bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genomic Diversity and Spatiotemporal Distributions of Lassa Virus Outbreaks in Nigeria
Authors: Yahaya Abdulwahid Abaukaka , Asgari Yazdan 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Abstract
Background
Lassa virus (LASV) is a single-negative strand RNA Arenavirus (genus Mammarenavirus), oriented in both negative and positive senses. Due to the increase in the fatality rate of deadly disease LASV caused (Lassa fever), widespread LASV in Nigeria has been a subject of interest. Following the upsurge of LASV endemicity in 2012, another marked incidence recorded in Nigeria, 2018, with 394 confirmed cases in 19 states, and an estimated 25% cases led to death. This study aimed at acquiring the genetic variation of LASV ancestral evolution with the evolvement of new strains in different lineage and its geographical distributions within a specific time of outbreaks through Bayesian inference, using genomic sequence across affected states in Nigeria.
Results
From the result, we were able to establish the relationship of Lassa mamarenavirus and other arenaviruses by classifying them into distinct monophyletic groups, i.e., the old world arenaviruses, new world arenaviruses, and Reptarenaviruses. Corresponding promoter sites for genetic expression of the viral genome were analyzed based on Transcription Starting Site (TSS), the S_Segment (MK291249.1) is about 2917–2947 bp and L_Segment (MH157036.1), is about1863–1894 bp long. LASV sequences obtained from different parts of Nigeria were genetically related. Benue, Imo, and Bauchi states represent the host etiology of the LASV. Spread across other neighboring states were based on genetic pedigree dated to previous outbreaks as at year 2008 to 2012. Phylogeography of recent transmission from the year 2017 to 2019 indicates vectors were fast spreading LASV from Ondo states to Delta, Edo, and Kogi states, while spread across northeastern states suggests a vector origin from Bauchi state.
Conclusions
The study outlined the path of transmission based on the genetic homology of the sampled LASV sequences in affected geographical locations. We suggest the federal government should initiate a vector surveillance program to curtails further spread of LASV, especially states bordering with northwestern states and north-central Nigeria.
Toric Intraocular Lens Implantation in Cataract Patients with Corneal Opacity.
Authors: Ra Ho , Hwang Ho Sik , Kim Hyun Seung , Kim Man Soo , Kim Eun Chul 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the effect of toric intraocular lens implantation in cataract patient with corneal opacity and high astigmatism. Methods: 31 eyes of 31 patients who underwent cataract surgery with toric intraocular lens implantation were included. All patients had corneal opacity with astigmatism. Preoperative total corneal astigmatism was determined considering posterior astigmatism using a rotating Scheimpflug camera (Pentacam®: Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany). At 2 months after toric intraocular lens implantation, we evaluated residual astigmatism, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Results: Postoperative UCVA and BCVA (0.30 ± 0.17, 0.22 ± 0.16LogMAR) statistically improved compared to preoperative UCVA and BCVA (1.2 ± 0.34, 1.1 ± 0.30LogMAR, respectively) (P<0.01). Postoperative residual refractive astigmatism (1.2 ± 0.35D) was statistically reduced compared to preoperative refractive astigmatism (2.4 ± 0.65D) (P<0.05). Preoperative and postoperative total corneal astigmatism values were not statistically different. All cases achieved visual acuity were as good as or better than that preoperatively. The percentage of corneal opacity covering pupillary area had significant negative correlation with postoperative UCVA and BCVA (logMAR) (R=-0.88 P<0.00001 and R=-0.87 P<0.00001, respectively) Conclusion: Toric intraocular lens implantation can improve UCVA, BCVA, and refractive astigmatism in cataract patient with corneal opacity. The percentage of central corneal opacity covering pupillary area is the major prognostic factor for postoperative visual improvement. Therefore, toric intraocular lens implantation should be considered for cataract patients who have corneal opacity with high astigmatism.
A Case Report of two siblings with Alstrom syndrome without hearing loss associated with two new ALMS1 variants
Authors: Shurygina Maria Fedorovna , Parker Maria A. , Schlechter Catie , Chen Rui , Li Yumei , Weleber Richard G. , Yang Paul , Pennesi Mark E. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background Alström syndrome (AS) is a rare monogenic disorder characterized by progressive multi-organ pathology including retinal degeneration, hearing impairment and type 2 diabetes. Here we present clinical features in two siblings diagnosed with Alström syndrome associated with novel biallelic changes in ALMS1. Case presentation Two siblings originally diagnosed as having achromatopsia presented with mild light sensitivity, nonspecific otitis media, and mild developmental delay during the first decade of life with a relatively stable ocular appearance during second decade, late onset of nystagmus and dyschromatopsia (after 20 years) and preserved vision during the third decade of life. One sibling had late onset hearing loss and both siblings had symmetric high myopia, normal stature, and ptosis. Clinical findings revealed structural and functional tests consistent with a cone-rod dystrophy. Novel variants c.9894dupC (p.S3298fs) and c.10769delC (p.T3590fs) in ALMS1 gene were found. Conclusions Two North American siblings who presented with a mild clinical phenotype of Alström syndrome were found to have novel mutations in ALMS1. These two frame-shift mutations segregated with the disease phenotype lending evidence to their pathogenicity.
Changes in choroidal thickness in advanced diabetic retinopathy treated with pan-retinal photocoagulation using a pattern scanning laser versus a conventional laser
Authors: Park Nari , Kim Jee Taek 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background : To compare the effect of pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) using pattern scanning or conventional laser on subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFChT).
Methods : Thirty-eight patients (64 eyes) with advanced diabetic retinopathy (DR) who underwent PRP using pattern scanning or conventional laser were included. Changes in SFChT were compared with baseline values at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after PRP using swept-source optical coherence tomography.
Results : The conventional laser group showed statistically significant decrease in SFChT at 1, 3, 6, and 12 month after PRP ( P <0.001). SFChT was significantly decreased at 3 ( P = 0.025), 6 ( P = 0.004), and 12 months ( P < 0.001) after treatment in the pattern laser group.
Conclusion : Eyes with advanced DR showed a significant reduction in SFChT over 12 months regardless of the type of laser used; however, the reduction was sooner after conventional laser than after pattern laser.
Probucol-induced hERG Channel Reduction can be Rescued by Matrine and Oxymatrinein vitro
Authors: Shi Yuan-Qi , Fan Pan , Zhang Guo-Cui , Zhang Yu-Hao , Li Ming-Zhu , Wang Fang , Li Bao-Xin 
Published: October 2019

Background:
The human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) potassium channel is the rapidly activating
component of cardiac delayed rectifier potassium current (IKr), which is a crucial determinant of cardiac repolarization.
The reduction of hERG current is commonly believed to cause Long QT Syndrome (LQTs). Probucol,
a cholesterol-lowering drug, induces LQTs by inhibiting the expression of the hERG channel. Unfortunately,
there is currently no effective therapeutic method to rescue probucol-induced LQTs.

Methods:
Patch-clamp recording techniques were used to detect the action potential duration (APD) and current
of hERG. Western blot was performed to measure the expression levels of proteins.

Results:
In this study, we demonstrated that 1 μM matrine and oxymatrine could rescue the hERG current and
hERG surface expression inhibited by probucol. In addition, matrine and oxymatrine significantly shortened the
prolonged action potential duration induced by probucol in neonatal cardiac myocytes. We proposed a novel
mechanism underlying the probucol induced decrease in the expression of transcription factor Specificity protein
1 (Sp1), which is an established transactivator of the hERG gene. We also demonstrated that matrine and oxymatrine
were able to upregulate Sp1 expression which may be one of the possible mechanisms by which matrine and
oxymatrine rescued probucol-induced hERG channel deficiency.

Conclusion:
Our current results demonstrate that matrine and oxymatrine could rescue probucol-induced hERG
deficiency in vitro, which may lead to potentially effective therapeutic drugs for treating acquired LQT2 by probucol
in the future.
A Review of Gene Therapy Delivery Systems for Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Chen Songfeng , Luo Ming , Kou Hongwei , Shang Guowei , Ji Yanhui , Liu Hongjian 
Published: October 2019

Background: :
Intervertebral Disc (IVD) degeneration is a major public health concern, and
gene therapy seems a promising approach to delay or even reverse IVD degeneration. However, the
delivery system used to transfer exogenous genes into intervertebral disc cells remains a challenge.

Methods::
The MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched for English-language
articles related to gene therapy for IVD degeneration articles from 1999 to May 2019. The keywords
included “gene therapy” AND “intervertebral disc”. The history of the development of different delivery
systems was analysed, and the latest developments in viral and non-viral vectors for IVD degeneration
treatment were reviewed.

Results: :
Gene therapy delivery systems for IVD degeneration are divided into two broad categories:
viral and non-viral vectors. The most commonly used viral vectors are adenovirus, adeno-associated
virus (AAV), and lentivirus. Enthusiasm for the use of adenovirus vectors has gradually declined and
has been replaced by a preference for lentivirus and AAV vectors. New technologies, such as RNAi
and CRISPR, have further enhanced the advantage of viral vectors. Liposomes are the classic non-viral
vector, and their successors, polyplex micelles and exosomes, have more potential for use in gene therapy
for IVD degeneration.

Conclusion::
Lentivirus and AAV are the conventional viral vectors used in gene therapy for IVD degeneration,
and the new technologies RNAi and CRISPR have further enhanced their advantages. Nonviral
vectors, such as polyplex micelles and exosomes, are promising gene therapy vectors for IVD degeneration.
IMPMD: An Integrated Method for Predicting Potential Associations Between miRNAs and Diseases
Authors: Wu Meiqi , Yang Yingxi , Wang Hui , Ding Jun , Zhu Huan , Xu Yan 
Published: October 2019

Background:
With the rapid development of biological research, microRNAs (miRNAs) have
increasingly attracted worldwide attention. The increasing biological studies and scientific experiments
have proven that miRNAs are related to the occurrence and development of a large number of key biological
processes which cause complex human diseases. Thus, identifying the association between miRNAs
and disease is helpful to diagnose the diseases. Although some studies have found considerable associations
between miRNAs and diseases, there are still a lot of associations that need to be identified.
Experimental methods to uncover miRNA-disease associations are time-consuming and expensive.
Therefore, effective computational methods are urgently needed to predict new associations.

Methodology:
In this work, we propose an integrated method for predicting potential associations between
miRNAs and diseases (IMPMD). The enhanced similarity for miRNAs is obtained by combination
of functional similarity, gaussian similarity and Jaccard similarity. To diseases, it is obtained by
combination of semantic similarity, gaussian similarity and Jaccard similarity. Then, we use these two
enhanced similarities to construct the features and calculate cumulative score to choose robust features.
Finally, the general linear regression is applied to assign weights for Support Vector Machine,
K-Nearest Neighbor and Logistic Regression algorithms.

Results:
IMPMD obtains AUC of 0.9386 in 10-fold cross-validation, which is better than most of the
previous models. To further evaluate our model, we implement IMPMD on two types of case studies
for lung cancer and breast cancer. 49 (Lung Cancer) and 50 (Breast Cancer) out of the top 50 related
miRNAs are validated by experimental discoveries.

Conclusion:
We built a software named IMPMD which can be freely downloaded from https://
github.com/Sunmile/IMPMD.
The Effects of Butyric Acid on the Differentiation, Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Autophagy of IPEC-J2 Cells
Authors: Yang Yuan , Huang Jin , Li Jianzhong , Yang Huansheng , Yin Yulong 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Butyric acid (BT), a short-chain fatty acid, is the preferred
colonocyte energy source. The effects of BT on the differentiation, proliferation, and
apoptosis of small intestinal epithelial cells of piglets and its underlying mechanisms
have not been fully elucidated.

Methods:
In this study, it was found that 0.2-0.4 mM BT promoted the differentiation of
procine jejunal epithelial (IPEC-J2) cells. BT at 0.5 mM or higher concentrations
significantly impaired cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, BT
at high concentrations inhibited the IPEC-J2 cell proliferation and induced cell cycle
arrest in the G2/M phase.

Results:
Our results demonstrated that BT triggered IPEC-J2 cell apoptosis via the
caspase8-caspase3 pathway accompanied by excess reactive oxygen species (ROS)
and TNF-α production. BT at high concentrations inhibited cell autophagy associated
with increased lysosome formation. It was found that BT-reduced IPEC-J2 cell viability
could be attenuated by p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190. Moreover, SB202190 attenuated
BT-increased p38 MAPK target DDIT3 mRNA level and V-ATPase mRNA level that
were responsible for normal acidic lysosomes.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, 1) at 0.2-0.4 mM, BT promotes the differentiation of IPEC-J2
cells; 2) BT at 0.5 mM or higher concentrations induces cell apoptosis via the p38 MAPK
pathway; 3) BT inhibits cells autophagy and promotes lysosome formation at high
concentrations.
Targeting Hypertension: Superoxide Anions are Involved in Apelininduced Long-term High Blood Pressure and Sympathetic Activity in the Paraventricular Nucleus
Authors: Ji Mingyue , Wang Qian , Zhao Yuewu , Shi Lu , Zhou Zihao , Li Yong 
Published: October 2019

Aims: :
To determine whether apelin in paraventricular nucleus (PVN) can be a therapeutic
target for hypertension.

Background::
Apelin is a specific endogenous ligand of orphan G protein-coupled receptor APJ.

Objective: :
This study was designed to determine how apelin chronically regulates sympathetic
nerve activity and blood pressure in PVN of rats.

Methods:
Apelin and APJ antagonist F13A were infused into PVN with osmotic minipumps. The
NAD(P)H oxidase activity and superoxide anions levels in PVN of rats were determined by chemiluminescence.

Results::
Infusion of apelin into PVN of Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats induced chronic increases in
systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP),
plasma norepinephrine (NE) level, maximal depressor response to hexamethonium (Hex),
NAD(P)H oxidase activity, superoxide anions levels, and Nox4 expression. Infusion of F13A into
PVN of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) caused chronic decreases in SBP, DBP, MAP,
plasma NE level, maximal depressor response to Hex, NAD(P)H oxidase activity, and superoxide
anions levels. Hex, a sympathetic ganglion blocker, inhibited apelin-induced increases in SBP,
DBP and MAP. SOD overexpression in PVN of SHRs inhibited the apelin-induced increase in
SBP, DBP, MAP, plasma NE level, and maximal depressor response to Hex. PVN Nox4 knockdown
also attenuated the apelin-induced increase in SBP, DBP, MAP, plasma NE level, and
maximal depressor response to Hex. Chronic injection of F13A into PVN reduced fibrosis of renal
artery, thoracic aorta, and heart in SHRs.

Conclusion::
These results demonstrated that in PVN apelin induced long-term high blood pressure
and sympathetic activity via increasing oxidative stress.
Anti-tumor Activity of Propofol: A Focus on MicroRNAs
Authors: Ashrafizadeh Milad , Ahmadi Zahra , Farkhondeh Tahereh , Samarghandian Saeed 
Published: October 2019

Background::MicroRNAs are endogenous, short, non-coding RNAs with the length as low as 20 to 25 nucleotides. These RNAs are able to negatively affect the gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. It has been demonstrated that microRNAs play a significant role in cell proliferation, cell migration, cell death, cell differentiation, infection, immune response, and metabolism. Besides, the dysfunction of microRNAs has been observed in a variety of cancers. So, modulation of microRNAs is of interest in the treatment of disorders.Objective::The aim of the current review is to investigate the modulatory effect of propofol on microRNAs in cancer therapy.Methods: :This review was performed at PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science data-bases using keywords “propofol’, “microRNA”, “cancer therapy”, “propofol + microRNA” and “propofol + miR”.Results::It was found that propofol dually down-regulates/upregulates microRNAs to exert its antitumor activity. In terms of oncogenesis microRNAs, propofol exert an inhibitory effect, while propofol significantly enhances the expression of oncosuppressor microRNAs.Conclusion::It seems that propofol is a potential modulator of microRNAs and this capability can be used in the treatment of various cancers.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Seropositivity versus Seronegativity; A Comparative Cross-sectional Study Arising from Moroccan Context
Authors: Salma Ksir , Nessrine Akasbi , Krystel Efemba , Khaoula El Kinany , Noura Naji , Khadija Elkohen , Taoufik Harzy 
Published: October 2019

Introduction:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is biologically marked by a positive serum rate
of rheumatoid factor (RA) and/or anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA). Nevertheless, 20%
of RA cases remain seronegative.

Objective:
The main purpose of this study, is to bring out the clinical, biological, imaging, therapeutic,
and evolutionary distinctions between seropositive RA and seronegative one.

Methods:
This is an observational cross-sectional study that involves patients with RA admitted in
the rheumatology department, from the period between January 2012 and January 2018. RA seronegativity
is described as the absence of both RF and ACPA, while seropositivity is recognized by
the presence of at least one of the two antibodies.

Results:
294 patients were included, of which 90% were seropositive and 10% seronegative. Therefore,
RA in this study is seropositive most often. The bivariate analysis underscored plenty of differences,
statistically notable, according to the RA immune status. In fact, patients with seropositive
RA had more synovitis (p=0.049), more deformities (p=0.01), and more bone destruction on radiographs
(p=0.04). Furthermore, RA in this Moroccan study was quite severe (p=0.006) and got more
complicated by systemic manifestations (p=0.02). Whereas, no distinction was brought up between
the two groups, concerning the use of biotherapy. As for the multivariate study, seropositive RA in
these patients, had greater severity (p=0.009, OR=4.53) and was more deforming (p=0.03
OR=2.45).

Conclusion:
RA in our Moroccan context is dominated by the seropositive form. This seropositivity
is often coupled with clinical severity and joint destruction, resulting in more deformities.
Withdrawal Notice: Management of Right Atrial Thrombus. Where is the Evidence? : A Narrative Review
Authors: Sheikh Omar , Gulick Deven , Saenger Evan , Parmar Rajiv , Chilton Robert , Bailey Steven 
Published: October 2019

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The Chemical Composition and Anti-mycobacterial Activities of Trachyspermum copticum and Pelargonium graveolens Essential Oils
Authors: Kardan-Yamchi Jalil , Mahboubi Mohaddese , Kazemian Hossein , Hamzelou Gholamreza , Feizabadi Mohammad M. 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Microbial resistance to antibiotics and their adverse effects related
to these antibiotics are a matter of global public health in the 21th century. The emergence of
drug-resistant strains, has gained the interest of the scientists to discover new antimicrobial
agents from the essential oil of medicinal plants.

Methods:
Anti-mycobacterial effects of Trachyspermum copticum and Pelargonium graveolens
essential oils were determined against multi-drug resistant clinical strains of Mycobacterium
tuberculosis, Mycobacterium kansasii, Mycobacterium fortuitum and standard
strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv by a Broth micro-dilution method. Pelargonium
graveolens plant named Narmada was discovered by Kulkarni R.N et al. (Patent ID,
USPP12425P2) and a formulation comprising thymol obtained from Trachyspermum is useful
in the treatment of drug-resistant bacterial infections (Patent ID, US6824795B2). The
chemical composition of hydro-distilled essential oils was determined by GC and GC-MS.

Results:
Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values for T. copticum essential oil
against tested isolates were ranged from 19.5 µg/mL to 78 µg/mL. The least minimum inhibitory
concentration of P. graveolens extract against M. Kansasii and MDR-TB was
78 µg/ml.

Conclusion:
The results of the present research introduced T. copticum and P. graveolens
essential oils as a remarkable natural anti-mycobacterial agent, but more pharmacological
studies are required to evaluate their efficacy in animal models.
Analysis and Comparison of RNA Pseudouridine Site Prediction Tools
Authors: Chen Wei , Liu Kewei 
Published: October 2019

Background:Pseudouridine (Ψ) is the most abundant RNA modification and has important functions in a series of biological and cellular processes. Although experimental techniques have made great contributions to identify Ψ sites, they are still labor-intensive and costineffective. In the past few years, a series of computational approaches have been developed, which provided rapid and efficient approaches to identify Ψ sites.Results:To provide the readership with a clear landscape about the recent development in this important area, in this review, we summarized and compared the representative computational approaches developed for identifying Ψ sites. Moreover, future directions in computationally identifying Ψ sites were discussed as well.Conclusion:We anticipate that this review will provide novel insights into the researches on pseudouridine modification.