bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype with renal function impairment: a cross-sectional study in a population of Chinese adults
Authors: Qiu Yun , Zhao Qi , Gu Yian , Wang Na , Yu Yuting , Wang Ruiping , Zhang Yue , Cui Shuheng , Zhu Meiying , Liu Xing , Jiang Yonggen , Zhao Genming 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) phenotype has been suggested as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD), but evidence on relationship of triglyceride waist phenotypes with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) status and severity is limited. Our aim was to explore the association of triglyceride waist phenotypes with reduced eGFR and various decreased eGFR stages among Chinese adults.Methods: A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among Chinese participants aged 20-74 years during June 2016 to December 2017 in Shanghai, China. An eGFR value below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was defined as Decreased eGFR. The HTGW phenotype was defined as a triglycerides (TG) level ≥1.7 mmol/L and a waist circumference (WC) ≥90 cm for men and ≥80 cm for women. We examined the association of triglyceride waist phenotypes with decreased eGFR risk using the weighted logistic regression models.Results: A total of 31,296 adults were included in this study. Compared with normal TG level/normal WC (NTNW) phenotype, normal TG level/enlarged WC (NTGW), elevated TG level/normal WC (HTNW), elevated TG level/enlarged WC (HTGW) were associated with the increased risk of decreased eGFR, with an multivariable-adjusted ORs (95% CI) of 1.77 (1.42-2.20), 1.48 (1.16-1.90), and 2.30 (1.80-2.93), respectively. These positive associations between triglyceride waist phenotypes and decreased eGFR risk remained across almost all the subgroups, including sex, age, BMI, T2DM, and hypertension. NTGW, HTNW, and HTGW phenotype were consistently positively associated with the risk of mildly and moderately decreased eGFR, but not with severely decreased eGFR risk.Conclusions: HTGW was consistently associated with the increased risk of decreased eGFR and various decreased eGFR stages except for severely decreased eGFR. The findings imply that HTGW may be an important risk factor for renal dysfunction or an indicator for prevention and control aiming to reduce renal function decline.
Radiographic findings in 240 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: Savietto Giovanni , Vancheri Sergio , Ballati Francesco , Maggi Alessia , Canino Costanza , Bortolotto Chandra , Valentini Adele , Dore Roberto , Stella Giulia Maria , Corsico Angelo Guido , Iotti Giorgio Antonio , Mojoli Francesco , Perlini Stefano , Bruno Raffaele , Preda Lorenzo 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Objective: to analyze the most frequent radiographic features of COVID-19 pneumonia and assess the effectiveness of CXR in detecting pulmonary alterations.Materials and Methods: CXR of 240 symptomatic patients (70% male, mean age 65±16 years), with SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by RT-PCR were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were clustered in four groups based on the number of days between symptom onset and CXR: A (0-2 days) 49 patients, B (3-5) 75 patients, C (6- 9) 85 patients and D (>9) 31 patients. Alteration’s type (reticular/opacification/consolidation) and distribution (bilateral/unilateral, upper/middle/lower fields, peripheral/central) were noted. Statistical significance was tested using chi-squared test.Results: among 240 CXR, 60 (25%) were negative (A 36.7%, B 28%, C 18.8%, D 16.1%). Opacification was observed in 124/180 (68.8%), reticular alteration in 113/180 (62.7%), consolidation in 71/180 (39.4%). Consolidation was significantly less frequent (p<0.01). Distribution among groups was: reticular alteration (A 70.9%, B 72.2%, C 57.9%, D 46.1%), opacification (A 67.7%, B 62.9%, C 71%, D 76.9%), consolidation (A 35.5%, B 31.4%, C 47.8%, D 38.5%). Alterations were bilateral in 73.3%. Upper, middle and lower fields were involved in 36.7%, 79.4%, 87.8%. Lesions were peripheral in 49.4%, central in 11.1% or both in 39.4%. Upper fields and central zones were significantly less involved (p<0.01). Conclusions: the most frequent lesions in COVID-19 patients were opacification (intermediate/late phase) and reticular alteration (early phase) while consolidation gradually increased over time. The most frequent distribution was bilateral, peripheral, with middle/lower predominance. Overall rate of negative CXR is 25%, progressively decreased over time.
Mathematical models for devising the optimal SARS-CoV-2 eradication in China, South Korea, and Italy
Authors: Jiang Shuo , Li Qiuyue , Li Chaoqun , Liu Shanshan , He Xiaomeng , Wang Tao , Li Hua , Corpe Christopher , Zhang Xiaoyan , Xu Jianqing , Wang Jin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), spreads rapidly and has attracted worldwide attention.
Methods
To improve forecast accuracy and investigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2, we constructed four mathematical models to investigate the numerical spread of SARS-CoV-2 and eradication pathways.
Results
Using the SEIR model, and including measures, such as city closure and holiday extension policy taken by the Chinese government which effectively reduced the β value, we estimated that the β value and basic transmission R0 of SARS-CoV-2 was 0·476 / 6·66 in Wuhan, 0·359 / 5·03 in Korea, 0·400 / 5·60 in Italy. Considering medicine and vaccines, an advanced model demonstrated that the emergence of vaccines can greatly alleviate the spread of the virus. Our model predicted that 100,000 people would become infected assuming the isolation rate alpha is 0·30 in Wuhan. If quarantine measures were taken from Mar 10, 2020 and the quarantine rate of alpha was also 0·3, the final number of infected people might be 11,426 in South Korea, and 147,142 in Italy.
Conclusions
Our mathematical models propose that SARS-CoV-2 eradication depends on systematic thinking, effective hospital isolation, and SARS-CoV-2 medicine and vaccination, and some measures including city closure and holiday policy should be taken for SARS-CoV-2 eradication.
Exposure to Biocides Leads to Ampicillin Resistance in Clinically Isolated Enterococcus faecalis: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Nor Amirah Fatihah Md , Ghazali Nur Ainaa Nabihah Mohd , Ibrahim Rosni , Adam Siti Khadijah , Jasni Azmiza Syawani 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAntibiotic resistance is one of the most urgent threats to the public health globally. The extensive use of biocides in clinical settings poses risk for emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance among nosocomial pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the effect of biocides exposure on the antibiotic susceptibility patterns, morphology and ultrastructure of clinically isolated Enterococcus faecalis.MethodsThe antibiotic susceptibility patterns of E. faecalis following biocides exposure were studied using disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was performed to confirm the ampicillin resistance genes. The effect on the morphological and ultrastructural of E. faecalis was characterized using transmission and scanning electron microscopy. All descriptive data from this study were presented as percentages.ResultsExposure to subinhibitory concentration of hydrogen peroxide increased the MIC of E. faecalis EF2 and developed resistance to ampicillin. However, the exposure did not exhibit any effects to the ultrastructure and morphology of E. faecalis. Molecular analysis of E. faecalis EF2 and ampicillin resistant EF2 which was referred as EF2r in this study showed that both isolates contained pbp4 gene. Sequence analysis revealed that there was no mutation detected within the pbp4 gene thus suggesting that ampicillin resistance observed following exposure to subinhibition concentration of biocides did not cause any mutation within the pbp4 gene of E. faecalis EF2r.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that exposure to subinhibitory concentration of biocides leads to reduced antibiotic susceptibility of the clinical E. faecalis. This investigation provides an insight into the event that could lead to the development and possible dissemination of antibiotic resistance determinants among nosocomial pathogens.
BTP2 negatively regulates Orai1 and ryanodine receptor function in skeletal muscle
Authors: Meizoso-Huesca Aldo , Launikonis Bradley 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background. BTP2 is known to block Orai1, the Ca2+ channel of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) but no detailed analysis has been undertaken in skeletal muscle, where the drug has been used extensively to study SOCE. Methodology. We trapped a Ca2+ sensitive dye in the tubular (t-) system of mechanically skinned fibres from rat to define the effect of BTP2 on SOCE in skeletal muscle fibres and used a cytoplasmic rhod-2 to track Ca2+ release in the presence of BTP2. Results. In addition to blocking Orai1-dependent SOCE, we found a BTP2-dependent inhibition of a resting Ca2+ conductance, likely to be through the Orai1 channel. Intriguingly, increasing concentrations of BTP2 displayed a hormetic effect on resting [Ca2+] in the t-system ([Ca2+]t−sys), shifting from inducing an accumulation of Ca2+ in the t-system presumably due to Orai1 channels blocking, to reducing the resting [Ca2+]t−sys. In absence of functional ryanodine receptors (RyRs), this biphasic effect was not observed, suggesting that above the hormetic zone, BTP2 impairs RyR function. Additionally, we found that BTP2 impairs the cytoplasmic Ca2+ transients during repetitive excitation-contraction coupling (EC coupling) cycles, independently of extracellular Ca2+ entry impairment. We determined that the release of Ca2+ through the RyR was inhibited by BTP2, strongly suggesting that the RyR was the point of inhibition during the cycles of EC coupling. Finally, we found that BTP2 inhibition of RyR-mediated Ca2+ release was independent of extracellular or intracellular application of the agent, indicating that BTP2 can impair RyR function in intact muscle. Conclusion. Our results show that both Ca2+ channels, the Orai1 and RyR, are negatively regulated by BTP2, shedding new light on previous work that applied BTP2 to block SOCE in muscle.
National Inventory of Medicinal Plants Used to Treat Sheep and Goats Diseasesin Benin (West Africa): Effect of Socioeconomic and Environmental Factors
Authors: TCHETAN Esaïe , OLOUNLADE Pascal Abiodoun , HOUEHANOU Thierry Dehouegnon , AZANDO Erick Virgile Bertrand , KANEHO Josette Afiavi , HOUINATO Marcel Romuald Benjamin , HOUNZANGBE-ADOTE Sylvie Mawule , QUETIN-LECLERCQ Joëlle , GBAGUIDI Fernand Ahokonou 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Small ruminant health problems still represent a major constraint in Benin. Thus, to treat goats and sheep diseases, breeders use medicinal plants. However, little scientific work has been done on the traditional knowledge of these plants.The specific objectives of the current study were (i) to document the traditional knowledge regarding the disease groups treated and the medicinalplants used in the health and zootechnical management of small ruminants in Benin and (ii) to assess the effect of sex, ethnicity, agroecological zone and herd sizeassociatedwith them. Methods: To achieve these objectives, an ethnoveterinary survey was conducted in different agroecological zones from September 2018 to February 2019. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 506 breeders and farmers and took into account the identity of the respondents, the plants used to treat the ailmentsfor improving the productivity of sheep and goats, the parts used and the method of preparation of the recipes. The data were analyzed through the calculation the Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Fidelity Level (FL), and Consensus Factor of the Informant (CFI). Descriptive statistics and multivariate analyses were applied to our data using the software R and Minitab. The symptoms recordedfrom the respondents were categorized into 10 disorder groups using the second version of the International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC). Results: Ten (10) categories of disorders were treated by the people surveyed. These are mainly disorders of the digestive system (D) (49.34%) and disorders related to pregnancy and parturition (W) (20.15%). A total of 101 species medicinal plantsbelonging to 42 families and 90 genera were recorded. The most represented families are Leguminosae (21.57%) and Euphorbiaceae (6.86%). The most cited speciesare Zanthoxylumzanthoxyloides (Lam.) Watermann, Khayasenegalensis (Desr.) A. Juss, Strigahermonthica (DeliIe) Benth. and Adansoniadigitata L. Sex, ethnicity, agroecological zone and herd size are the socioeconomic and environmental factors that influence the level of ethnoveterinary knowledge. Conclusions: Results showedthe high diversity of medicinal species used to treat small ruminant’sdiseasesin Benin. Chemical and biological analyzes are needed to test the effectiveness of the main inventoried plants. Keywords : Ethnoveterinary, sheep, goats, Benin.
Raman spectroscopic studies of O–H stretching vibration in Mn-rich apatites: A structural approach
Authors: Pieczka Adam , Gołębiowska Bożena , Jeleń Piotr , Sitarz Maciej , Szuszkiewicz Adam 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The O–H stretching vibration mode in crystals of (Mn,Cl)-rich and F-poor minerals of the apatite-supergroup has been studied by micro-Raman spectroscopy. The main purpose was to check if such an analysis can provide a quick and simple method to assess the distribution of Ca and Mn together with traces of Fe + Mg (= Mn*) on nonequivalent cationic sites in the apatite structure, especially in small and strongly heterogeneous crystals directly in thin sections. The O–H stretching vibration mode can then be treated as a useful structural probe giving information on the M2 occupants bonded to XOH. Pieczkaite, with the empirical formula (Mn4.49Fe0.47Ca0.05Mg0.01)Σ5.01P2.99O12[Cl0.83(OH)0.17], displays the O–H stretching mode centered at ~3380 cm–1, which shows that the complete replacement of Ca by Mn* at the M2 site is connected with a shift of the O–H stretching band ~192 cm–1 toward lower wavenumbers in relation to the O–H Raman band position reported for hydroxylapatite. The value is high enough to be an indicator of the M2Mn*···OH content in any sample of Mn-enriched apatite. Studies of the fine structure of the band disclosed its dependence on (1) the local combinations of Ca and Mn* forming triplets of M2 cations bonded to the X anion, (2) the presence of OH+Cl at the two half-occupied X sites that form chemical bonds with the M2 cations varying in strength and length, and (3) the spatial geometry of the X–M2 bonds and polarizability of the monovalent X anion by varying cations in the M2M2M2 triplets. The deconvolution of the band into maximum eight component bands with constant Raman shifts opens the possibility of evaluating the averaged M2M2M2 triplet bonded to oxygen of the XOH group. If the OH/(OH+Cl) fraction is known, the amounts of Ca and Mn* bonded to XOH can also be estimated. Application of the method to the holotype parafiniukite showed a slightly different distribution of Ca in M2M2M2 triplets than had been assumed from single-crystal X-ray diffraction. However, it corroborates suggestions that in the apatite structure there may be a preference for M2Ca to be bonded to XOH and M2Mn* to XCl. Our results show that the proposed method can be used as an independent tool in structural studies of Mn-rich minerals of the apatite-supergroup, providing results complementary to single-crystal X-ray diffraction. This method can easily be adjusted to modern apatite-type nanomaterials synthesized for biomedical and various industrial applications.
Effect of Danggui-Shaoyao-San-Containing Serum on the Renal Tubular Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Xiaobing Li , Chunling Niu , Wenyu Chen , Yan Chen , Zhenzhen Li 
Published: April 2020

Objectives:
To investigate the effect of Danggui-Shaoyao-San (DSS)-containing serum on
the renal tubular Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) of Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) in high
glucose- induced HK-2 cells and its mechanism.

Methods:
20 rats were randomly divided into four groups: blank control group, DSS low dose group
(DSS-L), DSS middle dose group (DSS-M), and DSS high dose group (DSS-H). DSS was administrated
to the corresponding group (7g/kg/d, 14g/kg/d and 21g/kg/d) for 7 consecutive days, and the same
volume of saline was given to the blank control group by gavage. The rat drug-containing serum was
successfully prepared. HK-2 cells were divided into five groups: blank control group, model group,
DSS-L, DSS-M, DSS-H, according to the corresponding drug and dose of each treatment group. Protein
and mRNA levels of Jagged1, Notch1, Hes5, Notch Intracellular Domain (NICD), E-cadherin, alpha-
Smooth Muscle Actin (α-SMA) and vimentin at 24h, 48h and 72h were detected by Western Blot
and RT-qPCR.

Results:
The protein and mRNA levels of Jagged1, Notch1, Hes5, NICD, α-SMA and vimentin in the
treatment groups were remarkably decreased compared with the model group (P<0.05), and the protein
and mRNA levels of E-cadherin were notably increased (P<0.05) by Western Blot and RT-qPCR.

Conclusion:
Our results demonstrated that DSS could prevent DN by ameliorating renal tubular EMT
through inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway.
Metabolic Changes in Hyperlipidemic Rats After The Administration of Xuezhikang
Authors: Su Ke , Chen Bingbao , Tu Xiaoting , Ye Luxin , Lu Xiaojie , Yu Zheng , Wang Xianqin , Yang Xuezhi 
Published: April 2020

Background:
Xuezhikang capsule, which contains cholesterol synthase inhibitors and a
large number of natural statins, is put in the clinical application of lipid-lowering and so on.
However, the specific use of dose, lipid-lowering effect and the relationship between metabolites
are to be further studied.

Introduction:
Metabonomics is the study of the relationship between the change of quantity and
physiological changes from metabolites. At present metabolomics has been widely used in drug
development and testing. In this study, we developed a metabolomic method based on gas
chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to find out hyperlipemia-related substances, and
study the lipid-lowering mechanism of Xuezhikang.

Method:
Fifty SD rats (220 ± 20 g) were given high-fat diet. After four-weeks modeling, they
were randomly divided into semi-control group, high fat group, simvastatin intervention group and
Xuezhikang intervention group (0.23, 0.69, 1.15 mg/kg, low, medium, high), each dosage in eight
rats. The control group (rest eight rats) were given normal diet, and no specific treatment. The rats
were sacrificed at the end of the experiment.

Result:
The biochemical and body weight indexes of the normal control group and the high fat
group were significantly different (P <0.05), which indicated that the model of hyperlipidemia was
established success. There was significant difference (P <0.05) between Xuezhikang intervention
group and high fat control group (P <0.05), and hyperlipemia metabolomics related markers,
oxalic acid, butyric acid, mannitol, glucose, glucuronic acid were found. Glucuronic acid and
non-binding bilirubin combined with bilirubin, combined with some of the liver harmful
substances, play a detoxification effect.

Conclusion:
The results of metabonomics showed that the high-fat group and the control group have
significant differences. Mannose, glucose content is relatively stable, lipid metabolism in high-fat
group stearic acid, palmitic acid levels decreased, suggesting that high-fat diet disorders rat body lipid
metabolism. It is worth mentioning that the experimental evaluation of rats, such as biochemical indicators
and pathological results are prompted to model success, Xuezhikang intervention effect is more
significant, consistent with the expected.

Conclusion:
The results of metabonomics showed that the high fat group and the control group
were significant difference. Mannose, glucose content is relatively stable, lipid metabolism in
high-fat group stearic acid, palmitic acid levels decreased, suggesting that high-fat diet disorders
rat body lipid metabolism. It is worth mentioning that the experimental evaluation of rats such as
biochemical indicators and pathological results are prompted to model success, Xuezhikang
intervention effect is more significant, consistent with the expected.
Circadian Rhythms of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase and Toll-like Receptors 2 Production in Females with Rheumatoid Arthritis Depending on NOS3 Gene Polymorphism
Authors: Zaichko Kateryna , Zaichko Nataliia , Maievskyi Oleksandr , Korotkyi Oleksandr , Falalyeyeva Tetyana , Fagoonee Sharmila , Pellicano Rinaldo , Abenavoli Ludovico , Stanislavchuk Mykola 
Published: April 2020

Background:Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune polygenic disease characterized by rapid disability progression and high prevalence. Progression of RA is closely associated with chronobiological changes in the production of some hormones and inflammatory mediators, influencing the disease course and therapy efficacy. The main pathogenetic mechanism of RA is angiogenesis, which is controlled by biological clock-genes. Further investigation of circadian rhythms of angiogenic mediators production in RA patients may be considered as important and relevant. The aim of this study was to establish daily variability of serum endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS3) and toll-like receptors 2 (sTLR2) levels in female RA patients depending on the NOS3 gene polymorphism.Methods:We examined 173 RA patients (100% female) aged 43.7 ± 7.35 years and 34 age-matched healthy women without joint diseases and autoimmune diseases (control). RA was diagnosed by ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria. Blood serum NOS3 and sTLR2 levels were determined at 08:00 and 20:00 using Cloud-Clone Corp kits (USA). NOS3 T-786С (rs2070744) polymorphism was determined by Real-Time PCR (Bio-Rad iCycler IQ5) using SNP-express kits. The SPSS22 software package was used for statistical processing of the results.Results:Females with RA demonstrated oppositely directed serum NOS3 and sTLR2 daily changes: NOS3 level in the morning (08:00) was lower than in the evening (+ 45.5 ± 30.7%), and sTLR2 level in the evening (at 20:00) was lower than in the morning (-21.6 ± 13.1%). RA patients had differences in NOS3 and sTLR2 production depending on NOS3 T786C genotype. CC subjects had NOS3 level at 08:00, 20:00 and day average levels lower (16-25%), and sTLR2 level higher (24-27%) than those of TT subjects. RA patients, carriers of CC genotype, had higher chances of NOS3 and sTLR2 aberrant production compared to TT and TC genotype carriers (OR = 2.99 and 4.79, respectively).Conclusion:RA patients demonstrated oppositely directed circadian changes of serum NOS3 and sTLR2. CC genotype carriers had lower NOS3 and higher sTLR2 production rates than TT and TC genotype carriers.