bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mir-608 Overexpression in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is Related to Acetylcholinesterase Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)
Authors: Shochet Gali Epstein , Israeli-Shani Lilach , Kains Isabelle , Wand Ori , Shitrit David 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive disease that causes scarring of the lungs. The disease is associated with the Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP) pattern, which was not yet fully recapitulated by an animal model. Therefore, the disease is considered ‘human specific’. miRNA-608 is a primate specific miRNA with many potential targets, such CdC42 and Interlukin-6 (IL-6) that were previously implicated in IPF pathology. Objective: To test miR-608 expression and its targets in IPF patient samples.Methods: RNA was extracted from Formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue sections (N=18). miRNA-608 expression and Cdc42 and IL-6 levels were analyzed by qPCR. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is another target of miRNA-608. Its' rs17228616 allele has a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) causing weakened miR-608 interaction (C2098A). Thus, DNA was extracted from whole blood samples from 56 subjects with fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD) and this region was sequenced for assessment of rs17228616 allele polymorphism.Results: MiR-608 is significantly overexpressed in IPF samples, in comparison with controls (p<0.05). Cdc42 and IL-6 levels were lower in the IPF patient samples compared with control samples (p<0.001 and p<0.05, respectively). The frequency of the rs17228616 minor A-allele was 17/56 (30.4%) with all patients being heterozygous. This result is significant vs. the published Israeli cohort of healthy individuals, which reported 17% prevalence of this allele in healthy control volunteers (p=0.01, OR = 2.1, CI 95% [1.19-3.9]).Conclusion: MiR-608 is overexpressed in IPF patients. While the exact mechanism remains to be discovered, it could potentially promote fibrotic disease.
Factors Associated with COVID-Related Mortality: The Case of Texas
Authors: Adepoju Omolola , Ojinnaka Chinedum , Woodard LeChauncy , Burgess Anh V 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background. Texas ranks 3rd in the count of COVID cases. Pre-existing disparities in healthcare may be intersecting with COVID-19 outcomes. Objectives. To explore the relationship between county-level race/ethnic composition and COVID-19 mortality in the state of Texas and determine whether county-level health factors, healthcare access measures, and other demographic characteristics explain this relationship.Methods. This retrospective study uses county-level case and fatality data obtained from the Texas Department of State Health Services and merged with the 2020 Robert Wood Johnson foundation (RWJF) county health rankings data. The outcome variables were fatalities per 100,000 population. A two-part/hurdle model examined 1) the probability of having a COVID-19 fatality and 2) fatalities per 100,000 population in counties with 1+ fatalities. For both parts of the hurdle model, we examined the impacts of racial and ethnic composition, adjusting for county characteristics and health factors.Results. The odds of having a COVID-19 fatality increased with a unit percent increase in the proportion of adults with diabetes (OR: 1.10, CI=1.00-1.21) and adults with fair or poor health (OR: 2.39, CI=1.28-4.48). In the second part of the model, there was a statistically significant increase in COVID-19 fatalities/100,000 population with every one percent increase in the proportion of Asians (β= 81.29; p=0.001) and African Americans (β=74.73; p-value=0.027).Conclusion. Counties with higher rates of minorities, specifically Asian and African Americans, have a higher fatality burden. Targeted interventions are needed to raise awareness of preventive measures in these communities.
Ocular findings and retinal involvement in COVID-19 pneumonia patients: A cross-sectional study in an Italian referral centre
Authors: Pirraglia Maria Pia , Ceccarelli Giancarlo , Cerini Alberto , Visioli Giacomo , d'Ettorre Gabriella , Mastroianni Claudio Maria , Pugliese Francesco , Lambiase Alessandro , Gharbiya Magda 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: changes in immune and coagulation systems and possible viral spread through blood-brain barrier have been described in SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this study, we evaluate the possible retinal involvement and ocular findings in severe COVID-19 pneumonia patients. Methods: a cross sectional study was conducted on 46 patients affected by severe COVID-19 who were hospitalized in one Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and in two Infectious Diseases wards, including a bedside eye screening, corneal sensitivity assessment and retinography. Results: a total of 43 SARS-CoV-2 positive pneumonia patients affected with COVID-19 pneumonia were included, 25 males and 18 females, with a median age of 70 [IQR 59-78]. Except for one patient with unilateral posterior chorioretinitis of opportunistic origin, of whom aqueous tap was negative for SARS-CoV-2, no further retinal manifestation related to COVID-19 infection was found in our cohort. We found 3 patients (7%) with bilateral conjunctivitis in whom PCR analysis on conjunctival swab provided negative results for SARS-CoV-2. No alterations of corneal sensitivity were found.Conclusion: we demonstrated the absence of retinal involvement in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia patients. Ophthalmologic evaluation in COVID-19, particularly in patients hospitalized in an ICU setting, may be useful to reveal systemic co-infections by opportunistic pathogens.
Bioconversion of poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) from fulvic acid powder produced from the wastewater of yeast molasses fermentation
Authors: Li Yazhou , Wang Jianghan , Ke Luxin , Zhao Xiuyun , Qi Gaofu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Molasses is a wildly used feedstock for fermentation, but it poses a severe wastewater-disposal problem worldwide. Recently, the wastewater produced by yeast during molasses fermentation is being processed into fulvic acid (FA) powder as a fertilizer for crops, but it consequently induces a problem of soil acidification after being directly applied in soil. In this study, the low-cost FA powder was bioconverted into a value-added product, γ-PGA, by a glutamate independent producer, Bacillus velezensis GJ11. Results: With FA powder, the substrates of sodium glutamate and citrate sodium used in medium were decreased around one third. Moreover, FA powder could completely substitute Mg2+, Mn2+, Ca2+ and Fe3+ in the fermentation medium. In the optimized FA powder fermentation medium, the γ-PGA was produced with its maximum concentration at 42.55 g/L and a productivity of 1.15 g/(L·h), while only 2.87 g/L was produced in the medium without FA powder. Hydrolyzed γ-PGA could trigger induced systemic resistance (ISR), e.g. H2O2 accumulation and callose deposition, against the pathogen infection in plants. Further investigations found that the ISR triggered by γ-PGA hydrolyzates was dependent on the ethylene signalling and NPR1. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of using the industry waste, FA powder, as a sustainable substrate for the microbial synthesis of γ-PGA. This bioprocess can not only develop a new way of FA powder as a cheap feedstock for producing γ-PGA, but also help to reduce pollution from the wastewater of yeast molasses fermentation.
Prevalence of Extramammary Paget's Disease in Urban China: A Population-based Study
Authors: Yin Shilu , Xu Lu , Wang Shengfeng , Feng Jingnan , Liu Lili , Liu Guozhen , Wang Jinxi , Zhan Siyan , Zhao Zhenmin , Gao Pei 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD) is an intraepithelial adenocarcinoma. The chronic relapsing clinical course and unbearable clinical symptoms of EMPD usually result in a markedly diminished quality of life. No national data are available on descriptive epidemiology of EMPD in China, the most populous country over the world. This population-based study aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated sex and age patterns of EMPD in China.
Methods
This study was conducted using data from China’s Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance and Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance, covering approximately 0.43 billion Chinese urban residents in 2016. Patients with EMPD were identified based on the diagnostic names and codes in claim data.
Results
A total of 53 males and 31 females with EMPD were found. The crude prevalence in 2016 was 0.04 per 100 000 population [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.02 to 0.06], ranging from 0.01 (95% CI: 0.00 to 0.02) in North or Northeast China to 0.08 (95% CI: 0.03 to 0.16) in Southwest China. The rates were higher in males (0.05, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.08) compared with females (0.03, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.05). The mean age of patients was 65.87 (standard deviation: 14.21) years, with the peak prevalence appeared in patients aged 70–79 (0.28, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.42).
Conclusions
The prevalence of EMPD was markedly lower than those in the United States and Europe, and varied across regions in China. Chinese patients were much younger, with significant male predominance. Further study is warranted to examine potential pathophysiologic mechanism.
Characterization of polyvinyl alcohol-borax/agarose (PVA-B/AG) double network hydrogel utilized for the cleaning of works of art
Authors: Al-Emam Ehab Awad , Soenen Hilde , Caen Joost , Janssens Koen 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Since cleaning of artworks is a nonreversible procedure, it is mandatory to adopt the proper cleaning technique which has the ability to remove undesired materials whilst preserving the original surface and, if present, the original ‘patina’ of the surface layer. In this regard, numerous gels have been developed and exploited for the cleaning of various artwork surfaces. Lately, agarose (AG) and polyvinyl alcohol-borax (PVA-B) hydrogels have been widely employed as cleaning tools by conservators-restorers. Both hydrogels show some limitations in specific cleaning practices. In this work, we investigated the influence of including increased levels of agarose into PVA-B systems. For this reason, we performed a detailed characterization on the double network (DN) hydrogel including the chemical structure, the liquid phase retention, the rheological behaviour, and the self-healing behaviour of various PVA-B/AG double network hydrogels. These new hydrogels revealed better properties than PVA-B hydrogels and obviated their limitations. The inclusion of AG into PVA-B systems enhanced the liquid retention capacity, shape-stability, and mechanical strength of the blend. Furthermore, AG minimized the expelling/syneresis issue that occurs when loading PVA-B systems with non-polar solvents or chelating agents. The resultant double network hydrogel exhibits relevant self-healing properties. The PVA-B/AG double network is a new and useful cleaning tool that can be added to the conservators-restorers’ tool-kit. It is ideal for cleaning procedures dealing with porous and complex structured surfaces, vertical surfaces and for long time applications.
Use of Intravenous Sodium Bicarbonate in Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Italy: A Nationwide Survey
Authors: Massenzi Luca , Aufieri Roberto , Donno Silvia , Agostino Rocco , Dotta Andrea 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Metabolic Acidosis (MA) is a disturbance of the acid-base balance that can occur in preterm and critically ill term neonates due to different etiologies. Intravenous sodium bicarbonate (SB) has been traditionally used to correct such unbalance, despite the lack of evidence about its safety and efficacy. In literature, reported undesirable effects of treatment with SB in neonates include worsening of intracellular acidosis, impairment of myocardial function, cerebral blood flow fluctuations and intracranial hemorrhage. A national survey was conducted by the Neonatal Pharmacotherapy Study Group of the Italian Society of Neonatology with the aim to assess and describe attitudes and practices concerning the use of SB, particularly for the treatment of MA in Italian NICUs.
Methods
A questionnaire regarding treatment of MA and SB prescription habits was sent to the directors of 120 Italian NICUs from June 2017 to March 2018.
Results
The survey response rate was 97.5% (117/120 centers). Findings showed that in 55% of the surveyed NICUs (64/117 units) it is common practice to correct MA with intravenous SB. On the other hand, the remaining 45% of the units try to solve the metabolic disturbances adopting different approaches (improving perfusion, adjusting ventilation parameters or increasing blood volume). Moreover, to prevent the occurrence of MA, 37.6% of the NICUs (44/117) include buffer salts (lactate, acetate or both) in parenteral nutrition prescriptions. SB is also used as a treatment for other conditions, mainly pathologies with bicarbonate loss and tubular acidosis (respectively in 53.8% and 32.5% of the NICUs).
Conclusion
This survey showed how SB is a commonly used treatment for MA in more than half of Italian NICUs, with indications and prescription criteria that significantly vary across centers. Based on current knowledge, it is reasonable to suggest that the management of neonatal MA should be firstly directed to identify the underlying disorders. Thus, the use of SB should be reserved only for selected cases, also considering the severity of SB adverse effects and the lack of evidence about its efficacy. Guidance for the management of MA is required to harmonize practices and reduce the use of potentially inappropriate and unsafe treatments.
Hydrochemical Interaction of Major ions in Groundwater: A Case Study
Authors: Satheeshkumar S. , Venkateswaran S. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Water is most important resource to sustain to progress life on the earth. Most of communities obtain their water recover from groundwater. Aquifer that can capable of holding fresh water. Nearly 80% of water resource used for human purposes. So water drain into the watershed of the study. The chemical composition of river eater is mainly depending upon many interrelated factor including geology, soil, topography and biological process. The continuous runoff of water may causes land use changes, therefore, hydro geochemistry of groundwater is sum of the total character. Water resource quality character is one of pollution problem comes when the concentration of the ions exceeds the acceptable limit. In this study area now a day the problem of environmental pollution increase day-to-day and anthropogenic influence paly concern role in groundwater. The aim of the present study explore the appraisal of physico-chemical characterization of groundwater water samples and their major ion interaction in hard rock of this study area. In this area that is quality character of water resource especially for drinking and domestic purposes it is depend on the constituent of water. Once, the concentration exceeds the permissible limit it causes health effect. Gibbs and missing plot were used to identify the source of major ions. The contribution of water pollution scenario can be confirmed by field studies by focusing on land use change, agriculture and settlement activities. The relationship between consider variable of ions were determined through correlation analysis. A better understanding of hard rock aquifer for water quality changes as development progress by geochemical studies of groundwater deliver is necessary.
Binding of Human Serum Proteins to P. Falciparum Infected Erythrocytes and Its Association With Malaria Clinical Presentation
Authors: Lopez-Perez Mary , Puije William van der , Castberg Filip C. , Ofori Michael F. , Hviid Lars 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background The pathogenesis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria is related to the ability of parasite‑infected erythrocytes (IEs) to adhere to the vascular endothelium (cytoadhesion/sequestration) or to surrounding uninfected erythrocytes (rosetting). Both processes are mediated by the expression of members of the clonally variant PfEMP1 parasite protein family on the surface of the IEs. Recent evidence obtained with laboratory-adapted clones indicates that P. falciparum can exploit human serum factors, such as IgM and α 2 ‑macroglobulin (α 2 M), to increase the avidity of PfEMP1-mediated binding to host receptors, as well as to evade host PfEMP1-specific immune responses. It has remained unclear whether PfEMP1 variants present in field isolates share these characteristics, and whether they are associated with clinical malaria severity. These issues were investigated here. Methods Children between 1-12 years reporting with P. falciparum malaria to Hohoe Municipal Hospital, Ghana were enrolled in the study. Parasites from children with uncomplicated (UM) and severe malaria (SM) were collected. Binding of α 2 M and IgM from non-immune individuals to erythrocytes infected by P. falciparum isolates from 34 children (UM and SM) were analysed by flow cytometry. Rosetting in the presence of IgM or α 2 M was also evaluated. Experimental results were related to the clinical presentation of the patients. Results Clinical data from 108 children classified as UM (n=54) and SM cases (n=54) were analysed. Prostration, severe malaria anaemia, and hyperparasitaemia were the most frequent complications. Three children were diagnosed with cerebral malaria, and one child died. Parasite isolates from 34 children were analysed. Most of the field isolates bound non‑immune IgM (33/34), whereas the α 2 M-binding was less common (23/34) and mostly low. Binding of both non-immune IgM and α 2 M was higher in IEs from children with SM than from UM. In combination, IgM and α 2 M supported rosette formation at levels similar to that observed in the presence of 10% human serum. Conclusions The results support the hypothesis that binding of non-immune IgM and/or α 2 M to IEs facilitates rosette formation and contributes to P. falciparum malaria severity.
Has Fiscal Decentralization Influenced the Quality of Life in Sub-Saharan Africa? Empirical Evidence From Nigeria
Authors: Rufai Rufai Mistura , Ogunniyi Adebayo Isaiah , Salman Kabir Kayode , Salawu Mutiat Bukola , Olagunju Kehinde Oluseyi , Ashagidigbi Waheed 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Sub-Sahara Africa countries has the highest proportion of people with the lowest access to basic amenities required to live well. Nigeria contributes significantly to the low quality of life in the region. Many governments particularly in Africa adopted government decentralization as a major policy reform to improve the distribution of public goods and services. The overall outcome of government decentralization is believed to be more dependent on the extent of fiscal decentralization. This study examined the influence of fiscal decentralization on indicators of health, education, household wealth and living environment.The estimation technique used in this study is based on Vector autoregression (VAR) model.Besides, an impulse response function (orf) function and a Granger causality test was also generated as post-estimation to confirm the results. The results revealed that though the growth in the previous revenue of states and local governments had an inverse relationship with improvements in the indicators. The expenditure of sub national governments had a weak effect but it had an increasing influence on all the indicators except child mortality. The results of the Granger causality test revealed that variations in child mortality rates and access to improved water cannot be explained by both revenue and expenditure of the sub national governments in Nigeria. The quality of life people live can be improved if the issue of financial constraints and accountability at the sub national level of governments is addressed.
Possibilidades e realidades em comunidades Quilombolas do Maranhão: o turismo como resgate da memória e identidade
Authors: Santos Saulo Ribeiro dos , Lucas Leite Angela Roberta , Da Conceição Rocha Aurea Helena , De Souza Barbosa Gabriela 
Published: July 2020

Este trabalho é parte constitutiva de um projeto de pesquisa com foco na extensão em andamento desde 2018 que tem o intuito de resgatar as memórias identitárias de comunidades quilombolas do Maranhão situada no município de Cururupu, que de alguma forma vem se perdendo desde o declínio econômico das antigas fazendas e com o desinteresse dos jovens em perpetuar a história do lugar. Assim, objetiva-se neste estudo identificar realidades e possibilidades do desenvolvimento turístico em duas comunidades quilombolas em Cururupu como forma de resgate da memória e história do lugar. Utilizou-se como procedimentos metodológicos a pesquisa bibliográfica e documental. Caracteriza-se como descritiva e exploratória, com análise qualitativa das conversas informais com os moradores mais antigos durante a pesquisa in loco, pautados em estudos realizados por Aguirre (1997), Barretto (2007), Bosi (1987), Martins (2003), Meneses (1992), Polack (1992) e Rico Cánovas (2014). Os resultados iniciais constatam que a partir de um modelo de desenvolvimento do turismo cultural, este segmento seria capaz de contribuir para a manutenção da identidade local e ser um possível perpetuador sociocultural das identidades, memórias e histórias das comunidades quilombolas de Cururupu.
Palavras-chave: Comunidades quilombolas. Cururupu (Maranhão). Identidade. Memória. Turismo cultural.
To Explore the Potential Targets and Current Structure-based Design Strategies Utilizing Co-crystallized Ligand to Combat HCV
Authors: Tarannum Heena , Chauhan Bhumika , Samadder Asmita , Roy Harekrishna , Nandi Sisir 
Published: July 2020

Background:
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) belongs to the Hepacivirus family. HCV has been
designated as a very dreadful virus as it can attack the liver, causing inflammation and even may lead
to cancer in chronic conditions. It was estimated that 71 million people around the world have chronic
HCV infection. World Health Organization (WHO) reported that about 399000 people died because of
chronic cirrhosis and liver cancer globally. In spite of the abundance of availability of drugs for the
treatment of HCV, however, the issue of drug resistance surpasses all the possibilities of therapeutic
management of HCV. Therefore, to address this issue of ‘drug-resistance’, various HCV targets were
explored to quest the evaluation of the mechanism of the disease progression.

Methods:
An attempt has been made in the present study to explore the various targets of HCV involved
in the mechanism(s) of the disease initiation and progression and to focus on the mode of binding
of ligands, which are co-crystallized at the active cavity of different HCV targets.

Conclusion:
The present study could predict some crucial features of these ligands, which possibly
interacted with various amino acid residues responsible for their biological activity and molecular signaling
pathway(s). Such binding mode may be considered as a template for the high throughput
screening and designing of active congeneric ligands to combat HCV.