bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome Analysis of Ovary Tissues From Low- and High-yielding Changshun Green-shell Laying Hens
Authors: Mu Ren , Yu Yi yin , Gegen Tuya , Di Wen , Wang Fen , Chen Zhi , Xu Wen bin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Changshun green-shell laying hens are unique to Guizhou Province, China, with high egg quality. At this stage, improving egg production performance has become an important breeding task. In recent years, the development of high-throughput sequencing technology provides a fast and exact method for genetic selection. Therefore, this study is based on high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze the differences in the ovarian mRNA transcriptome of low-yield and high-yield Changshun green-shell layer hens, identify critical pathways and candidate genes involved in controlling the egg production rate, and provide basic data for layer breeding.Results: The egg production rates of the low egg production group (LP) and the high egg production group (HP) were 68.00 ± 5.56% and 93.67 ± 7.09%, with extremely significant differences between the groups (p <0.01). Moreover, the egg weight, shell thickness, strength and layer weight of the LP were significantly larger than those of the HP (p <0.05). More than 41 million clean reads per sample were obtained, and more than 90% of the clean reads were mapped to the Gallus gallus genome. Further analysis identified 142 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and among them, 55 were upregulated and 87 were downregulated in the ovaries. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis identified 9 significantly enriched pathways. Among them, the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway was the most enriched. GO enrichment analysis indicated that the molecular function GO term: transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase activity, as well as the DEGs identified in this GO term, including PRLR, NRP1, IL15, BANK1, NTRK1, CCK, and HGF may play crucial roles in the regulation of egg production.Conclusions: The above-mentioned differentially expressed genes should be paid attention to in molecular breeding of Changshun green-shell laying hens. Moreover, enrichment analysis suggested that the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway and receptor protein tyrosine kinases may play crucial roles in the regulation of ovarian function and egg production.
Prevalence of Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis and Associated Risk Factors in Individuals Without Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Insights from General Population
Authors: Tian Yuanmeng , Zhang Suli , Li Ru , Xue Weishuang , Xing Liying , Zhang Limin , Jing Li , Yang Jun , Ma Chunyan , Liu Shuang , Li Guangxiao 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objective: Individuals without conventional cardiovascular risks (CVRFs) still have the risk of adverse outcomes, and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis is a known predictor of cardiovascular events. We aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in CVRF-free population. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in rural northeast China in 2017-2018. CVRFs freedom was defined as untreated blood pressure < 140/90 mmHg, fasting plasma glucose < 7.0 mmol/L, untreated total cholesterol < 6.22 mmol/L, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol < 4.14 mmol/L, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ≥ 1.04 mmol/L, and no current smoking. This subgroup population included 1449 individuals, and ultrasound was used to detect carotid atherosclerosis. Results: The mean carotid intima-media thickness is 0.74 ± 0.14 mm. The prevalence of carotid plaque is 23.4% (95%CI: 21.2%-25.6%) among CVRFs-free population, significantly higher in men than in women (37.1% vs 20.0%, p<0.001), and rises steeply with advancing age. 1.31% have moderate-to-severe carotid stenosis. Advancing age, man, glycosylated hemoglobin (OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.20-1.32), HDL-C level (OR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.75-3.04), and pulse pressure (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05) are potentially related to presence of carotid atherosclerosis. Adjusted-dose-response association shows a linear relationship between HDL-C and prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis. Conclusions: The prevalence of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in CVRF-free population was relatively high, indicating poorly defined factors might contribute to the early atherogenesis. Moreover, we observed a paradoxical response between subclinical carotid atherosclerosis and HDL-C levels, suggesting that treatment targeting to increase HDL-C levels might not reduce future cardiovascular risks.
Niclosamide Targets Inflammatory and Profibrotic Pathways in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Milani Martina , Mammarella Eleonora , Rossi Simona , Lattante Serena , Sabatelli Mario , Cozzolino Mauro , D’Ambrosi Nadia , Apolloni Savina 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAn increasing number of studies evidence that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by extensive alterations in different cell types and in different regions besides the CNS. We previously reported the up-regulation in ALS models of a gene called fibroblast-specific protein (FSP)-1 or S100A4, generally recognized as a pro-inflammatory and profibrotic factor. Since inflammation and fibrosis are often mutual-sustaining events that contribute to establish a hostile environment for organ functioning, the comprehension of the elements responsible for these interconnected pathways is crucial to disclose novel aspects involved in ALS pathology.MethodsHere we employed fibroblasts derived from ALS patients harboring the C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion and sporadic ALS patients with no mutations in known ALS-associated genes and we downregulated S100A4 using siRNA or the S100A4 transcriptional inhibitor niclosamide. Mice overexpressing human FUS were adopted to assess the effects of niclosamide in vivo on ALS pathology.ResultsWe demonstrated that S100A4 underlies impaired autophagy and a profibrotic phenotype, which characterize ALS fibroblasts. Indeed, its inhibition reduces inflammatory, autophagic and profibrotic pathways in ALS fibroblasts, and to interfere with different markers known as pathogenic in the disease, such as mTOR, SQSTM1/p62, STAT3, α-SMA and NF-κB. Importantly, niclosamide in vivo treatment of ALS-FUS mice reduces the expression of S100A4, α-SMA and PDGFRβ in the spinal cord, as well as gliosis in central and peripheral nervous tissues, together with axonal impairment and displays beneficial effects on muscle atrophy, by promoting muscle regeneration and reducing fibrosis.ConclusionOur findings show that S100A4 has a role in ALS-related mechanisms, and that drugs such as niclosamide that are able to target inflammatory and fibrotic pathways could represent promising pharmacological tools for ALS.
Clinical and Demographic Pattern of Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD) from a Multicenter Perspective: Malaysia’s Experience Over 26 Years
Authors: Noh Lokman Mohd , Latiff Amir Hamzah Abdul , Ismail Intan Hakimah , N Rahim Md , Wahab Asrul Abdul , Hamid Intan Juliana Abd. , Ripen Adiratna Mat , Abdulla Nasuruddin B , Razali Kamarul Azhar , Zainudin Norzila Mohamed , Bakon Florence , Long Kok Juan , Ali Adli , Aziz Bilkis Banu S Abd , Latif Hasniah Abdul , Mohamad Siti Mardhiana , Zainudeen Zarina T , Hashim Ilie Fadzilah , Sendut Iean Hamzah , Nadarajaw Thiyagar , Jamil Faizah Mohamed , Ng David CE , Abidin Mohd Azri Zainal 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background:A retrospective review of clinical manifestations and demographic pattern of patients diagnosed as chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) from 7 hospitals in Malaysia.Methods: Data from the Malaysia Primary Immunodeficiency Network (MyPIN) with cases of CGD diagnosed from 1991 until 2016 were collated and analysed.Results: Twenty patients were diagnosed as CGD. Males (N=13, 65%) outnumber females (N=7, 35%). The mean age of diagnosis was 3.7 years. There was a positive family history in 40 %. Abscess was the main presenting feature in 16 patients (80%) with one involving the brain (brain abscess). Pneumonia occurred in 10 (50%) with one (1) with complicated bronchiectasis. Catalase-positive bacteria were the most commonly isolated pathogen with Chromobacterium violaceum (C violaceum) predominating, N=5 (25%) with consequent high mortality, N=4 (80%). CGD is commonest amongst the Malays (65%) followed by the Chinese (15.0%), Indians (10.0%) and natives of Borneo (10.0%) reflective of the ethnic composition of the country.Conclusion: This study has shown CGD occurs in the major ethnic groups of Malaysia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the earliest and the largest series of chronic granulomatous disease in South East Asia (SE Asia) which may be reflective of similar clinical pattern in the region. Chromobacterium violaceum infection is associated with a higher mortality in CGD patients in Malaysia. All the CGDs with (C violaceum) infection in this patient series displayed CD4+ (T helper) lymphopenia. We recorded rare clinical manifestation of CGD viz. brain abscess and bronchiectasis.
Developing and Optimization of Fragmented Electroactive Biofilm Reactor (FAB) to Increase Microbial Fuel Cell Bioelectricity Generation and Treatment Performance
Authors: Atnafu Tesfalem , Leta Seyoum 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMicrobial fuel cells (MFCs) drawbacks are anode (cathode) limitation and electrochemical loss. Engineering the biofilm for enhanced attachment to the electrode is the prospect of MFC. Recent studies, recommend the formation of thick anode biofilm that could result in a synergetic effect between microbial communities. To address these issues, a microbial electrode jacket dish (MEJ-dish) was invented that supports microbial growth over the anode electrode surface. The MFC reactor with MEJ-dish was hypothesized to develop a fragment of biofilm (thick and thin) across the electrode. This reactor is called a fragmented electroactive biofilm-microbial fuel cell reactor (FAB-MFC).ResultsThe maximum voltage generated (0.87 V) was recorded in FAB-MFC. In addition, during the first 3-10 days, the FAB system enables to significantly (p<0.05) maximize the voltage generation at pH variation from 6.5 to 7.5. However, at alkaline pH 8.5, the FAB system generates a lower voltage relative to non-FAB. On the contrary, in FAB reactors the COD removal was improved regardless of pH variation (6.5-8.5). This shows, unlike voltage generation, the biofilms (either electroactive or not) formation were vital for COD removal even without voltage generation. At acidic and neutral pH (7.5), the fragmented (hybrid) biofilm formation across the bioelectrode (anode) could not only important for voltage generation but also contributes to the effective functioning of electroactive biofilm (EABs) growth and development by reducing the effect of pH variation. To address this contradictory effect of increasing COD removal associated with the lower voltage at higher pH, might be to use both FAB and non-FAB in a single MFC reactor. There might be a mutualistic effect across the bioelectrode biofilms.ConclusionsThis study showed that the voltage generated was significantly higher in FAB-MFC as compared with non-FAB-MFC setup within limited pH (6.5-7.5); relatively, COD removal was enhanced within wider pH 6.5-8.5. This supports the conclusion that biofilm formed across the FAB was vital for COD removal, even though not participated in voltage generation. However, this might be affected by the degradable organic content and the nature of the microbial community in the inoculum and domestic wastewater, which requires further studies.
Risk Factors for Venous Thromboembolism Induced by Prolonged Bed Rest during Interstitial Brachytherapy for Gynecological Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Murofushi Keiko , Tomita Tetsuya , Ohnishi Kayoko , Nakai Kei , Akiyama Azusa , Sasaki Tsukasa Saida , Okumura Toshiyuki , Karasawa Katsuyuki , Satoh Toyomi , Sakurai Hideyuki 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Screening and management of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after surgery is important in preventing sublethal VTE. However, the risk factors for VTE during interstitial brachytherapy (ISBT) remain unknown, and appropriate screening and management strategies are yet to be established. This study therefore aimed to evaluate the risk factors for VTE resulting from requisite bed rest during ISBT for gynecologic cancers.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 47 patients. For patients without definitive preceding radiotherapy, whole pelvic irradiation (30-50 Gy) followed by ISBT of 12-30 Gy/2-5 fx/1-3 days was administered to CTV D90. For patients with preceding radiotherapy, 36-42 Gy/6-7 fx/3-4 days was delivered by ISBT alone. D-dimer (DD) was measured at initial presentation, 1 week before ISBT, pre-ISBT, on the day of, and the day following needle removal. Patients were divided into three groups according to the risk of VTE and were managed accordingly. Group 1: DD was not detected (negative) before ISBT. Group 2: VTE was not detected on venous ultrasound imaging, although DD was positive before ISBT. Group 3: VTE was detected (positive) before ISBT. An intermittent pneumatic compression device was used during ISBT; for this, patients without VTE before ISBT required to remain in the supine position. Heparin or oral anticoagulants were administered to patients with VTE before ISBT.Results: Overall, the median values of DD pre-ISBT, on the day of, and on the day following needle removal were 1.0 (0.4-5.8), 1.1 (0.5-88.9), and 1.5 (0.7-40.6) μg/mL, respectively. After ISBT, no patients had deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in groups 1 and 2. In group 3, 7 of 14 patients experienced worsening of VTE but remained asymptomatic. In univariate analysis, DVT diagnosed before ISBT, Caprini score ≥5, and difference in DD values between pre-ISBT and the day of or the day following needle removal ≥1 were associated with the incidence or worsening of VTE.Conclusion: DD should be measured before and after ISBT to detect the incidence or worsening of VTE in patients with DVT. The Caprini score may help in the prediction of VTE during or after ISBT.
miR-218 Affects the ECM Composition and Cell Biomechanical Properties of Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Grabowska Małgorzata , Kuczyński Konrad , Piwecka Monika , Rabiasz Alicja , Zemła Joanna , Głodowicz Paweł , Wawrzyniak Dariusz , Lekka Małgorzata , Rolle Katarzyna 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundGlioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumour. GBM cells have ability to infiltrate into the surrounding brain tissue, which results in a significant decrease in the patient’s survival rate. Infiltration is a consequence of the low adhesion and high migration of the tumour cells, two features being associated with the highly remodelled extracellular matrix (ECM). MethodsThe expression profile of miRNAs and mRNAs was analysed by qPCR on 19 GBM tissue samples. Than luciferase assay was performed to confirm interaction between miR-218 and target sequences. Next we checked how supplementation of glioma cell line (U118-MG) with microRNA 218 will change expression pattern of TN-C and SDC both on transcript level and on protein level. Analysis of protein level were made with western-blot technique. Last step in expression profiling of genes connected to cellular motility and adhesion was done with use of qPCR analysis after supplementation with miR-218. To assess the abilities of cells to migrate and proliferate real-time cell culture analysis with use of Incelligence system were utilized. Also this results were backed by classic wound-healing assay. To conclude we used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to measure physical properties such as adhesion and stiffness of cells. This study was supported by microscopy analysis of cytoskeleton changes after supplementation of miR-218.ResultsIn this study, we report that ECM composition is partially regulated at the posttranscriptional level by miRNA. Particularly, we show that miR-218, a well-known miRNA suppressor, is involved in direct regulation of ECM components, tenascin-C (TN-C) and syndecan-2 (SDC-2). We demonstrated that the overexpression of miR-218 reduces the mRNA and protein expression levels of TN-C and SDC-2, and subsequently influences biomechanical properties of GBM cells. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and real-time migration analysis revealed that miR-218 overexpression impairs the migration potential and enhances the adhesive properties of cells. AFM analysis followed by F-actin staining demonstrated that expression level of miR-218 has an impact on cell stiffness and cytoskeletal reorganization. Global gene expression analysis showed deregulation of a number of genes involved in tumour cell motility and adhesion or ECM remodelling upon miR-218 treatment, suggesting further indirect interactions between the cells and ECM. Conclusion The results demonstrated a direct impact of miR-218 reduction in GBM tumours on the qualitative ECM content, leading to changes in the rigidity of the ECM and GBM cells being conducive to increased invasiveness of GBM.
Comparison of Bone Scintigraphy and PET/CT for the Evaluation of Disease Activity in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Application of Bone Scintigraphy
Authors: Lee Sang Jin , Hong Chae Moon , Cho Il , Ahn Byeong-Cheol , Eun Jung Su , Kim Na Ri , Kang Jong Whan , Kang Young Mo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: We aimed to compare the reliability of bone scintigraphy (BS) and fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)–derived parameters in the detection of active arthritis in 28-joint areas and evaluate the reliability of joint counts between BS and clinical assessment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: We enrolled 106 patients (67 in the development group and 39 in the validation groups) with active RA who underwent BS, 18F-FDG PET/computed tomography (CT), and clinical evaluation of disease activity. We compared the results of BS-derived joint assessment with those of PET-derived and clinical joint assessments. Subsequently we developed a disease activity score (DAS) using BS-positive joints and validated it in an independent group.Results: The number of BS-positive joints in 28-joint areas significantly correlated with the swollen /tender joint counts (SJC/TJC) and PET-derived joint counts. A BS uptake score of 2 (strong positive) was significantly more sensitive compared with a BS uptake score of 1 (weak positive) in detecting a PET-positive joint among the 28-joints. After conducting multivariate analyses including erythrocyte sediment rate (ESR) and patient global assessment (PGA) in addition to BS-derived parameters, BS/DAS was obtained as follows: 0.056 × number of BS-positive joints in 28 joints + 0.012 × ESR + 0.030 × PGA. A significant correlation between BS/DAS and DAS28-ESR was confirmed in the validation group. Conclusion: Strong positive uptake of BS is sensitive and reproducible for the detection of active joints, and can complement the clinical assessment of disease activity in RA.
Cardiac Dysfunction in Critically Ill patients with COVID-19 – A Multicentre Observational Study
Authors: Holmqvist Jacob , Beck-Friis Josefine , Jensen Carl , Dalla Keti , Mårdstam Simon , Christensen Jens , Nordén Nina , Rosén-Wetterholm Elin , Cavefors Oscar , Yilmaz Aylin , Cronhjort Maria , Redfors Björn , Oras Jonatan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Introduction: The importance of cardiac dysfunction in critically ill patients with COVID-19 is not well studied. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence, clinical risk factors, and prognosis of cardiac dysfunction in critical illness caused by COVID-19, and to evaluate if cardiac biomarkers can detect this condition.Methods: This was a multicentre observational study performed in five intensive care units (ICUs) in Sweden. Patients admitted to participating ICU with COVID-19 were examined with echocardiography within 72 hours from admission to the ICU and again after four to seven days. Cardiac biomarkers and clinical data were collected at the time of echocardiography. Cardiac dysfunction was defined as either left ventricular (LV) dysfunction (having an ejection fraction < 50% and/or regional hypokinesia) or right ventricular (RV) dysfunction (having a tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) < 17mm or a moderate/severe RV dysfunction assessed visually).Results: We included 132 patients of whom 94 (71%) were included prospectively. The vast majority were intubated (n=127). At the time of admission to ICU, 35 (27%) patients had cardiac dysfunction and 7 patients (5%) had cardiac dysfunction detected later in the ICU-period. LV dysfunction was found in 18 patients and RV dysfunction in 17 patients, 7 patients had both RV and LV dysfunction. Noradrenaline > 0.20µg/kg/min was the only clinical variable associated with a higher risk of cardiac dysfunction. RV dysfunction was associated with an increased risk of death in a risk-adjusted model (OR 3.98, p = 0.013). Troponin and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) had moderate values in detecting cardiac dysfunction (AUC 0.729 and AUC 0.744, respectively). A combination of troponin < 1.44 times the upper reference limit and NTproBNP < 857ng/L had 85% probability of excluding cardiac dysfunction.Conclusions: Cardiac dysfunction is common in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Although not easily detected with clinical variables, cardiac biomarkers might be helpful. RV dysfunction is associated with an increased risk of death, these patients might benefit from further investigation or treatments. Trial registration: Registered on 24 Aug 2020 at Clinicaltrials.gov; registration number NCT04524234.
Dose Optimization Study of Therapeutic Hypercapnia for Prevention of Secondary Ischemia After Severe Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Stetter Christian , Weidner Franziska , Lilla Nadine , Weiland Judith , Kunze Ekkehard , Ernestus Ralf-Ingo , Muellenbach Ralf Michael , Westermaier Thomas 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAim of this study was to investigate the time point at which the cerebral blood flow (CBF) enhancing effect of controlled hypercapnia in patients with severe aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) starts to extenuate. This point is assumed to be the time at which buffer systems become active and annihilate a possible therapeutic effect. MethodsIn this prospective interventional study in a neurosurgical ICU the arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) was increased to a target range of 50 - 55 mmHg for 120 minutes by modification of the respiratory minute volume (RMV) one time a day between day 4 and 14 in 12 mechanically ventilated poor-grade SAH-patients. Arterial blood gases were measured every 15 minutes. CBF and brain tissue oxygen saturation (StiO2) were the primary and secondary end points. Intracranial pressure (ICP) was controlled by an external ventricular drainage. ResultsUnder continuous hypercapnia (PaCO2 of 53.17 ± 5.07), CBF was significantly elevated between 15 and 120 minutes after the start of hypercapnia. During the course of the trial intervention, cardiac output also increased significantly. To assess the direct effect of hypercapnia on brain perfusion, the increase of CBF was corrected by the parallel increase of cardiac output. The maximum direct CBF enhancing effect of hypercapnia of 31% was noted at 45 minutes after the start of hypercapnia. Thereafter, the CBF enhancing slowly declined. No relevant adverse effects were observed. Conclusion CBF and StiO2 reproducibly increased by controlled hypercapnia in all patients. After 45 minutes, the curve of CBF enhancement showed an inflection point when corrected by cardiac output. Temporary hypercapnia of 45 minutes is, thus, likely to be the optimum duration for a therapeutic use and for a controlled comparative trial. Longer intervals bear the risk of a negative rebound effect after return to normal ventilation parameters and may be counterproductive inducing ischemia in a state of critical perfusion after SAH. Trial registrationThe study was approved by the institutional ethics committee (AZ 230/14) and registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Trial-ID: NCT01799525). Registered 01 January 2015. Retrospectively registered.