bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
miR‐145 attenuates cardiac fibrosis through the AKT/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin signaling pathway by directly targeting SOX9 in fibroblasts
Authors: Cui Shengyu , Liu Zhebo , Tao Bo , Fan Suzhen , Pu Yong , Meng Xiangping , Li Dongqing , Xia Hao , Xu Lin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMyocardial infarction (MI) will inevitably result in cardiac fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the effect of microRNA‐145 (miR‐145) and transcription factor sex‐determining region Y box 9 (SOX9) in the production of cardiac fibrosis induced by MI. MI rat models were established by left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion. Four weeks after LAD, the cardiac fibrosis level was assessed by Masson's trichrome staining. Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) exposed to hypoxia were used to simulate MI‐induced fibrosis. Flow cytometry, cell counting kit‐8, and transwell assays were used to examine changes in CF apoptosis, proliferation, and migration, respectively. miR‐145 expression was measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis were performed to determine the relative expression of proteins. In comparison to the sham‐operated group, the expression of miR‐145 was significantly downregulated in the infarction peripheral area, whereas, SOX9 was upregulated. In the infarcted heart, the overexpression of miR‐145 significantly ameliorated cardiac fibrosis and cardiac function, and there was a negative correlation between miR‐145 and SOX9 expressions in hypoxic CFs in vitro. In addition, SOX9 was verified to be a functional target of miR‐145. Overexpression of miR‐145 or inhibition of SOX9 decreased CF proliferation, migration, and fibrosis, but augmented their apoptotic rate. Moreover, the upregulation of miR‐145 or suppression of SOX9 inhibited AKT and β‐catenin signaling in hypoxic CFs. Taken together, this study highlights a potential treatment for cardiac fibrosis through the targeted regulation of SOX9 by miR‐145, and our findings indicate that miR‐145 exerts anti‐fibrotic effects in MI via the negative regulation of SOX9 and its downstream AKT/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin pathways.
Association between circular RNA expression content and severity of coronary atherosclerosis in human coronary artery
Authors: Hou Can , Gu Lingfeng , Guo Yi , Zhou Yaqing , Hua Lei , Chen Jiaxin , He Shu , Zhang Sheng , Jia Qiaowei , Zhao Chenhui , Zhang Jing , Xu Guangxu , Jia Enzhi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundCircular RNAs (circRNAs) may act as biomarkers of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the relationship between expression characteristics of circRNAs and coronary atherosclerosis has not been fully explored. The aim of this study was to determine and characterize the circRNAs from human coronary artery.MethodsThe coronary artery segments were obtained from an 81‐year‐old male patient with sudden death of myocardial infarction at autopsy. The coronary stenosis and atherosclerosis were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and the circRNAs expression profile was characterized by RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq). The differentially expressed circRNAs were validated by qRT‐PCR.ResultsThe analysis of H&E staining indicated that coronary atherosclerosis grade and extent in the LM was more serious than that in other coronary arteries. Twenty‐seven circRNAs were selected for expression validation in coronary artery. CircRNAs corresponding cyclization sites of 3 circRNAs (hsa_circ_0016868, hsa_circ_0001364, hsa_circ_0006731) have been verified by Sanger sequencing.ConclusionThe 3 circRNAs are suggested to play a pathological role underlying the coronary arteries atherosclerosis and may serve as a valuable resource as diagnostic or therapeutic targets against CAD.
Microwave‐assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction of phenolic compounds from brewer's spent grain
Authors: López‐Linares Juan C , Campillo Víctor , Coca Mónica , Lucas Susana , García‐Cubero María T 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDDeep eutectic solvents (DESs) have been tested as promising green solvents for the microwave‐assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from brewer's spent grain (BSG). Firstly, a preliminary screening with four different DESs was carried out in order to determine the most effective DES for recovering phenolic compounds (measured as total phenols) from BSG. Later, an experimental design using the DES found to be most effective in the preliminary screening was applied to optimize microwave‐assisted choline chloride (ChCl):glycerol extraction.RESULTSChCl:glycerol was the most effective DES tested in the preliminary screening to recover phenolic compounds (2.3 mg GA g−1 BSG), even more than methanol (80% v/v) as conventional solvent (1.2 mg GA g−1 BSG). On the other hand, using ChCl:glycerol as DES, a total phenols content of 2.89 mg GA g−1 BSG was obtained operating at 100 °C for 13.30 min and 37.46% (v/v) water in the DES, ferulic and coumaric acids being the most abundant. Moreover, a residual extracted solid with non‐disturbed structural carbohydrates was achieved, which could be successfully used in a biorefinery to obtain other products, such as biofuels or chemicals.CONCLUSIONSThe suitability of a novel and green extraction process based on DESs combined with microwave assistance for the recovery of phenolic compounds from BSG was demonstrated. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Digital light microscopy to characterize the scales of two goatfishes (Perciformes; Mullidae)
Authors: Sabbah Najmeh , Teimori Azad , Hesni Majid Askari 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe normal and lateral line scales from above the head and four flank regions were investigated in two goatfishes by using light microscopy to evaluate the microscopic characteristics of scale surface ornamentation from different body parts of these fishes and to add new morphological data for their discrimination. The body scales were removed and digital images captured with a Dino‐Lite digital camera connected to a Leica compound microscope. The presence of both transverse and longitudinal radii was a distinctive characteristic for the scales of studied goatfishes. The most distinctive features of the key scales discriminating the two goatfishes were the scale shape, the presence of irregular grooves in scale surface, the presence of transverse radii in the lateral fields, and the availability of lepidont at the anterior field. The lateral line scale ornamentations were almost similar in two species; however, the lateral line canal was branching in Parupeneus heptacanthus. Scale extension index indicated that in both species, the dimension of normal key scales tends to the right, while the dimension of lateral line scales tends to the left. This study accentuated that scales from different body regions may exhibit variation in surface ornamentations, that scale morphology could successfully be used to discriminate the examined goatfishes, and that the use of fish scale microscopy is an easy and relatively rapid method and does not require fish sacrifice. Since fish identification is essential for the conservation and management of species, the use of scale morphology to this purpose appears particularly promising.
Long non‐coding RNA 00507/miRNA‐181c‐5p/TTBK1/MAPT axis regulates tau hyperphosphorylation in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Yan Yan , Yan Hua , Teng Ying , Wang Qin , Yang Ping , Zhang Le , Cheng Han , Fu Siwen 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundTau hyperphosphorylation is involved in the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the role of linc00507 with respect to modulating Tau phosphorylation in ab AD animal and an Aβ42‐SH‐SY5Y cell model.MethodsAβ precursor protein (APP)/PS transgenic mice and Aβ42‐SH‐SY5Y cell model were used to investigate the role of linc00507 in AD. A quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction evaluated the RNA expression of linc00507, miR‐181c‐5p and microtubule‐associated protein tau (MAPT)/tau‐tubulin kinase‐1 (TTBK1). The interactions between the genes were investigated through changes in one gene expression by regulating another gene in cells and, in addition, correlation assays were performed in mice. Western blot assays examined the protein expression of MAPT/TTBK1, phosphorylation of tau and signaling proteins P25/P35/GSK3β in response to the regulation of linc00507, miR‐181c‐5p and MAPT/TTBK1 in cells and also in mice.Resultslinc00507 was significantly elevated in hippocampus, and cerebral cortex of APP/PS transgenic mice and AD‐like SH‐SY5Y cells. It could bind miR‐181c‐5p and thereby regulate the expression of microtubule‐associated protein Tau (MAPT) and tau‐tubulin kinase‐1 (TTBK1) as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA). MAPT (encoding the tau protein) and TTBK1 (encoding a tau kinase) were identified as direct target genes of miR‐181c‐5p. Furthermore, linc00507 mediated tau protein hyperphosphorylation by the activation of the P25/P35/GSK3β signaling pathway through regulating MAPT/TTBK1 by sponging miR‐181c‐5p.ConclusionsThe findings of the present highlight the regulatory role of linc00507 in tau phosphorylation miR‐181c‐5p as ceRNA of MAPT/TTBK1 in vitro and in vivo, providing a basis for novel diagnostic and treatment strategies for AD.
Polymorphism of lncRNAs in breast cancer: Meta‐analysis shows no association with susceptibility
Authors: Mathias Carolina , Garcia Leandro E. , Teixeira Mayza Dalcin , Kohler Ana Flávia , Marchi Rafael D. , Barazetti Jéssica F. , Gradia Daniela Fiori , de Oliveira Jaqueline Carvalho 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundLong non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been the target of considerable attention for their roles in many biological processes. Only a small portion of lncRNAs are functionally characterized, and several approaches have been proposed for investigating the roles of these molecules, including how polymorphisms in lncRNA genomic sites may interfere with their function. Allele frequency variation in single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), for example, has been associated with several diseases, including breast cancer (BC), the most common type of cancer in women.MethodsIn the present study, we performed a systematic review of lncRNA SNPs associated with BC and a meta‐analysis of some lncRNA SNPs. We found 31 SNPs mapped in 12 lncRNAs associated with BC in 28 case–control studies.ResultsOur meta‐analysis showed an insignificant difference between the SNPs rs217727, rs3741219, rs2107425 and rs2839698 on H19, as well as rs920778, rs1899663, rs12826786 and rs4759314 on HOTAIR, and BC susceptibility.ConclusionsThe present analysis recognized the importance of extensive association studies, including different populations, and further evaluation of potential functional effects caused by lncRNA SNPs. Nevertheless, genetic variants such as SNPs in lncRNAs may play many other essential roles, although this field is still under explored.
Compound heterozygous DYSF variants causing limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B in a Chinese family
Authors: Li Liangshan , Jing Zhongcui , Cheng Lei , Liu Wenmiao , Wang Haiyan , Xu Yinglei , Zheng Xueping , Yu Xiaoling , Liu Shiguo 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe dysferlin gene or the DYSF gene encodes the Ca2+‐dependent phospholipid‐binding protein dysferlin, which belongs to the ferlin family and is associated with muscle membrane regeneration and repair. Variants in the DYSF gene are responsible for limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B (LGMD2B), also called limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy recessive 2 (LGMDR2), a rare subtype of muscular dystrophy involving progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. The present study aimed to identify the variants responsible for the clinical symptoms of a Chinese patient with limb girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs) and to explore the genotype–phenotype associations of LGMD2B.MethodsA series of clinical examinations, including blood tests, magnetic resonance imaging scans for the lower legs, electromyography and muscle biopsy, was performed on the proband diagnosed with muscular dystrophies. Whole exome sequencing was conducted to detect the causative variants, followed by Sanger sequencing to validate these variants.ResultsWe identified two compound heterozygous variants in the DYSF gene, c.1058 T>C, p.(Leu353Pro) in exon 12 and c.1461C>A/p.Cys487* in exon 16 in this proband, which were inherited from the father and mother, respectively. In silico analysis for these variants revealed deleterious results by PolyPhen‐2 (Polymorphism Phenotyping v2; http://genetics.bwh.harvard.edu/pph2), SIFT (Sorting Intolerant From Tolerant; https://sift.bii.a-star.edu.sg), PROVEAN (Protein Variation Effect Analyzer; http://provean.jcvi.org/seq_submit.php) and MutationTaster (http://www.mutationtaster.org). In addition, the two compound heterozygous variants in the proband were absent in 100 control individuals who had an identical ethnic origin and were from the same region, suggesting that these variants may be the pathogenic variants responsible for the LGMD2B phenotypes for this proband.ConclusionsThe present study broadens our understanding of the mutational spectrum of the DYSF gene, which provides a deep insight into the pathogenesis of LGMDs and accelerates the development of a prenatal diagnosis.
SARS‐CoV‐2 respiratory viral loads and association with clinical and biological features
Authors: Biguenet Adrien , Bouiller Kevin , Marty‐Quinternet Solène , Brunel Anne‐Sophie , Chirouze Catherine , Lepiller Quentin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTo determine the distribution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) respiratory viral loads (VL) during the acute phase of infection and their correlation with clinical presentation and inflammation‐related biomarkers. Nasopharyngeal swabs from 453 adult SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected patients from the Department of Infectious Diseases, Besançon, France, were collected at the time of admission or consultation for reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis. Clinical information and concentrations of biological parameters (C‐reactive protein [CRP], fibrinogen, lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], prealbumin) were noticed. Mean respiratory VL homogeneously decreased from 7.2 log10 copies/ml (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.6–7.8) on the first day of symptoms until 4.6 log10 copies/ml (95% CI: 3.8–5.4) at day 10 (slope = −0.24; R2 = .95). VL were poorly correlated with COVID‐19 symptoms and outcome, excepted for dyspnea and anosmia, which were significantly associated with lower VL (p < .05). CRP, fibrinogen, and LDH concentrations significantly increased over the first 10 days (median CRP concentrations from 36.8 mg/L at days 0–1 to 99.5 mg/L at days 8–10; p < .01), whereas prealbumin concentrations tended to decrease. Since SARS‐CoV‐2 respiratory VL regularly decrease in the acute phase of infection, determining the level of VL may help predicting the onset of virus shedding in a specific patient. However, the role of SARS‐CoV‐2 VL as a biomarker of severity is limited.
Changes of liver stiffness measured by magnetic resonance elastography during direct‐acting antivirals treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Higuchi Mayu , Tamaki Nobuharu , Kurosaki Masayuki , Inada Kento , Kirino Sakura , Yamashita Koji , Hayakawa Yuka , Sekiguchi Shuhei , Osawa Leona , Takaura Kenta , Maeyashiki Chiaki , Kaneko Shun , Yasui Yutaka , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Itakura Jun , Enomoto Nobuyuki , Izumi Namiki 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAlmost all patients achieved sustained virological response (SVR) by direct‐acting antivirals (DAA) therapy, but it is not clear as to what extent DAA therapy affects changes in liver fibrosis after achieving SVR. In this study, we investigated the changes of liver stiffness by magnetic resonance elastogaraphy (MRE) during DAA therapy. A total of 308 patients were enrolled in the study. Liver stiffness was measured twice before and after DAA treatment using MRE and time‐course change of liver stiffness was investigated. The median (interquartile range) values for liver stiffness were 4.2 (3.2–6.1) kPa at baseline and 3.3 (2.6–4.8) kPa at SVR, demonstrating a significant improvement (p < .01). A total of 44% of patients had no improvement in liver stiffness despite achieving SVR. In patients with advanced fibrosis (lower level of albumin [Alb] or histological fibrosis stage F4), it was difficult to improve liver stiffness. Except for Alb, there were no blood tests associated with nonimprovement in liver stiffness, making these cases difficult to predict. In conclusion, despite obtaining SVR, improvement in liver stiffness could not be obtained in some cases, especially in patients with advanced fibrosis. In these patients, liver stiffness must be followed even if SVR is obtained.
Clinical characteristics, cause analysis and infectivity of COVID‐19 nucleic acid repositive patients: A literature review
Authors: Li Youjiang , Ji Danping , Cai Wangyu , Hu Yingying , Bai Yongying , Wu Jianguo , Xu Jian 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) poses a serious threat to human health and lives. The virus is still spreading throughout the world, and the cumulative number of confirmed cases is increasing. After patients with COVID‐19 are treated and discharged, some have repeated clinical symptoms and become positive for nucleic acid tests a second time. Through analysis and review of the existing literature, the proportion of repositive patients in the discharged patient population and their clinical characteristics were systematically described for the first time. Furthermore, an in‐depth analysis of the causes of repositive nucleic acid tests and the potential transmission of the disease provides the basis for the management and protection of discharged patients with COVID‐19.
Role of inflammation in initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation in rheumatic mitral stenosis – An analytical cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sharma Gautam , Ghati Nirmal , Sharique Mohd , Sharma Shruti , Shetkar Sudhir , Karmakar Suman , Naik Nitish , Lakshmy Ramakrishnan , Thakur Bhaskar , Agarwal Aman , Saxena Anita 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundInflammation has been implicated in the initiation and perpetuation of non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there is a lack of similar data on AF in rheumatic heart disease (RHD). The objective of this study was to analyze the association of inflammation as measured by serum inflammatory biomarkers with AF in rheumatic mitral stenosis (Rh‐MS).MethodsA comparative cross‐sectional analytical study was conducted on 181 Rh‐MS patients in normal sinus rhythm (NSR; n = 69), subclinical transient AF (SCAF; detected by 24‐hours Holter monitoring; n = 30) and chronic AF (n = 82). Serum hs‐CRP, IL‐6, and sCD‐40L were assessed using ELISA immunoassay and compared in all groups of Rh‐MS with or without AF.ResultsWe found significantly higher serum hs‐CRP and sCD‐40L levels in the overall AF (Chronic AF + SCAF) group (hs‐CRP: 4.5 ± 3.4 vs 2.3 ± 2.9 mg/L, P < .01; sCD‐40L: 6.4 ± 4.8 vs 3.1 ± 3.4 ng/mL, P < .01) and chronic AF subgroup (hs‐CRP: 4.9 ± 3.4 vs 2.3 ± 2.9 mg/L, P < .01; sCD‐40L: 6.9 ± 5.1 vs 3.1 ± 3.4 ng/mL, P < .01) compared to patients with sinus rhythm. There was a statistically significant graded increase of serum IL‐6 level from the NSR to the SCAF (vs NSR: 6.8 ± 3.9 vs 4.0 ± 2.2 pg/mL, P = .03), and chronic AF subgroups (vs NSR: 9.3 ± 6.5 vs 4.0 ± 2.2 pg/mL, P < .01; vs SCAF: 9.3 ± 6.5 vs 6.8 ± 3.9, P = .05) of atrial fibrillation.ConclusionsElevated levels of serum hs‐CRP, IL‐6, and sCD‐40L were strongly associated with overall AF and also with SCAF and chronic AF in Rh‐MS patients indicating a potential role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of rheumatic AF.
Molecular fossils as a tool for tracking Holocene sea‐level change in the Loch of Stenness, Orkney
Authors: Conti Martina L. G. , Bates Martin R. , Preece Richard C. , Penkman Kirsty E. H. , Keely Brendan J. 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTSediments deposited in the Loch of Stenness (Orkney Islands, Scotland) during the Holocene transgression, previously dated to between ~5939–5612 bp, were analysed for molecular fossils – lipids and chlorophyll pigments from primary producers – that complement conventional microfossil and lithological approaches for studying past sea‐level change. While microfossil and lithological studies identified a transgression between 102 and 81 cm core depth, key molecular fossils fluctuate in occurrence and concentration between 118 and 85 cm, suggesting an earlier start to the transgression. Terrestrial lipid concentrations decreased and algal‐derived, short‐chain, n‐alkanoic acid concentrations increased at 118 cm, indicating a disruption of the freshwater lake conditions associated with the early stages of the marine transgression. The lipid and pigment analyses provided information that complements and extends that from microfossil analysis, presenting a more complete record of Holocene sea‐level changes and local vegetation changes in the Loch of Stenness. The isostatic stability of Stenness during the Holocene points towards other factors to explain the transgression, such as regional factors and/or melting of the Antarctic ice sheet (which occurred up to 3 ka).
How to decide whether a systematic review is stable and not in need of updating: Analysis of Cochrane reviews
Authors: Babić Andrija , Poklepovic Pericic Tina , Pieper Dawid , Puljak Livia 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundIt is challenging to keep systematic reviews (SR) current and updated. Cochrane designated some of its SRs as “stable,” that is, not in need of updating. The issue of stabilizing an SR is an important in research synthesis, because it could help reduce research waste. The aim of this study was to analyze publicly available justifications for stabilizing a Cochrane review, with the ultimate goal of helping to make decisions about whether the update of any SR is warranted.MethodsWe analyzed Cochrane reviews labeled as stable in Archie, Cochrane's system for managing the editorial/publishing process. From the “What's new” section of the reviews in the Cochrane Library, we extracted justification for stabilization.ResultsWe included 545 Cochrane reviews labeled in Archie as stable on October 28, 2019. The most common of the five reasons for stabilization was that “last search did not identify any potentially relevant studies likely to change conclusions” (N = 99; 18%), followed by “research area no longer active” (N = 86; 16%), “review is or will be superseded” (N = 41; 7.5%), “evidence is conclusive” (N=35; 6.4%), and “intervention no longer in general use” (N = 34; 6.2%). For the 269 (49%) Cochrane reviews, we considered that the justification for stabilization was not clearly described, that is, sufficiently informative.ConclusionsCochrane reviews would benefit from more transparency and consistency in publicly available justifications for stabilizing reviews. Further work in this field will help make decisions about the futility of further research and deciding on enough evidence in the field of research synthesis.