bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intestinal Microbiota Shapes Gut Physiology and Regulates Enteric Neurons and Glia
Authors: Vicentini Fernando , Keenan Catherine , Wallace Laurie , Woods Crystal , Cavin Jean-Baptiste , Flockton Amanda , Macklin Wendy , Belkind-Gerson Jaime , Hirota Simon , Sharkey Keith 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The intestinal microbiota plays an important role in regulating gastrointestinal (GI) physiology in part through interactions with the enteric nervous system (ENS). Alterations in the gut microbiome frequently occur together with disturbances in enteric neural control in pathophysiological conditions. However, the mechanisms by which the microbiota regulates GI function and the structure of the ENS are incompletely understood. Using a mouse model of antibiotic (Abx)-induced bacterial depletion, we sought to determine the molecular mechanisms of microbial regulation of intestinal function and the integrity of the ENS. Spontaneous reconstitution of the Abx-depleted microbiota was used to assess the plasticity of structure and function of the GI tract and neuronal survival and neurogenesis in the ENS. Results: Adult male and female Abx-treated mice exhibited alterations in GI structure and function, including a longer small intestine, slower transit time, increased carbachol-stimulated ion transport and increased intestinal permeability. These alterations were accompanied by the loss of enteric neurons in the ileum and proximal colon in both submucosal and myenteric plexuses. A reduction in the number of enteric glia were only observed in the ileal myenteric plexus. Recovery of the microbiota restored intestinal function and stimulated enteric neurogenesis leading to increases in the number of enteric glia and neurons. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) supplementation enhanced neuronal survival alongside bacterial depletion but had no effect on neuronal recovery once the Abx-induced neuronal loss was established. In contrast, SCFA were able to restore neuronal numbers after Abx-induced neuronal loss, demonstrating that SCFA stimulate enteric neurogenesis in vivo. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate a role for the gut microbiota in regulating the structure function of the GI tract in a sex-independent manner. Moreover, the microbiota is essential for the maintenance of ENS integrity, by regulating enteric neuronal survival and promoting neurogenesis. Molecular determinants of the microbiota, LPS and SCFA, regulate enteric neuronal survival, while SCFA also stimulates neurogenesis. Our data reveal new insights into the role of the gut microbiota that could lead to therapeutic developments for the treatment of enteric neuropathies.
Predicting Surgical Resource Consumption and in-Hospital Mortality in Resource-Scarce Conflict Settings: A Retrospective Database Study
Authors: Muhrbeck Måns , Osman Zaher , Schreeb Johan Von , Wladis Andreas , Andersson Peter 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: In armed conflicts, civilian health care struggles to cope. Being able to predict what resources are needed is therefore vital. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) implemented in the 1990s the Red Cross Wound Score (RCWS) for assessment of penetrating injuries. It is unknown to what extent RCWS or the established trauma scores Kampala trauma Score (KTS) and revised trauma score (RTS) can be used to predict surgical resource consumption and in-hospital mortality. Methods: A retrospective study of routinely collected data on weapon-injured adults admitted to ICRC’s hospitals in Peshawar, 2009–2012 and Goma, 2012–2014. High resource consumption was defined as ≥3 surgical procedures, ≥3 blood-transfusions and/or amputation. The relationship between RCWS, KTS, RTS and resource consumption, in-hospital mortality was evaluated with logistic regression and adjusted receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC). The impact of missing data was assessed with imputation. Model fit was compared with Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Results: A total of 1564 patients were included, of these 834 patients had complete data. For high resource consumption AUC was significantly higher for RCWS (0.76) than for KTS (0.53) and RTS (0.51). Additionally, RCWS had lower AIC, indicating a better model fit. For in-hospital mortality AUC was significantly higher for RCWS (0.79) than for KTS (0.71) and RTS (0.70) for all patients, but not for patients with complete data. Conclusion: RCWS appears to predict surgical resource consumption better than KTS and RTS. RCWS may be a promising tool for planning and monitoring surgical care in resource-scarce conflict settings.
TRAIL&nbsp;Promotes Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition by Inducing PD-L1 Expression in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Zhang Huanyu , Qin Guohui , Yang Huiyun , Liu Jinyan , Wu Peng , Hu Hongwei , Liu Shasha , Yang Li , Zhang Yi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Tumor necrosis factor-associated apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) was initially considered an immunity guard; however, its function remains controversial. Besides immune cells, lung and colon cancer cells have also been reported to express TRAIL, which can promote tumor invasion and metastasis. However, the biological function and underlying mechanism of action of TRAIL in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain poorly elucidated.Methods: The ESCC cells stemness, migration, and proliferation ability was assessed by sphere formation, Transwell, and CCK8 assay. The stemness- and EMT- related genes expression levels were analyzed by Western blot and RT-qPCR. The signal activation was conducted by Western blot. The PDX Model were performed to confirm our findings in vitro.Results: Herein, we found that TRAIL is a negative predictor in patients with ESCC. To further investigate the biological function of TRAIL, we established TRAIL knockdown and overexpression ESCC cell lines and found that TRAIL induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and promoted tumor aggressiveness. Furthermore, we demonstrated that TRAIL- overexpressing cells upregulated PD-L1 expression, which was dependent on the p-ERK/STAT3 signaling pathway. We obtained similar results when using recombinant human TRAIL. Finally, we validated the biological role and mechanism of action of TRAIL in vivo.Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that TRAIL promotes ESCC progression by enhancing PD-L1 expression, which induces EMT. This may explain the failure of TRAIL preclinical trials.Financial support: This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development (2018YFC1313400), the National Nature Science Foundation of China (U1804281, 91942314) and the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars (82001659).
Novel Prognostic Role of Serum CA19-9 Identified in Colorectal Terminal Tumor Site and Tubular Adenocarcinoma&nbsp;
Authors: He Zhicheng , Hu Shudong , Chen Jijun , Cai Xianghai , He Yingying , LIU SHUBAI 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: It is still illusive that the origination and contribution of different primary tumor sites in Colorectal Cancer (CRC). Methods: A total 1039 consecutive CRC patient’s profiles were collected to discover the prediction role of multiple biomarkers in this cohort study. Multiple serum biomarkers were tested and tracked during survival period. The correlation and survival analysis were applied to explore the prognostic value of clinical traits (primary tumor sites, and tumor subtypes, the incidence rate) and multiple biomarkers for forecasting patient’s overall clinical.Results: The sigmoid and rectum (73%) demonstrated the highest incidence rate among primary tumor sites (27%). Tubular adenocarcinoma, mainly rise from the terminal bowel tumor sites, has significantly worse clinical outcome, lower 5-year survival rate and shorter overall survival time. Serum level of CA19-9 was significantly positive correlated with sigmoid and rectum originated-CRC (Cor =0.88, p=2.2e-16). Higher serum level of CA19-9 (>37 U/mL) was significantly associated with terminal tumor sites, tubular adenocarcinoma and tumor with non-infiltrating. It could be applied for the precise diagnosis of CRC and terminal bowel cancer, especially in the tubular adenocarcinoma. Results: The sigmoid and rectum (73%) demonstrated the highest incidence rate among primary tumor sites (27%). Tubular adenocarcinoma, mainly rise from the terminal bowel tumor sites, has significantly worse clinical outcome, lower 5-year survival rate and shorter overall survival time. Serum level of CA19-9 was significantly positive correlated with sigmoid and rectum originated-CRC (Cor =0.88, p=2.2e-16). Higher serum level of CA19-9 (>37 U/mL) was significantly associated with terminal tumor sites, tubular adenocarcinoma and tumor with non-infiltrating. It could be applied for the precise diagnosis of CRC and terminal bowel cancer, especially in the tubular adenocarcinoma. Conclusions: Therefore, terminal tumor sites (sigmoid and rectum) demonstrated potential prognostic value in early screening for CRC patients. CA19-9 could be a promising biomarker for the diagnosis of terminal colorectal cancer, especially for the Tubular adenocarcinomas originated from sigmoid and rectum, and improve the clinical outcome.
Subjective Well-being in Italian Regions: A Panel Data Approach
Authors: Magazzino Cosimo , Leogrande Angelo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
We use data from the new ISTAT-BES database to estimate the socio-economic determinants of subjective well-being in Italian regions between 2004 and 2016. Empirical findings show that subjective well-being is positively associated with education, income and social relations. Our findings imply that governments should improve subjective well-being increasing the level of investment in education, deepening economic growth, reducing income inequality and promoting social relations.
Cassava Mosaic Virus Disease in Ghana: Distribution and Spread
Authors: Oppong Allen , Prempeh Ruth Naa A. , Abrokwah Linda Appianimaa , Annang Esther Afoley , Marfo Esther Agyeman , Kubi Zipporah Appiah , Danquah Nana A. O. , Agyekum Augustine , Frimpong Benedicta Nsiah , Lamptey Joseph N.L. , Mochiah Moses Brandford , Pita Justin S. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Cassava is an important staple crop in most of the tropics including Ghana. The productivity of the crop is beset with pest and disease attacks. With the emergence of virulent strains of the cassava mosaic virus (CMV), regular surveys are necessary to ascertain the prevalence of CMV and their whitefly vectors in farmers’ fields to help manage CMV disease affecting the crop. Methods: Field surveys were conducted in September and October of 2015 and December 2016 to January 2017 using a harmonized sampling protocol developed by the West African Virus Epidemiology (WAVE) for root and tuber project. Three hundred and ninety-three fields were visited throughout Ghana and 11,760 cassava leaf samples examined. Whiteflies were counted on 5 plants/field. Diseased samples with varying symptoms collected were assayed using PCR and genomic sequencing. Results: Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) symptoms were recorded in about ninety-six percent (96.4%) of fields surveyed with varying severity. These symptoms included leaf mosaic, leaf distortion/twisting, malformation, filiform leaves, stunting and chlorosis. Cultivars with red petiole colour were the most prevalent while those with green petiole colour were the least. No whitefly was found on cultivars with purple and Green petioles while cultivars with reddish-green petioles had highest count of whiteflies/plant. The Upper West and Upper East regions had the least number of whiteflies/plant. Six CMV strains were detected: ACMV-Ivory Coast, ACMV-Kenya, EACMV-Cameroun, ACMV-Ghana, EACM-Cameroun virus-Ghana and EACMV-Kenya. Conclusion: ACMV-Kenya and EACMV-Kenya are being reported for the first time. This indicates that more CMV strains are being detected in the country.
Combination Therapy of Zinc and Trimethoprim Inhibits Influenza A Virus in Chick Embryo&nbsp;&nbsp;
Authors: Habbal Magdi El , Habbal Magdi H EL 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background. Respiratory RNA viruses including influenza virus have been a cause of health and economic hardships. These viruses depend on its host for replication and infection. Influenza virus infection is lethal to the chick embryo. We examined whether a combination of trimethoprim and zinc (Tri-Z), that acts on the host, can reduce the lethal effect of influenza A virus in chick embryo model. Method. Influenza virus was isolated from patients and propagated in eggs. We determined viral load that infects 50% of eggs (50% egg lethal dose, ELD50). We introduced 10 ELD50 into embryonated eggs and repeated the experiments using 100 ELD50. A mixture of zinc oxide (Zn) and trimethoprim (TMP) (weight / weight ratios ranged from 0.01 to 0.3, Zn/TMP with increment of 0.1) was tested for embryo survival of the infection (n = 12 per ratio, in triplicates). Embryo survival was determined by candling eggs daily for 7 days. Controls of Zn, TMP, saline or convalescent serum were conducted in parallel. The effect of Tri-Z on virus binding to its cell surface receptor was evaluated in a hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay using chicken red cells. HAI effect was expressed as scores where ++++ = no effect; 0 = complete HAI effect.Results. TMP, Zn or saline separately had no effect on embryo survival, none of the embryos survived influenza virus infection. All embryos treated with convalescent serum survived. Tri-Z, at ratio range of 0.15 to 0.2 (optimal ratio of 0.18) Zn / TMP, enabled embryos to survive influenza virus despite increasing viral load (>80% survival at optimal ratio). At concentration of 15 microgram/ml of optimal ratio, Tri-Z had total HAI effect (scored 0). However, at clinical concentration of 5 microgram/ml, Tri-Z had partial HAI effect (++).Conclusion. Acting on host cells, Tri-Z at optimal ratio can reduce the lethal effect of influenza A virus in chick embryo. Tri-Z has HAI effect. These findings suggest that combination of trimethoprim and zinc at optimal ratio can be provided as treatment for influenza and possibly other respiratory RNA viruses infection in man.
Optimal Combinations of Biomarkers to Determine AT(N) in the Alzheimer’s Disease&nbsp;
Authors: Lin Rong-Rong , Xue Yan-Yan , Li Xiao-Yan , Chen Yi-He , Tao Qing-Qing , Wu Zhi-Ying 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: National Institute on Aging—Alzheimer’s Association (NIA-AA) proposed the AT(N) system based on β-amyloid deposition, pathologic tau, and neurodegeneration, which considered the definition of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as a biological construct. However, the associations between different AT(N) combinations and clinical stage and progression have been poorly explored systematically. The aim of this study is to compare different AT(N) combinations using recognized biomarkers within the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort.Methods: A total of 341 participants from ADNI cohort were classified into AT(N) groups, including 200 cognitively unimpaired (CU) participants and 141 cognitively impaired (CI) participants (101 mild cognitive impairment [MCI] and 40 Alzheimer’s disease [AD]). CSF Aβ42 and amyloid-PET ([18F]flutemetamol) were used as biomarkers for A; CSF phosphorylated tau (p-tau) and tau-PET ([18F]flortaucipir) were used as biomarkers for T; CSF total tau (t-tau), FDG-PET, hippocampal volume, temporal cortical thickness and plasma neurofilament light (NfL) were used as biomarkers for (N). Binarization of biomarkers was acquired from Youden index and public cutoffs. The relationship between different AT(N) biomarkers combinations and cognitive changes (longitudinal Mini-Mental State Examination scores and Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes) was examined using linear mixed modeling and coefficient of variation.Results: Among CU participants, A−T−(N)− variants were most common. More T+ cases were shown using p-tau than tau PET, and more N+ cases were shown using fluid biomarkers than neuroimaging. Among CI participants, A+T+(N)+ was more common. Tau PET combined with cortical thickness best predicted longitudinal cognitive decline in CI and MRI measurements in CU participants. Conclusion: These findings suggest that optimal combinations of biomarkers to determine AT(N) are differed by clinical stage. Different biomarkers within a specific component for defining AT(N) cannot be used identically. Furthermore, different strategies for discontinuous biomarkers will be an important area for the future studies.
Hemorrhage Risk of Patients Receiving Bronchoscope Examination or Treatment
Authors: Bo Liyan , Li Yanyan , Jin Faguang , Li Congcong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The type of procedures has changed and become more complex and sophisticated with the development and extensive use of bronchoscopy. This study aimed to evaluate the safety, particularly the hemorrhage risk, of patients receiving bronchoscope examination or treatment.Methods: The general information and bronchoscope procedures of patients who underwent bronchoscope examination or treatment in the respiration department were collected and analyzed.Results: The incidence of complications and the mortality in bronchoscopy were 0.85% and 0.01%, respectively. The complication rate of different types of bronchoscope procedure varies significantly, and that of therapeutic bronchoscopies was higher than that of explorative examinations and biopsies. Moreover, the most common complication was severe bleeding. Bleeding rate was higher in the left upper lobe and bronchus intermedius, and a trend was observed in which the proportion of bleeding cases decreased as the number of biopsies increased.Conclusions: Although bronchoscope procedure has become more complex and sophisticated, bronchoscopy is well tolerated. However, precautions should be taken because the risks of hemorrhage and pneumothorax were high and fatal.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Among a Cohort of Post-Partum Sri Lankan women: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Gankanda Wedisha Imal , Gunathilake I.A.G.M.P , Kahawala N.L. , Ranaweera A.K.P. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) usually follows a catastrophic event. However, the experience of child birth can be severe enough to cause PTSD in some women.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in field clinics of a semi-urban area. A pre-tested interviewer administered checklist was used to collect socio-demographic and pregnancy related data. Pre-existing self-administered, validated Sinhalese versions of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and PTSD Symptom Scale-Self Report (PSS-SR) were used to assess the presence of Post-Partum Depression (PPD) and PTSD, respectively. Each participant was assessed at one, two and six months after the delivery for PTSD and PPD. Scores of PPD >9 and PSS-SR >13 were taken as positive for the two conditions, respectively. ResultsData was obtained from 225 women who were at their first month postpartum, for the initial study. The response rate at their follow-up visits at the second and sixth months were 95% (n=214) and 94% (n=211). The point prevalence of postpartum PTSD was recorded as 2.7% (n=6), 0.9% (n=2) and 0.5% (n=1) at their first, second and sixth month postpartum, respectively. A period prevalence of 3.6% was observed over 6 months. Verbal abuse during labour (p=0.04) and the presence of postpartum depression (P≤0.001) were significantly associated with postpartum PTSD. There were no significant associations between PTSD and gestational age at delivery, whether it was a pregnancy planned ahead or not, a history of subfertility, family history of psychiatric disorders, intimate partner violence, receiving antenatal counseling, type and mode of delivery, duration of labour, presence of a labour companion, mental trauma, presence of post-partum hemorrhage, manual removal of placenta, negative birth experience, low APGAR score of the baby at delivery, receiving neonatal and maternal intensive care, birth defects, problems with breast feeding or opportunities to discuss problems with a health care worker. ConclusionsPrevalence of postpartum PTSD in this semi-urban community during the study period was 3.6%; which is in par with the overall global prevalence. PTSD was significantly associated with verbal abuse during labour and postpartum depression.
Antimicrobial peptide AMP-17 exerts anti-Candida albicans effects through ROS-mediated apoptosis and necrosis
Authors: Ma Huiling , Yang Longbing , Tian Zhuqing , Zhu Lijuan , Xiu JiangFan , Fu Ping , Peng Jian , Guo Guo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: New anti-candida albicans drugs need to be developed due to the emergence of drug-resistant cases in recent years. AMP-17 (Musca. domestica antimicrobial pepitide-17) is an antimicrobial peptide from M. domestica, which inhibits many fungal pathogens including Candida albicans (C. albicans) effectively. In this article, we discuss the potential mechanism of AMP-17 against C. albicans from the perspective of affecting its cell internal structure.Methods: After AMP-17 treatment, we examined the ultrastructure of C. albicans by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and detected the cell cycle using flow cytometry. Fluorescent probes were used to examine the reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in C. albicans cells and to analyze the correlation between ROS accumulation and C. albicans cell necrosis. The JC-1 kit was used to measure the effect of AMP-17 on the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of C. albicans cells. AMP-17-induced apoptosis and necrosis was investigated using an Annexin V-FITC apoptosis detection kit.Results: Morphological observations showed that the shape of C. albicans treated with AMP-17 was irregular, and vacuoles were found in the cytoplasmic region. The treatment of C. albicans with AMP-17 resulted in the elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and changes in cell cycle, which promoted apoptosis and necrosis of C. albicans cells. The level of apoptosis increased in a dose-dependent manner after AMP-17 treatment.Conclusions: AMP-17 inhibited the growth and proliferation of C. albicans cells by altering the cell cycle of C. albicans. In addition, AMP-17 stimulated mitochondria to produce excess ROS for anti-stress, but the excess ROS damages the function of mitochondria in return and results in the alteration of MMP. All of these ultimately contributes to the death of C. albicans.