bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome Signatures Reveal Candidate Key Genes in the Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Kolur Vijayakrishna , Vastrad Basavaraj , Vastrad Chanabasayya , Kotturshetti Iranna , Tengli Anandkumar 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCoronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most common disorders in the cardiovascular system. This study aims to explore potential signaling pathways and important biomarkers that drive CAD development. MethodsThe CAD GEO Dataset GSE113079 was featured to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of DEGs were analyzed using the ToppGene. We screened hub and target genes from protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, target gene - miRNA regulatory network and target gene - TF regulatory network, and Cytoscape software. Validations of hub genes were performed to evaluate their potential prognostic and diagnostic value for CAD. Results1,036 DEGs were captured according to screening criteria (525upregulated genes and 511downregulated genes). Pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of DEGs revealed that these up and down regulated genes are mainly enriched in thyronamine and iodothyronamine metabolism, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, nervous system process, cell cycle and nuclear membrane. Hub genes were validated to find out potential prognostic biomarkers, diagnostic biomarkers and novel therapeutic target for CAD. ConclusionsIn summary, our findings discovered pivotal gene expression signatures and signaling pathways in the progression of CAD. CAPN13, ACTBL2, ERBB3, GATA4, GNB4, NOTCH2, EXOSC10, RNF2, PSMA1 and PRKAA1 might contribute to the progression of CAD, which could have potential as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for CAD.
Successful Remote Monitoring During COVID-19 Pandemic of Patients with Inborn Errors of the Amino acid Metabolism not including PKU from a Single Reference center using Filter Paper Samples
Authors: Stanescu Sinziana , Belanger-Quintana Amaya , Arrieta Francisco , Alcaide Patricia , Ruiz-Sala Pedro 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background. Patients with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) pose specific management challenges, considering their multisystem involvement. Among them, children and adults with organic acidemias (OA) and other disorders of the amino acid metabolism have a high risk for severe metabolic events that need to be recognized and promptly treated, and therefore require frequent clinical and biochemical evaluations. The novel highly pathogenic SARS-CoV2 virus appeared in Europe in the first trimester of 2020. This pandemic has a huge impact on the health care systems all over the world, interrupting the follow-up of many chronic diseases. For metabolic patients, travel to reference units may be reduced due to mobility restrictions but more importantly, attendance to medical facilities can be a risk of infection that can be a danger in itself but also trigger a metabolic decompensation.Methods. During the first coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Spain from March to June 2020, we designed a model of remote monitoring of our patients with amino acid disorders using telephone and/or online clinical assessments and using filter paper samples to continue the biochemical control. Results. Fourteen patients with inborn errors of amino acid metabolism other than PKU received filter papers and instructions to collect blood and urine samples home and send them to our reference laboratory. Conclusions. Considering the COVID19 pandemic evolution, new strategies to ensure IEM patients have an evaluation continuity need to be implemented. We believe that blood and urine filter paper biochemical follow-up, together with online or telephone clinical assessments, can help minimize the need for in-hospital visits.
Dihydroartemisinin Shows Promising Effects in the Treatment of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis and Maintains Inflammatory Homeostasis by Targeting AXL in Microglia
Authors: Xiaoxin Zhu , Qingsen Ran , Li Qi , Li Liu , Lidong Sun , Qing Yang , Yujie Li , Ying Chen , Xiaogang Weng , Yajie Wang , Weiyan Cai 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: During EAE progression, the endogenous mechanisms mediating nervous autoimmune inflammation balance, as represented by AXL, were proved to be pathologically disturbed, immune balance and axon repair. Therapeutically, by activating AXL signaling, the inflammatory rebalance from promotion to resolution has attracted increasing attention and showed advantages in autoimmune disease treatment. Previous studies implied that DHA had potential effects in treating autoimmune diseases. However, the detailed mechanisms in inflammation regulation, especially in CNS, remain unclear.Methods: C57BL/6 mice were immunized with MOG35-55 and treated daily with DHA. Then clinical scores, pathology, and ethology features of EAE were assessed through histological staining (H&E, LFB staining), TEM and gait analysis. Moreover, DHA-responsive cells and genes were screened by 10x Genomics. The immunological responses to DHA were measured by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscope in BV2 cells. The concentrations and bio-activities of chemokines were respectively evaluated through ELISA and trans-well assay. Results: After DHA treatment, the clinical scores and body weight were significantly improved. Histologically, mice showed slighter spinal cord lesion, less inflammatory cuffs. By using gait analysis, DHA obviously improved physical coordination. 10x Genomics demonstrated that DHA selectively upregulated AXL expression in microglia. Immunologically, by enhancing AXL signaling, the phagocytic and chemotactic potential of microglia and the Treg differentiation followed by upregulating PDL1 were significantly influenced by DHA. Conversely, specific blocking of AXL by SGI7079 was sufficient to reverse above-mentioned functions. Molecularly, DHA specifically rebalanced the overactivated inflammation through STAT1:SOCS3: AXL: IFNAR pathway. Conclusions: The present study highlighted the central role of AXL signaling in DHA mediated inflammatory transition.
Astragalosides IV Improves Palmitic Acid-induced Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells Injury Due to Inhibition of NLRP3&nbsp;Inflammasome
Authors: Zhang Yanhua , Li Yan , Su Yong , Zhu Yunfeng , Han Yuli , Dong Xianan , Li Weizu , Li Weiping 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundDiabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Hyperlipidemia plays a key role in occurrence and development of DN. The main saturated fatty acids of palmitic acid (PA) is closely related to glomeruli and tubules injury in T2DM. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) has comprehensive pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation and anti-apoptosis. However, whether AS-IV can attenuate PA-induced renal tubular epithelial cells damages and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear.MethodsIn vitro, the HK-2 cells were stimulated with PA (200 μM) for 6, 9, 12, and 24 h respectively, then treated with AS-IV (10, 20 or 40 μM) and Apo (100 μM) for 24 h. In vivo, we investigated the effects of AS-IV in high-fat diets (HFD) and low-dose streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 DN rats. Cell viability was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay kit. The lipid deposition was detected by ORO Staining assay kit. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining was used to detect the cell apoptosis. Immunofluorescence staining and Immunohistochemistry were used to measure the expressions of NLRP3 and NOX4. The ELISA kits were conducted to assess the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, GSH and SOD. Western blotting was used to assess the expressions of NLRP3, caspase-1, ASC, 1L-1β, NOX4, p22phox and p47phox proteins.ResultsOur results indicated that PA exposure not only significantly decreased cell viability, GSH and SOD expressions, and increased lipids deposition and apoptosis, but also increased the level of ROS and the expressions of IL-1β and IL-18. Moreover, PA exposure significantly increased the expressions of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1. However, all these abnormalities were significantly ameliorated by AS-IV and apocynin (Apo) treatment. In addition, our results indicated that AS-IV (80 mg/kg) could attenuate the renal tubular pathological injury and lipids deposition, and decrease the expressions of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, NOX4, p22phox and p47phox in renal tubules. Conclusions﻿The study suggested that AS-IV could improve PA-induced HK-2 cells injury and renal tubular damage in T2DM rats, and the mechanism may be related to inhibition of NOX4-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
A Scoring System To Predict Mortality In Patients Admitted To Hospital With Covid-19
Authors: Pedroso Yanet , Aguirre-Jaime Armando , Díaz-Cuevas Zaida , Ramos-Real María José , Abreu-Trujillo Óscar , Castro-Hernández María Beatriz , Rodríguez-Gaspar Melchor , López-Lirola Ana , Díez-Fuentes María Luisa , Santos-Arozarena Dácil , Putze Guillermo Burillo , Lecuona María 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Mortality from COVID-19 has reached rates approaching 13,0%, and it is necessary to have tools to predict the course of the disease, risk of aggravation and probability of death. We propose a predictive mortality score in patients admitted with COVID-19.Methods: We have collected and analysed more than 50 epidemiological, clinical, analytical and treatment variables in a referral cohort of 303 patients admitted for COVID-19. Those variables retained after multivariate analysis that compared survivors and non-survivors patients became the components of the risk of death score. To check the validity of the score, a validation cohort of patients admitted for COVID-19 was used.Results: Mortality was 17% in the referral cohort. Candidate variables to predict risk of death were age ≥65 years, cardiovascular disease, dyspnoea, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, non-invasive mechanical ventilation, abnormal prothrombin, elevated D-dimer, and abnormal lactate dehydrogenase. The proposed cut-off point in the scale was 7 (with 0-6 points representing a low risk of death and 7-17 a high risk). Application of the score in the validation cohort obtained a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 92%, with a positive predictive value of 71% and a negative predictive value of 100%.Conclusions: Our study presents for the first time the development and validation of a risk-of-death scoring system for patients hospitalised with COVID-19 using clinical and laboratory parameters that can be retrieved from patients’ admission records.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Determination of Enterococcus spp. Obtained from Hospital Environment in Iran
Authors: Marghmalek Saba Asgharzadeh , Valadan Reza , Gholami Mehrdad , Nasrolahei Mohtaram , Goli Hamid Reza 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The role of the hospital environment as a source of pathogenic bacteria in recent studies has been poorly investigated. This study investigated the distribution of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence determinants in Enterococcus species isolated from hospital environment in Sari, Iran. Method: Overall, 90 enterococci strains were obtained from high touch surfaces of four hospitals in Sari, Iran. These environmental samples were obtained from bathroom, beds, tables, doorknobs, room keys, wheelchair and walls in the patient and staff’s rooms. The resistance profile of the isolates was determined by disk diffusion method. Seven resistance genes and two virulence associated genes were evaluated molecularly by multiplex PCR. Results: According to the PCR, 42 (46.66%) of them were E. faecalis and 48 (53.33%) others were detected as E. faecium. Also, 28 (66.6%) E. faecalis and 18 (37.5%) E. faecium isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Among all 90 environmental isolates 54 (60%), 54 (60%), 8 (8.8%), 8 (8.8%), 60 (66.6%), 26 (28.8%), and 24 (26.6%) isolates contained tetM, tetL, vanA, vanB, ermB, aac(6´)-Ie-aph(2´´)-Ia, and aph (3´)-IIIa, respectively. Moreover, all isolates were investigated for the presence of virulence genes and 88 (97.7%) of isolates had esp gene, and 16 (17.7%) had ace.Conclusions: This report showed that the environmental isolates of Enterococcus are the major sources of antibiotic resistance genes that can transfer them to the clinical isolates of bacteria in hospital settings. An effective following strategy should be organized to clearance and stop emergence of these pathogenic bacteria.
Association between insulin resistant surrogate index and arterial stiffness in hypertensive population: a five year follow-up cohort study
Authors: Wu Zhiyuan , Zhou Di , Zhang Jie , Li Zhiwei , Wang Jinqi , Han Ze , Miao Xinlei , Liu Xiangtong , Li Xia , Wang Wei , Tao Lixin , Guo Xiuhua 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

Causal association between triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio with arterial stiffness remains unclear. This study aims to assess the effect of TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio on the incidence of arterial stiffness in hypertensive population, and identify the susceptible subgroups.
Methods

This study enrolled 1201 hypertensive participants without arterial stiffness aged 18 or above in 2013 and 2014 as baseline. Physical examination and biochemical test including fasting blood glucose (FBG), TG, HDL-C were measured. The TyG index was denoted as ln[TG*FBG/2]. Incident arterial stiffness cases were confirmed during the following annual examination by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV, > 1800 cm/s), until December 31 of 2019. The Cox model was used to explore the association of TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio with the arterial stiffness.
Results

During a mean follow-up of 5.09 years, 430 cases of arterial stiffness were confirmed. In the multivariate Cox model, the higher TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio were positively associated with a higher risk of arterial stiffness (adjusted HR for per-unit increase: 1.39 and 1.08, P < 0.05). The adjusted HR (95% CI) comparing participants in the highest quartile versus lowest quartile of TyG and TG/HDL-C ratio were 1.51 (1.10–2.07) and 1.08 (1.01–1.15), respectively. This positive linear association of evaluated TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio with arterial stiffness was confirmed using restricted cubic spline function. The observed association was stronger in subgroups with overweight, co-diabetes and poor blood pressure control (systolic pressure ≥ 140 mmHg or without anti-hypertension medication).
Conclusion

The elevated TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio independently increased the future risk of arterial stiffness in hypertensive population. Monitoring TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio deserves more attention in clinical practice, especially in the population with overweight, co-diabetes and poor blood pressure control.
miR-17-5p promotes the invasion and migration of colorectal cancer by regulating HSPB2
Authors: Yu Wei fang , Wang Jia , Li Chao , Xuan Mingda , Han Shuangshuang , Zhang Yingfu , Liu Pengfei , Zhao Zengren 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: MicroRNA (miRNA) can affect tumor progression by regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis. After miRNA microarray chip analysis of colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues and adjacent normal tissues, a significant upregulation of miR-17-5p expression was found in CRC tissues. However, the underlying mechanism of miR-17-5p in CRC is still unclear.Methods: The levels of miR-17-5p in 47 paired CRC and adjacent normal tissue samples were determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry and transwell assays were used to explore the biological effects of miR-17-5p on CRC cells. In addition, the transcriptome sequencing and miRNA target prediction software were employed to identify targets of miR-17-5p. Luciferase reporter detection was used to demonstrate the direct binding of target genes by miR-17-5p. The rescue experiment was conducted to investigate the biological function of target genes and regulatory mechanism of miR-17-5p on target genes.Results: The expression of miR-17-5p was significantly higher in CRC tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. In CRC group, the expression of miR-17-5p in cancer tissues with lymph node metastasis was higher compared with those without lymph node metastasis. Overexpression of miR-17-5p inhibited CRC cell apoptosis, as well as promoting proliferation, migration and invasion. We hypothesized that HSPB2 might be a target gene of miR-17-5p and validated for the first time that miR-17-5p binds directly to the 3’-UTR of HSPB2. In the rescue experiment, the tumor suppressive effect of HSPB2 was detected and miR-17-5p could promote cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting HSPB2.Conclusion: MiR-17-5p promotes invasion and migration by inhibiting HSPB2 in CRC, thereby implicating its potential as a novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for CRC.
Characteristics of δ18O and δ2H and their implication for the interaction between precipitation, groundwater and river water in the upper River Tuojiang, Southwest China
Authors: Zhou Jing , Liu Guodong , Meng Yuchuan , Xia Cheng Cheng , Chen Ke 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The Tuojiang River has multiple water sources and serious pollution problems, but its hydrological mechanism in the upper reaches is still unclear. To better understand the hydrological characteristics of the Tuojiang River, the isotopic compositions of its precipitation, river water and groundwater in the upper reaches have been investigated from May 2018 to April 2019. The results indicated that the isotope values of precipitation, river water and groundwater fluctuate significantly throughout the year with depleted value in the wet season and enriched value in the dry season. Spatially, the isotope values of river water increase gradually from upstream to downstream. River water is the main source of recharge to groundwater and precipitation is the minor one. The isotope-based hydrograph separation shows that the Mianyuan River and Pihe River contribute more greatly to Tuojiang River than the Shiting River and Yazi River. The mean residence time of river water from the Tuojiang River varies from 0.95 to 1.49 years, which indicates that rivers in the upper reaches of the Tuojiang River respond to precipitation quickly. This study proved the usefulness of stable isotopes to identify the different water cycle components and reflect the pollution problem in multiple water source confluence areas.
Determination of large microplastics: wet-sieving of dewatered digested sludge, co-substrates, and compost
Authors: Schwinghammer Larissa , Krause Steffen , Schaum Christian 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Dewatered digested sludge and compost may act as a conduit for microplastics (&lt;5 mm) in terrestrial and subsequently aquatic systems. However, standardized methods for microplastics analyses are lacking. Thus, the aim is to demonstrate the applicability of wet-sieving as a way to quantify large microplastic particles (MPP, 1–5 mm) in dewatered digested sludge and compost. Additionally, we investigated the organic fraction of municipal solid waste, expired drinks and slaughterhouse waste used as co-substrate for anaerobic digestion at wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). Therefore, we collected samples from six WWTP and two biogas plants. These were then wet-sieved and potential MPP analysed via attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). In dewatered digested sludge the amount of microplastics ranged from 0 to 326 MPP/kg TS (total solids) while compost contained 39–102 MPP/kg TS. Our results show that with 0–36 MPP/kg TS co-substrates are not necessarily a source of microplastics in WWTP. Furthermore, we found film to be the most abundant shape in the biogas plant samples, whereas, in WWTP samples film, fragments and fibers were detected the most. ATR-FTIR revealed that polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polypropylene, and polyethylene were the most abundant materials found across all samples.
HIGHLIGHTS Standardized methods for MP analysis are still lacking. Applicability of wet-sieving as method of detection for MP of 1–5 mm is demonstrated. It is proposed that the number of MPP should always be given in reference to the total solids of the respective sample. More research is needed to evaluate the effect of co-substrates on the number of MPP in WWTPs.
Efficient removal of Cr (VI) and Co (II) from aqueous solution by activated carbon from Manihot esculenta Crantz agricultural bio-waste
Authors: Belcaid A. , Beakou B. H. , El Hassani K. , Bouhsina S. , Anouar A. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Heavy metals are one of the most dangerous and critical threats to human and environment. In this study, the adsorption efficiency of activated carbon from cassava peels considered as agricultural waste (CPR) was evaluated for removal of heavy metals Cr (VI) and Co (II) from aqueous media. Cassava peel carbon (CPC) was obtained by acid treatment. Structural and morphological properties were investigated using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Brunauer-Emmet-Teller surface area (BET) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The adsorption experiments were conducted in batch mode under natural solution pH and complexation of the heavy metals, which allows the use of UV-Visible spectroscopy technique. CPC adsorbent exhibited a high adsorption capacity, according to Langmuir model, for Cr (VI) (166.35 mg/g) and Co (II) (301.63 mg/g) at 25 °C. Kinetic and adsorption isotherms followed the pseudo second-order and Langmuir isotherm models for both metals, respectively. Thermodynamic study confirmed the spontaneity and endothermic nature of both metals adsorption onto CPC surface.
Nanotechnology-Based Platforms for Vaginal Delivery of Peptide Microbicides
Authors: Sánchez-López Elena , Gómara María José , Haro Isabel 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Vaginal drug delivery offers an opportunity for effective microbicide
treatments. However, the physiological characteristics of the vagina represent a
challenge when preparing microbicide formulations for local delivery that avoid systemic
effects.

Objective:
To review recent advances in vaginal microbicides placing special emphasis
on nanocarriers that encapsulate peptide microbicides. The review includes an overview
of local treatment and prevention strategies for bactericidal, fungal, protozoal and viral
vaginal infections that use peptide microbicides.

Methods:
Scientific literature and clinical trials published in the PubMed database since
2015 are analyzed.

Result:
Peptide microbicides are used for vaginal drug delivery as a means of prevention
and treatment of several infectious diseases, especially sexually transmitted infections,
and it is clear that such peptide-based microbicides constitute a suitable strategy. Their
combination with nanotechnological drug delivery systems improves local peptide administration
while avoiding their degradation and adverse effects. To date, only a few polymeric
and lipid-based nanocarriers have been used for peptide microbicide vaginal delivery.

Conclusion:
The combination of nanotechnology and peptide microbicides has emerged
over recent years, and different platforms are being used for vaginal peptide delivery.
Nanostructured systems for peptide delivery via vaginal rings or hydrogels are increasingly
used as platforms capable of providing suitable drug delivery. However, there is still a
lack of knowledge about nanocarriers aimed at encapsulating peptides for local microbicide
delivery.