bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor α reduces lipid droplets by upregulating neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase 1 in macrophages
Authors: MATSUOKA Hiroshi , TOKUNAGA Riki , KATAYAMA Miyu , HOSODA Yuichiro , MIYA Kaoruko , SUMI Kento , OHISHI Ami , KAMISHIKIRYO Jun , SHIMA Akiho , MICHIHARA Akihiro 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase 1 (NCEH1) catalyzes the hydrolysis of cholesterol ester (CE) in macrophages. Genetic ablation of NCEH1 promotes CE-laden macrophages and the development of atherosclerosis in mice. Dysregulation of NCEH1 levels is involved in the pathogenesis of multiple disorders including metabolic diseases and atherosclerosis; however, relatively little is known regarding the mechanisms regulating NCEH1. Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor α (RORα)-deficient mice exhibit several phenotypes indicative of aberrant lipid metabolism, including dyslipidemia and increased susceptibility to atherosclerosis. Results: In this study, inhibition of lipid droplet formation by RORα positively regulated NCEH1 expression in monocyte-derived macrophages. In mammals, the NCEH1 promoter region was found to harbor putative RORα response elements (ROREs). Electrophoretic mobility shift, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter assays showed that RORα binds and responds to ROREs in human NCEH1. Moreover, NCEH1 was upregulated through RORα via a phorbol myristate acetate-dependent mechanism during macrophage differentiation from THP1 cells. siRNA-mediated knockdown of RORα significantly downregulated NCEH1 and inhibited lipid droplet formation in human hepatoma cells. In contrast, NCEH1 was induced by treatment with RORα agonists. Conclusion: These data strongly suggested that NCEH1 is a direct RORα target, defining potential new roles for RORα in the inhibition of lipid droplet formation through NCEH1. Keywords: Atherosclerosis, Cholesterol ester, Lipid droplet, Macrophage, Transcriptional regulation, Nuclear receptor, RORα, NCEH1
Cysteine-cysteine chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) profile of HIV-infected subjects attending University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Southern Nigeria
Authors: Ekere Ekerette Friday , Useh Monday F. , Okoroiwu Henshaw Uchechi , Mirabeau Tatfeng Youtchou 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Cysteine-cysteine chemokine receptor 5 is the main HIV co-receptor involved in the virus and cell-to-cell spread. A variant of the CCR5 gene known as CCR5-Δ32 which is a product of 32 base pair deletion in the gene plays critical role in the infection and progression to AIDS. The study was done to determine the CCR5 genotype of HIV-infected subjects attending University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar. Methods A total of 100 subjects attending HIV clinic, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital were purposively recruited for this study. DNA was extracted from each sample using the quick gDNA miniprep DNA extraction kit. Polymerase chain reaction was used in amplification of CCR5 gene in each DNA in a 9700 ABI Thermo cycler and then resolved on 4% agarose gel electrophoresis. Result Out of the 100 samples assessed, 100 (100%) were homozygous for the CCR5 wild type gene (CCR5-wt), while none (0%) was homozygous for the CCR5-Δ32 (mutant type), and heterozygosity was not observed. Conclusion This study observed absence of CCR5-Δ32 deletion gene among the studied subjects in Calabar. This implies lack of genetic advantage in HIV infection and possible rapid progression towards AIDS if other precautions are not checked.
General practitioners’ views on use of patient reported outcome measures in primary care: a cross-sectional survey and qualitative study
Authors: Author) Grace M Turner(Former Corresponding , Author) Ian Litchfield(New Corresponding , Finnikin Sam , Aiyegbusi Olalekan Lee , Calvert Melanie 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are increasingly used to assess impact of disease and treatment on quality of life and symptoms; however, their use in primary care is fragmented. We aimed to understand how PROMs are currently being used in primary care, the barriers and facilitators of this use and if appropriate how it might be optimised.Methods Cross-sectional survey and semi-structured interviews among general practitioners (GPs) in England. GPs’ opinions were explored using an electronic, self-completed questionnaire disseminated to 100 GPs via an online doctors’ community and semi-structured qualitative interviews with 25 GPs.Results Most GPs surveyed (77/100; 77%) reported using one or more PROM, primarily to aid clinical management (n=66) or as screening/diagnostic tools (n=62). Qualitative interviews highlighted challenges in identifying and selecting PROMs; however, some GPs valued PROMs for shared decision making and to direct patient discussions. The interviews identified key barriers to PROM use including: time constraints; insufficient knowledge; lack of integration into clinical systems; and PROMs being mandated without consultation or explanation. Evidence of the benefit of PROMs is required to promote uptake and use of PROMs in primary care.Conclusion Implementation of PROMs in primary care requires integration with clinical systems, a bottom-up approach to PROM selection and system design involving meaningful consultation with patients and primary care clinicians and training/support for use.
Studies on the Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Diabetic Patients attending a Tertiary Health-care Facility South-west Nigeria.
Authors: NDAKO James A. , Owolabi Akinyomade O , Olisa Joseph A. , Akinwumi Jeremiah A. , Dojumo Victor T. , Olatinsu Oludolapo , Adebayo Blessing A. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background:Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are two major public health problems associated with increasing complications and mortality rates worldwide. The objective of this study to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in diabetic patients and to investigate the influence of several epidemiological and clinical factors on HCV infection. Method: A total number of one hundred and eighty diabetic patients were recruited for this study. Consented subjects made up of 71(39.4%) males and 109(60.56%) females were recruited for the study. While one-Hundred (100) Non-Diabetics (Controls) were recruited for this study. Structured questionnaires were administered to the consented participants to obtain relevant data. Sera samples were assayed for antibodies to HCV using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [Inteco Diagnostic Limited]. ELISA technique.Result: Overall prevalence of HCV infection among diabetes patients assayed was 13.3%. Out of which 8(11.3%) was obtained from the male subjects compared to 16 (14.7%) seropositivity recorded for the female subjects (P = 0.511; P > 0.05). Considering age distribution, Subjects aged 41-50 years recorded, 9 (22.5%) positivity (P= 0.238; P>0.05).Considering educational status of subjects screened, 22 (14.9%) positivity was rescored among subjects who have attained tertiary status of education.( P = 0.574;P>0.05).Risk factors considered showed that, 7 (18.9%) seropositive subject were alcoholic consumers(P value = 0.2621;P>0.05) while 5 (8.9%) recorded history of sharing sharp objects P= 0.2427;P>0.05).Conclusion: Our study shows a slightly higher prevalence of hepatitis C infection in type 2 diabetics. This call for urgent routine screening exercise among diabetic patients for HCV infection. This study also emphasizes the need for public enlightenment of the association between HCV infection and T2DM, to avert possible complications among diabetic patients. Keywords: HCV, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), Patients
Identification and characterization of differentially expressed genes in Caenorhabditis elegans in response to pathogenic and nonpathogenic Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Authors: Radeke Leah J , Herman Michael 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an emerging nosocomial pathogen that causes infection in immunocompromised patients. S. maltophilia isolates are genetically diverse, contain diverse virulence factors, and are variably pathogenic within several host species. Members of the Stenotrophomonas genus are part of the native microbiome of C. elegans , being found in greater relative abundance within the worm than its environment, suggesting that these bacteria accumulate within C. elegans . Thus, study of the C. elegans-Stenotrophomonas interaction is of both medical and ecological significance. To identify host defense mechanisms, we analyzed the C. elegans transcriptomic response to S. maltophilia strains of varying pathogenicity: K279a, an avirulent clinical isolate, JCMS, a virulent strain isolated in association with soil nematodes near Manhattan, KS, and JV3, an even more virulent environmental isolate. Results: Overall, we found 145 genes that are commonly differentially expressed in response to pathogenic S. maltophilia strains, 89% of which are upregulated, with many even further upregulated in response to JV3 as compared to JCMS. There are many more JV3-specific differentially expressed genes (225, 11% upregulated) than JCMS-specific differentially expressed genes (14, 86% upregulated), suggesting JV3 has unique pathogenic mechanisms that could explain its increased virulence. We used connectivity within a gene network model to choose pathogen-specific and strain-specific differentially expressed candidate genes for functional analysis. Mutations in 13 of 22 candidate genes caused significant differences in C. elegans survival in response to at least one S. maltophilia strain, although not always the strain that induced differential expression, suggesting a dynamic response to varying levels of pathogenicity.
Conclusions: Variation in observed pathogenicity and differences in host transcriptional responses to S. maltophilia strains reveal that strain-specific mechanisms play important roles in S. maltophilia pathogenesis. Furthermore, utilizing bacteria closely related to strains found in C. elegans natural environment provides a more realistic interaction for understanding host-pathogen response.
The effect of the laparoscopic primary suture of the common bile duct in elderly patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Liu Jinheng , Wang Yanting , Liu Xubao , Yin Sineng 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background The surgery treatment strategies for elderly patients who were diagnosed as choledocholithiasis combined with cholecystolithiasis include laparoscopic choledocholithotomy with cholecystectomy and T-tube drainage or endoscopic sphincterotomy with nasobiliary drainage alone for those selected elderly patients without symptoms related to the gallbladder. However, long-term T-tube drainage will cause pain and life inconvenient. This study was designed to retrospective analysis the primary suture of the common bile duct and the T-tube drainage after laparoscopic choledochotomy to study the merits and demerits between primary suture and T-tube drainage in elderly patients. Methods Eighty-five patients were screened from January 2017 to January 2018. All patients were performed laparoscopic surgery, and an intraperitoneal drainage tube was left in all patients. Fifty-six cases were the primary suture group (n=56). Twenty-nine cases were the T-tube group (n=29). Preoperative baseline characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative characteristics of the two groups were compared. Results There were no differences in baseline characteristics in both groups (P＞0.05). Compared with the T-tube group, the postoperative total drainage volume on the first day [15(15, 58.75) vs 292(185, 360)] and patients of residual stones (0/56 vs 5/29) were fewer, and all drainage tube indwelling time [6(5,7) vs 84(82,86.5)] was shorter in the primary suture group(P﹤0.05). And there were statistically significant differences in postoperative total drainage volume on the first day [15(15, 58.75) vs 292(185, 360)], all drainage tube indwelling time [6(5, 7) vs 84(82, 86.5)], postoperative total bilirubin [22.15(13.475, 33) vs 31.3(20.6,57.3)] and residual stones (0/56 vs 5/29) between the two groups (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the other intraoperative and postoperative characteristics(P＞0.05). There were no pressure sores, postoperative pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, serious complications of heart, lung and brain and even death in both groups. Conclusions With accurate preoperative risk assessment and strict treatment of basic diseases for elderly patients, if the stones in the common bile duct were cleared in laparoscopic surgery, the primary suture in elderly patients is feasible, safe, and valid.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism and susceptibility to psoriasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ramezani Mazaher , Zavattaro Elisa , Sadeghi Masoud 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackground : Psoriasis is a multifactorial disorder, impacted by both genetic and environmental factors. Herein, a meta-analysis assessed the association of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion ( ACE I/D) polymorphism and psoriasis susceptibility. Methods : A systematic search was used in databases of PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to January 2019 without language restriction. A dichotomous analysis was carried out by RevMan 5.3 using crude odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to investigate the association between ACE I/D polymorphisms and the risk of psoriasis. A funnel plot analysis was used by CMA 2.0 to estimate a significant existence of publication bias. Results : Out of 61 studies retrieved from the databases, 16 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled ORs for models of D vs. I, DD vs. II, ID vs. II, ID + DD vs. II, and DD vs. II + ID genotypes were 0.96 [95%CI: 0.82, 1.12; P=0.58], 0.99 [95%CI: 0.73, 1.36; P=0.96], 0.81 [95%CI: 0.72, 0.91; p: 0.0003], 0.91 [95%CI: 0.73, 1.13; P=0.40], and 1.05 [95%CI: 0.85, 1.30; P=0.68], respectively. A significant difference between ACE polymorphisms in patients with/without family history for the disease [OR=1.44; 95%CI: 1.24, 1.67; P<0.001] and also in patients mild/severe psoriasis [OR=0.70; 95%CI: 0.55, 0.88; P=0.002] was identified. Conclusion : The results of the meta-analysis showed that ACE I/D polymorphism may be associated with psoriasis susceptibility, while ID genotype seemed to have a protective role in Caucasian patients affected by psoriatic arthritis and in studies with hospital-based controls.
Computational MHC-I epitope predictor identifies 95% of experimentally mapped HIV-1 clade A and D epitopes in a Ugandan cohort.
Authors: Lule Daniel Bugembe , Ekii Andrew Obuku , Watera Christine , Ndembi Nicaise , Serwanga Jennifer , Kaleebu Pontiano , Pala Pietro 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Identifying immunogens that induce HIV-1-specific immune responses is a lengthy process that can benefit from computational methods, which predict T-cell epitopes for various HLA types.
Methods: We tested the performance of the NetMHCpan4.0 computational neural network in re-identifying 93 T-cell epitopes that had been previously independently mapped using the whole proteome IFN-g ELISPOT assays in 6 HLA class I typed Ugandan individuals infected with HIV-1 subtypes A1 and D. To provide a benchmark we compared the predictions for NetMHCpan4.0 to MHCflurry1.2.0 and NetCTL1.2.
Results: NetMHCpan4.0 performed best correctly predicting 88 of the 93 experimentally mapped epitopes for a set length of 9-mer and matched HLA class I alleles. Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) analysis gave an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.928. Setting NetMHCpan4.0 to predict 11-14mer length did not improve the prediction (37-79 of 93 peptides) with an inverse correlation between the number of predictions and length set. Late time point peptides were significantly stronger binders than early peptides (Wilcoxon signed rank test: p =0.0000005). MHCflurry1.2.0 similarly predicted all but 2 of the peptides that NetMHCpan4.0 predicted and NetCTL1.2 predicted only 14 of the 93 experimental peptides.
Conclusion: NetMHCpan4.0 class I epitope predictions covered 95% of the epitope responses identified in six HIV-1 infected individuals, and would have reduced the number of experimental confirmatory tests by >80%. Algorithmic epitope prediction in conjunction with HLA allele frequency information can cost-effectively assist immunogen design through minimizing the experimental effort.
Keywords: HIV-1, epitope mapping, T-cell, artificial neural network, in-silico , NetMHCpan4.0., MHCflurry1.2.0 and NetCTL1.2.
Transcriptome analysis of postharvest blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Duke’) in response to cold stress
Authors: Zhang Fan , Ji ShuJuan , Wei BaoDong , Cheng Shunchang , Hao Jia , Wang YaJuan , Wang SiYao , Zhou Qian 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) is a small berry with high economic value. Although cold storage can extend the storage time of blueberry to more than 60 days, it leads to chilling injury (CI) displayed as pedicle pits; and the samples of 0°C-30 days was the critical point of CI. However, little is known about the mechanism and the molecular basis response to cold stress in blueberry have not been explained definitely. Methods: To comprehensively reveal the CI mechanisms in response to cold stress, we performed high-throughput RNA Seq analysis to investigate the gene regulation network in 0d (control) and 30d chilled blueberry. At the same time, the pitting and decay rate, electrolyte leakage (EL), malondialdehyde (MDA) proline content and GSH content were also measured.Results: Two cDNA libraries from 0d (control) and 30d chilled samples were constructed and sequenced, generating a total of 35,060 unigenes with an N50 length of 1,348bp. Of these, 1852 were differentially expressed, with 1,167 upregulated and 685 downregulated. Forty-five cold-induced transcription factor (TF) families containing 1,023 TFs were identified. The DEGs indicated in biological processes such as stress responses; cell wall metabolism; abscisic acid, gibberellin, membrane lipid, energy metabolism, cellular components, and molecular functions were significantly responsed to cold storage. The transcriptional level of 40 DEGs were verified by qRT-PCR. Conclusions: The postharvest cold storage leads serious CI in blueberry, which substantially decreases the quality, storability and consumer acceptance. The MDA content, proline content, EL increased and the GSH content decreased in this chilled process. The biological processes such as stress responses, hormone metabolic processes were significantly affected by CI. Overall, the results obtained here are valuable for preventing CI under cold storage and could help to perfect the lack of the genetic information of non-model plant species.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices and the analysis of Risk Factors regarding Schistosomiasis Among Fishermen and Boatmen in Dongting Lake Basin, P.R. China
Authors: Guan Zhou , Dai Si-Min , Zhou Jie , Ren Xiao-Bing , Qin Zhi-Qiang , Li Yin-Long , Lv Shan , Li Shi-Zhu , Zhou Xiao-Nong , Xu Jing 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Fishermen and boatmen are a risk population for contracting schistosomiasis due to their high frequency of water contact in endemic areas of schistosomiasis in the People’s Republic of China (P. R. China). To develop specific interventions towards this population, our present study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) towards schistosomiasis of fishermen and boatmen, and to identify the risk factors associated with schistosome infection using molecular technique in the selected area.

Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted in the Dongting Lake Basin of Yueyang County, Hunan Province, P. R. China. A total of 601 fishermen and boatmen were interviewed from October to November in 2017. Information regarding socio-demographic details and knowledge, attitude, and practices toward schistosomiasis were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Fecal samples of participants were collected and tested by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the risk factors related to the positive results of PCR.

Results: Of the 601 interviewed participants, over 90% of respondents knew of schistosomiasis and how the disease was contracted, the intermediate host of schistosomes and preventive methods. The majority of respondents had a positive attitude towards schistosomiasis prevention. However, only 6.66% (40/601) of respondents had installed a latrine on their boats, while 32.61% (196/601) of respondents defecated in the public toilets on shore. In addition, only 4.99% (30/601) respondents protected themselves while exposed to freshwater. The incidence of schistosomiasis, as determined by PCR, among fishermen and boatmen in Yueyang County was 13.81% (83/601). Age, years of performing the current job, number of times receiving treatment, and whether they were treated in recent three years were the main influencing factors of PCR results among this population.

Conclusions: Fishermen and boatmen are still at high risk of infection in China and gaps exist in knowledge, attitude and practices toward schistosomiasis in this population group. Chemotherapy, and health education encouraging behavior change in combination with other integrated approaches to decrease the transmission risk in environments should be improved.