bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis for prevention of recurrent childhood wheeze and asthma: a systematic review
Authors: Quinn Lauren , Shields Michael D , Sinha Ian , Groves Helen E 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Acute bronchiolitis caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) has been associated with greater risk of recurrent wheezing and asthma. However, it is unclear whether this association is causal. RSV-specific monoclonal antibodies have been shown to reduce RSV-related hospitalisations in high-risk infants, but the longer term follow-up has given conflicting evidence for prevention of recurrent wheeze or asthma.Objective We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether monoclonal antibody prophylaxis against RSV-bronchiolitis reduces the risk of subsequent recurrent wheeze or asthma. If so, this may support the hypothesis of causality.Methods Studies were identified via an online database search. Manufacturers of monoclonal antibodies were contacted directly for unpublished data. The intervention of interest was RSV monoclonal antibody prophylaxis and the primary outcome measure was recurrent wheeze and/or asthma. Studies were screened according to inclusion/exclusion criteria. Included studies were evaluated for quality and assessed for bias independently by 3 reviewers using the ‘Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation’ (GRADE) approach. Results were extracted into 2 × 2 outcome tables and a meta-analysis carried out producing forest plots based on relative risk. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic.Results 11,195 infants were included in the meta-analysis, consisting of eight studies (2 randomised controlled trials). The overall result demonstrated a non-statistically significant reduction in relative risk of developing recurrent wheeze or asthma (RR 0.60; 95% CI 0.31 to 1.16). Study quality was generally low with evidence of publication bias and statistical heterogeneity. Sub-group analysis excluding studies deemed to be ‘very low’ quality showed a relative risk of 0.42 (95% CI: 0.22 to 0.80, p = 0.008). A further sub-group analysis for infants aged 32 to < 36 weeks showed a statistically significant relative risk of 0.35 (95% CI: 0.14 to 0.86, p = 0.02).Discussion We did not identify an overall statistically significant benefit. However, our two subgroup analyses did find statistically significant benefits of monoclonal antibody therapy on the risk of recurrent wheeze and asthma. The main limitation of this study is the lack of high quality randomised controlled trials, highlighting the need for more research in this field.
CD83 Expression Regulates Antibody Production in Response to Influenza A Virus Infection
Authors: Akauliya Madhav , Gautam Avishekh , Maharjan Sony , Park Byoung Kwon , Kim Jinsoo , Kwon Hyung-Joo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: CD83 is known to regulate lymphocyte maturation, activation, homeostasis, and antibody response to immunization and infection. While CD83 has a major part in B cell function, its role in influenza A virus infection has not yet been investigated. Methods: We investigated the role of CD83 using C57BL/6J wild type mice and CD83 knockout (KO) mice after intraperitoneal administration of the influenza A/WSN/1933 virus. We analyzed cells of the peritoneal cavity, splenocytes, and cells of the bone marrow with FACS to investigate CD83 expression and cell population change in response to the virus infection. ELISA was performed with sera and peritoneal cavity fluids to detect A/WSN/1933 virus-specific IgG and the subclasses of IgG. Results: FACS analysis data showed a transient but distinct induction of CD83 expression in the peritoneal B cells of wild type mice. CD83 KO mice exhibited a delayed recovery of B cells in the bone marrow after influenza virus infection and overall, a smaller T cell population compared to wild type mice. The peritoneal cavity and serum of the wild type mice contained a high titer of IgG within 14 days after infection, whereas the CD83 KO mice had a very low titer of IgG. Conclusions: These results show the importance of CD83 in lymphocytes homeostasis and antibody production during influenza A virus infection.
Anti-Platelet Aggregation of Panax Notoginseng Triol Saponins by regulating GP1BA for Ischemic Stroke Therapy
Authors: Xu Zhiyi , Xu Yang , Xie Xiaofang , Tian Yin , Sui Junhui , Sun Yong , Lin Dasheng , Gao Xing , Peng Cheng , Fan Yujiang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Panax notoginseng triol saponins (PTS) has been used clinically for ischemic stroke therapy (IST) by potential anti-platelet aggregation and neuro-protective in China for more than sixteen years, but its mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, anti-platelet aggregation related protein analysis and computer simulations of drug-protein binding interactions were performed for exploring mechanism of PTS against ischemic stroke by ischemia reperfusion model. Methods: Three doses of PTS were administered orally in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model rats; Panax notoginseng total saponins (PNS) and the combination of PTS and aspirin were chosen as comparison. The cerebral infarct size and water content in brain tissue, histomorphological observation, related factors and platelet receptor expression in serum, as well as binding affinity of PTS and platelet adhesion receptor were detected to evaluate therapeutic effect and explore possible mechanisms of anti-platelet aggregation. Results: Compared with PNS, PTS showed stronger and more extensive anti-platelet aggregation effect on MCAO model rats. The combination of PTS and aspirin might reduce the gastrointestinal adverse reactions by regulating TXA2/PGI2 ratio. However, PTS could reduce the chance of VWF-mediated platelet adhesion to damaged vascular endothelium, and thus enhance the probability of anti-platelet aggregation and anti-thrombosis under pathological conditions.Conclusion: Our results showed that GP1BA was closely related with anti-platelet aggregation action of PTS, which provided new scientific evidences for its clinical application.
Establishing percentiles for blood pressure based on absolute height for children and adolescents
Authors: Cossio-Bolaños Marco , Vidal-Espinoza Ruben , de Campos Felipe Castelli Correia , Sulla-Torres Jose , Cossio-Bolaños Wilbert , Andruske Cynthia , Urra-Albornoz Camilo , Gomez-Campos Rossana 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Evaluating blood pressure (BP) is one element for diagnosing and preventing disease in student populations. The objectives of this research were to a) verify the range of height for measuring BP adjusted for student populations and b) propose percentiles for evaluating BP based on height.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 3,013 students. Weight, height, and diastolic (DBP) and systolic (SBP) blood pressure were evaluated. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. Height ranges of 5 and 10 cm were generated.Results: R2 values for height ranges of 5 cm consisted of [normotensive: DBP (R2=10 to 13%) and SBP (R2=14 to 20%) and for hypertensive: DBP (R2=0.07 to 15%) and SBP (R2=29 to 32%)]. For height ranges of 10cm, values included: [normotensive: DBP (R2=10 to 15%) and SBP (R2=15 to 21%) and for hypertensive: DBP (R2= 0.07 to 16%) and SBP (R2=29 to 35%)]. For 5 cm height ranges, diferences occurred between both sexes for DBP (in 5 height ranges from 123 to 148 cm and 158 to 168 cm) and for the SBP ( in 6 height ranges from 128 to 148 cm and from 158 to 168 cm). In the 10 cm categories, diferences appeared in DBP (from 138 to 148 cm) and in the SBP (from 158 to 168 cm).Conclusion: Height is a determinant for evaluating blood pressure, and height ranges of 10 cm are more suitable for children and adolescents. The proposed percentiles based on height ranges allowed assessment of the DBP and SBP suggest their use in epidemiological and educational contexts.
Fine structure of the intercalated disc and cardiac junctions in the black widow spider Latrodectus mactans
Authors: SUN Yan , LEE Seung-Min , KU Bon-Jin , Moon Myung-Jin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Arthropods have an open circulatory system with a simple tubular heart, so it has been estimated that the contractile pumping structure of the cardiac muscle will be less efficient than that of vertebrates. Nevertheless, certain arthropods are known to have far superior properties and characteristics than vertebrates, so we investigated the fine structural features of intercalated discs and cardiac junctions of cardiac muscle cells in the black widow spider Latrodectus mactans. Characteristically, the spider cardiac muscle has typical striated features and represents a functional syncytium that supports multiple connections to adjacent cells by intercalated discs. Histologically, the boundary lamina of each sarcolemma connects to the basement membrane to form an elastic sheath, and the extracellular matrix allows the cells to be anchored to other tissues. Since the intercalated disc is also part of sarcolemma, it contains gap junctions for depolarization and desmosomes that keep the fibers together during cardiac muscle contraction. Furthermore, fascia adherens and macula adherens (desmosomes) were also identified as cell junctions in both sarcolemma and intercalated discs. To enable the coordinated heartbeat of the cardiac muscle, the muscle fibers have neuronal innervations by multiple axons from the motor ganglion.
Possible mechanisms of the hypoglycaemic effect of artesunate: Gender implication
Authors: Alagbonsi Abdullateef Isiaka , Salman Toyin Mohammad , Sulaiman Sheu Oluwadare , Kafayat Adedini , Kebu Susan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Artesunate is an antimalarial drug that affects glucose homeostasis but the mechanism of its glucose-modulating effect is not fully understood especially with gender implication, which is the information this study sought to provide.
Methods
Twenty-five (25) male and 25 female rats were separately and blindly allocated into five identical groups (n = 5/group). Group I (control) received 0.2 ml/kg distilled water. Groups II and III both received 2.90 mg/kg artesunate on day one, but 1.45 mg/kg from day two till day five and day fifteen respectively. Groups IV and V both received 8.70 mg/kg artesunate on day one, but 4.35 mg/kg artesunate from day two till day five and day fifteen respectively.
Results
In male rats, the blood glucose was reduced by low and high doses of artesunate at 5 days but increased by high dose at 15 days. Glucose was reduced in female rats but unchanged in male rats by low dose artesunate at 15 days. Artesunate increased glycogen concentration at short duration which normalised at long duration in both genders. Artesunate increased G6P concentration only in male rats at 15 days but reduced G6Pase activity in male and female rats (except in those that received low and high doses of artesunate for 15 days). Artesunate increased insulin only in male rats treated with low dose artesunate for 5 days. Artesunate increased cortisol concentration in male but reduced it in female rats. Artesunate decreased glucagon concentration except in female rats treated with high dose for 5 days. Artesunate increased oestrogen concentration in male rats that received low dose artesunate for 5 days but reduced it in female rats that received high dose for 15 days. Except in male rats that received high dose of artesunate for 15 days where testosterone was increased, artesunate did not affect testosterone concentration in all other male and female groups
Conclusions
The present study suggests that artesunate causes reduction in plasma glucose by reducing plasma glucagon concentrations and inhibiting liver glycogenolysis via inhibition of G6Pase activity in both sexes. In addition, increase in plasma insulin concentration contributed to the reduction in blood glucose caused by artesunate in male but not female rats; and artesunate-induced increase in G6P, a substrate for G6PD, could enhance NADPH generation and antioxidant enzyme activation in male rats.
Wearable Monitoring and Predicting System for Knee Joint Fatigue Based on Curvature and Pressure Sensing
Authors: Xin Jiawei , Chen Jialun , Huang Xuanyu , Pan Xiaodong , Zou Tengyue 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Knee injury is always a trouble for people in daily life. It not only threatens the career of an athlete but also affects a normal engineer through morning running. The injury of the knee joint is found to be directly related to the fatigue caused by excessive exercise.
Methods

An economical embedded system with a designed acceleration-weighted curve fitting method was developed to estimate and predict the knee fatigue state. Then the warning message and recommended lasting time were sent to users to avoid excessive exercise. 24 healthy volunteers were involved in the experiments to verify the effectiveness of the system compared to human perception.
Results

Only using human perception to prevent knee joint fatigue had a risk of failure while the designed wearable system could protect knee successfully. It was also found that the knee of female was more likely to be injured than the one of male in intense exercises and a high BMI value could influence the risk of knee injuries during sports. However, a short break in sports could significantly extend the healthy time for knee.
Conclusions

Early warning from the specially designed embedded system can successfully help people avoid knee joint fatigue and injuries during exercises, such as running, badminton, table tennis and basketball.
Allele-specific expression reveals the phenotypic differences between thin- and fat-tailed sheep
Authors: Shao Junjie , He Sangang , Pan Xiangyu , Yang Zhirui , Nanaei Hojjat Asadollahpour , Chen Lei , Li Ran , Wang Yu , Gao Shan , Xu Han , Liu Mingjun , Jiang Yu 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The thin-tailed sheep breeds from Europe and the fat-tailed sheep breeds from China exhibit distinct phenotypic differences in fat deposition and meat production traits. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying gene expression related to these phenotypic differences are not well understood. Allele-specific expression (ASE) refers to the significant imbalance of expression levels of two parental alleles. Characterization of such events in F1 hybrid offspring generated from these two groups of sheep breeds can minimize the external factors influencing gene expression and reveal the variants with a cis -regulatory effect on gene expression. The aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic factors that influence different fat-deposition and meat production traits between thin- and fat-tailed sheep.Results: Fifteen F1 hybrids were generated from crosses between Texel and Kazakh sheep as the representative phenotypes of thin- and fat-tailed breeds, respectively. Totally, 33 whole genomes from F1 individuals and their parents were sequenced with an average depth of ~17.21× coverage per sample. ASE analysis results from 70 RNA-seq samples of adipose and skeleton muscle tissues showed 128 ASE candidate genes were related to the function of fat deposition and meat production traits. A genome-wide scan of selective sweeps was also conducted between these two groups of sheep breeds in an effort to identify genomic regions related to fat deposition and meat production, respectively. We detected signatures of selection in ASE genes associated with fat deposition (e.g., PDGFD ) and meat production traits (e.g., LRCC2 ). Further analysis suggested that PDGFD and LRCC2 genes were speculated to be causative genes for fat deposition and meat production traits in sheep, respectively. Furthermore, AMPK signaling pathway was significantly enriched in ASE genes related to fatty acid biosynthesis in both adipose and skeleton muscle tissues, while PPAR signaling pathway was significantly enriched in ASE genes related to lipid metabolism in adipose tissue. Conclusions: Our finding illustrates that the expression of identified ASE genes could potentially lead to the differences in traits of fat deposition and meat production between thin- and fat-tailed sheep. Keywords: allele-specific expression, phenotypic difference, thin- and fat-tailed sheep, whole-genome sequencing, transcriptome
Postprandial Effects of Macronutrient Composition Meals on Metabolic Responses and Arterial Stiffness Indexes in Lean and Obese Men Adults; A Protocol Study
Authors: Firouzi Safieh , Rezvani Reza , Pahlavani Naseh , Jarahi Lida , Navashenaq Jamshid Gholizadeh , Ranjbar Golnaz , Malekahmadi Mahsa , Taherzadeh Zhila , Safarian Mohammad 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Prior studies have shown that meal composition is capable of effect on metabolic response and arterial stiffness indexes. Objective: A three-phase parallel study will be designed to investigate the effects of meal composition on metabolic parameters and arterial stiffness indexes among lean and obese adult. The planned study protocol will be presented.Methods/design: This is a pilot parallel clinical trial targeting adults (aged 18–35 years, free from any diseases) will be selected by inclusion and exclusion criteria at Mashhad University Medical Sciences. Each subject will complete three interventions with a washout period of one week: high carbohydrate, high protein and high fat meal. The postprandial effect will be assessed during 360 minutes from each meal including energy expenditure component (such as resting energy expenditure, thermic effect of feeding, respiratory quotient and substrate oxidation) and arterial stiffness indexes (such as augmentation index and pulse wave velocity) and blood sampling.Results: The study will be conducted from September 2020 to January 2021 (individual N=20). Assessment of intervention outcomes will be done in 6 hours after intervention.Conclusions: The differences in postprandial responses due to different meal composition could affect the metabolic and vascular parameters. This could provide necessary information for the establishment of new strategies in terms of nutritional education and metabolic and vascular improvement.Trial Registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT20190818044552N1. Registered on August 26, 2019
Functional SARS-CoV-2-specific immune memory persists after mild COVID-19
Authors: Pepper Marion , Rodda Lauren , Netland Jason , Shehata Laila , Pruner Kurt , Morawski Peter , Thouvenel Chris , Takahara Kennidy , Eggenberger Julie , Hemann Emily , Waterman Hayley , Fahning Mitchell , Chen Yu , Rathe Jennifer , Stokes Caleb , Wrenn Samuel , Fiala Brooke , Carter Lauren , Hamerman Jessica , King Neil , Gale Michael , Campbell Daniel , Rawlings David 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The recently emerged SARS-CoV-2 virus is currently causing a global pandemic and cases continue to rise. The majority of infected individuals experience mildly symptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but it is unknown whether this can induce persistent immune memory that might contribute to herd immunity. Thus, we performed a longitudinal assessment of individuals recovered from mildly symptomatic COVID-19 to determine if they develop and sustain immunological memory against the virus. We found that recovered individuals developed SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibody and neutralizing plasma, as well as virus-specific memory B and T cells that not only persisted, but in some cases increased numerically over three months following symptom onset. Furthermore, the SARS-CoV-2-specific memory lymphocytes exhibited characteristics associated with potent antiviral immunity: memory T cells secreted IFN-γ and expanded upon antigen re-encounter, while memory B cells expressed receptors capable of neutralizing virus when expressed as antibodies. These findings demonstrate that mild COVID-19 elicits memory lymphocytes that persist and display functional hallmarks associated with antiviral protective immunity.
Capitalizing on Fear and Failure: For-Profit Colleges Selling Themselves to the Poor
Authors: Campbell Courtney , Deil-Amen Regina , Gjerde Jessica 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
This study explores the admissions encounter that prospective undergraduates experience at many for-profit colleges and universities (FPCUs). We consider how this encounter is shaped by intentional sales techniques and the implications of that approach for the college enrollment choices of low-SES and low-achieving students. Using the content of an admissions and recruitment staff training manual from a for-profit college with a publicly traded parent corporation and interviews from 47 students who went through the admissions and enrollment process at a for-profit college, we explore how recruiting practices are relevant to students’ college choice and to our rethinking of how college choice operates for students who are very similar to community college populations. Our data reveal for-profit admissions representatives, despite their good intentions, are incentivized to work as institutional agents in service of the institution’s profit motive at the expense of the student. FPCUs use admissions representatives to recruit prospective students by presenting the benefits of enrolling in a way that capitalizes on student anxieties, stress, and fear.
Effects of long-term nitrogen addition on soil respiration and its components in a boreal forest
Authors: Liu Guancheng , Liu Tong , Yan Guoyong , Wang Lei , Wang Xiaochun , Xing Yajuan , Wang Qinggui 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition in boreal forest ecosystems increased gradually with the development of industry and agriculture, but the effects of N input on soil CO2 fluxes in these ecosystems were rarely reported in previous studies. To evaluate the effect of N addition on soil respiration is of great significance for understanding the distribution of soil carbon (C) on the N gradient in forest ecosystems.Results In this study, four treatment levels of N addition (0, 25, 50, 75 kg N ha− 1 yr− 1) were applied to natural Larix gmelinii forest in Greater Khingan Mountains of northeast China. We focused mainly on the dynamics of soil respiration (Rs), heterotrophic respiration (Rh), autotrophic respiration (Ra), microbial biomass C and N (MBC and MBN) and fine root biomass (FRB) in a growing season. We found that low N addition significant increased Rs, Rh and Ra, but with the increase of N addition, the promotion effect was gradually weakened. Medium N increased the temperature sensitivity (Q10) of Rs and Rh components, while medium N and high N significantly reduced the Q10 of Ra. Ra was positively correlated with FRB; Rh was positively correlated with soil MBC and MBN; and RS was probably driven by Ra from May to July, while by Rh in August and September.Conclusions Long-term N addition alleviated microbial N limitation, promoted soil respiration and accelerated soil C and N cycle in boreal forest ecosystems.