWT (rESWT) in Low-intensity shock wave therapy (LSIWT) has been used to treat ED with some success. Wharton’s Jelly (WJ) is a biologic substance with large amounts of stem cells, growth factors, cytokines and extracellular components. The use of simultaneous fESWT and rESWT (DualStim Therapy) combined with WJ have potential uses in ED that may have advantages over current treatments. Methods A randomized, single-blinded, controlled clinical trial will be conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DualStim Therapy and ICIs of WJ in moderate to severe ED. A total of 60 patients with moderate to severe ED will be enrolled and treated with DualStim Therapy with intracavernosal injection (ICIs) of WJ or saline for a period of 7 weeks. The International Index of Erectile Function – Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) score will be used to gauge the treatment related changes in relation to the subject’s baseline. The scores will be recorded at baseline and compared to follow-ups 1,3 and 6 months post-treatment. Any Adverse events (AEs) or severe AEs will be recorded in the corresponding case report forms (CRFs). Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP), as well as the Global Assessment Questionnaire (GAQ) and the Erection Hardness Score (EHS) will be used to determine the sexual activity improvement from baseline leading to optimal penetration at follow-ups 1,3 and 6 months post-treatment.Discussion This clinical trial is a feasibility study to determine the immediate and short-term efficacy of DualStim Therapy, with and without ICIs of formulated umbilical cord-derived WJ to improve and/or restore erectile function in patients with moderate to severe ED. This study will also provide insight into the safety and efficacy of WJ. We anticipate clinically significant improvement in patients suffering from moderate and severe ED treated with DualStim therapy with WJ compared to their baseline and DualStim with saline.Trial registration Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov; the trial number is NCT04424394
The Safety and Efficacy of Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Patients with Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Liu Lihang , Li Feng , Lin Shengtao , Liu Yi , Yang Changshun , Cai Shaoxin , Li Weihua 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Limited researches focused on the application of laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) in locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) patients following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). In this study, we aimed at illustrating the surgical and survival outcome of LG in LAGC patients following NACT.Methods: We performed a retrospective study of patients with LAGC who received either LG following NACT or upfront LG at Fujian Provincial Hospital between March 2013 and October 2018. Perioperative parameters, short-term and long-term outcomes were compared. The Kaplan-Meier estimator was used to describe the survival curves, and the differences were examined by the log-rank test.Results: In total, 76 consecutive patients were enrolled into the NACT-LG (41 patients) and LG (35 patients) group, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups for baseline characteristics, including age, sex, BMI, Eastern Clinical Oncology Group performance status, tumor size, location, Borrmann type, Lauren type, differentiation, cT stage, and surgical type (all P>0.05). The surgical trauma in terms of incision length and blood loss, and postoperative recovery in terms of first aerofluxus time, first time on liquid diets, drainage duration, and hospital stays were similar between the two groups (all P>0.05). The operation time was significantly longer for NACT-LG than for LG (286.5 vs. 248.9 min, P=0.008). There was no significant difference in surgical morbidity (19.5% vs. 22.9%, P=0.721) between the two groups. No patient died of postoperative complications in the NACT-LG group, and one patient (1/35, 2.9%) died of postoperative complications in the LG group (P=0.461). After NACT, the R0 resection rate was significantly higher (95.1% vs. 77.1%, P=0.049), and metastatic lymph nodes were less for NACT-LG than for LG (1 vs. 8, P=0.001). Compared with the LG group, the NACT-LG group had a significantly better DFS (59.4% vs. 14.4%, P=0.034) and better OS (69.0% vs. 37.4%, P=0.009) at 3 years.Conclusions: NACT does not decrease safety of LG for patients with LAGC and offer higher R0 resection rate and better disease-free and overall survival. For patients with LAGC, LG following NACT should be the priority treatment.
Linoleic Acid Reduces Apoptosis via NF-κB During the in Vitro Development of Porcine Embryos.
Authors: Lee Chang-Kyu , Lee Dong-Kyung , Choi Kwang-Hwan , Oh Jong-Nam , Kim Seung-Hun , Lee Mingyun , Jeong Jinsol , Choe Gyung Cheol 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Recent studies suggest that endogenous and exogenous free fatty acids play many important roles in mammalian oocyte and preimplantation embryo development. Among these fatty acids, linoleic acid has been reported to affect the apoptosis pathway via nuclear transcription factor-kappa B. The transcription factor NF-κB is a key modulator of apoptosis in a variety of cell types, but to date, this specific function of NF-κB has not been demonstrated in porcine preimplantation embryos. To examine the effect of linoleic acid on parthenogenetic pig embryos produced in vitro, we treated these embryos with linoleic acid at various concentrations to examine the developmental rate, NF‐κB expression, IL-6 expression and apoptosis-related gene mRNA levels. Results: Linoleic acid had a positive effect on embryo development and was not toxic at a certain concentration, but toxicity was observed at higher concentrations. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the concentration of NF‐κB increased, unlike that of IL-6, as the concentration of linoleic acid increased, and the concentration of NF‐κB was found to increase even at the concentration of linoleic acid at which embryo development decreased. We found that pro-apoptotic gene expression was downregulated in the linoleic acid-treated group. It was also found that BCL-XL, an anti-apoptotic gene, was not affected by linoleic acid, which appears to be an effect of IL-6. In contrast, MCL-1, an anti-apoptotic gene known to be unaffected by IL-6, was found to be increased at the mRNA level in linoleic acid-treated pig embryos. Furthermore, based on both apoptosis and immunocytochemistry staining, as the concentration of NF-kB increased, the nuclear translocation of C-JUN, which is also related to apoptosis, gradually increased, which was dependent on the linoleic acid concentration. It was confirmed that NF-κB is an important factor in the development of porcine embryos by confirming that treatment with a very low concentration of ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (APDC, inhibitor of NF-κB) affected NF-κB protein expression, IL-6 protein expression and blastocyst production. Conclusion: These datas could suggest that porcine embryos can use exogenous linoleic acid as a metabolic energy source via NF-κB. The data also demonstrate the important role of NF-kB in porcine early embryo development.
MicroRNA-214 Prevents Pulmonary Angiogenesis and Alveolarization in Rat Models with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia via PlGF-Dependent STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Qun , Hong Hui , Li Jing , Li Xiao-Xia , Huang Xian-Mei 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: In recent years, the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in pulmonary diseases have been widely studied and researched. However, the molecular mechanism by which miR-214 affects bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains elusive and merits further exploration. Hence, this study aims to clarify the function of miR-214 in pulmonary angiogenesis and alveolarization in preterm infants with BPD. Methods: BPD neonatal rat model was induced by hyperoxia, and pulmonary epithelial cells were isolated from rats and exposed to hyperoxia. Gain- or loss-of-function experiments were performed in BPD neonatal rats and hyperoxic pulmonary epithelial cells. MiR-214 and PlGF expression in BPD neonatal rats, and eNOS, Bcl-2, c-myc, Survivin, α-SMA and E-cadherin expression in hyperoxic pulmonary epithelial cells were detected using RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. The interaction between PlGF and miR-214 was identified using dual luciferase reporter gene assay and RIP assay. ELISA was adopted to assess IL-1β, TNF-a, IL-6, ICAM-1 and Flt-1 expression in rats. Results: Decreased miR-214 expression and elevated PlGF expression were evident in the lung tissues of neonatal rats with BPD. PlGF was a target of miR-214, and miR-214 downregulated PlGF to inactivate the STAT3 signaling pathway. miR-214 overexpression or PlGF silencing decreased apoptosis of hyperoxic pulmonary epithelial cells and declined pulmonary angiogenesis and alveolarization in BPD neonatal rats. Conclusions: Collectively, miR-214 can protects against pulmonary angiogenesis and alveolarization in preterm infants with BPD by suppressing PlGF and blocking STAT3 signaling pathway.