bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2-adsorbed β-tricalcium phosphate granules: a preliminary report
Authors: Wang Ze , Lee Soomin , Li Zheng , Liu Shuhao , Xu Qintong , Zhang Jian , Meng Dehua 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is an alternative to conservative therapy in the treatment of cervical spondylopathy. This study evaluated the clinical outcome of ACDF with BMP-2-adsorbed β-tricalcium phosphate granules.

Methods
Thirty-two patients with cervical spondylopathy received treatment of ACDF with BMP-2-adsorbed β-tricalcium phosphate granules. The clinical outcomes were evaluated with the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Meanwhile, the cervical curvature and intervertebral heights were obtained through lateral cervical X-ray films pre- and postoperatively at each interval, and the precision of cervical fusion was assessed by three-dimensional computed tomography scan.

Results
The follow-up averaged 15.2 months (range 13–18). Average JOA scores significantly increased from a preoperative point (7.4 ± 1.2) to each interval after surgery (P < 0.05). NDI decreased from preoperative point (43.1 ± 9.0) to each interval after surgery (P < 0.05). The angles of cervical curvature and intervertebral heights were improved postoperatively and kept throughout the follow-up period. CT scan demonstrated a fusion rate of 82.9% at 6 months postoperatively and was improved to 100% at 12 months postoperatively. In all cases, no complications appeared and reported due to any lapse in surgical procedure skills throughout the follow-up period.

Conclusions
Our preliminary findings suggest that BMP-2-adsorbed β-tricalcium phosphate granules will be an effective alternative to autogenous bone grafting for cervical fusion in treating cervical spondylopathy. Our surgical procedure usingβ-tricalcium phosphate granules could improve neurological function, recover intervertebral height and cervical curvature, and could be potentially exploitable in the clinical setting.
Integrated assessment of medicinal rhubarb by combination of delayed luminescence and HPLC fingerprint with emphasized on bioactivities based quality control
Authors: Sun Mengmeng , Wu Hongwei , He Min , Jia Yusheng , Wang Lixue , Liu Ting , Hui Lianqiang , Li Li , Wei Shengli , Van Wijk Eduard , Van Wijk Roeland , Tsim Karl Wah-Keung , Li Chun , Wang Mei 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo promote herbal medicine depends largely on its quality. Chromatographic fingerprint is a frequent approach for quality assessment of herbs however with challenges on robust and reproducibility. To develop rapid, cheap and comprehensive measurements as complementary tools for herbal quality control are still urgently needed. Moreover, biological activities are essential for herbal quality, and should be taken into consideration with emphasized in quality control.MethodsIn this research, HPLC fingerprint and delayed luminescence (DL, a rapid and systematic tool) were used to measure the rhubarb samples of multiple species. Statistics were explored to classify these rhubarb samples using data obtained from two analytic methods. In addition, DL properties were linked to specific chemical components which may reflect bioactivities of rhubarb using Spearman’s rank correlation. Moreover, mice model was used to evaluate the cathartic effect between rhubarb samples stratifying by two analytic methods.ResultsWe found that there was no significant difference of chemical fingerprints and DL signals among the different species of medicinal rhubarb. However, our results show a high similarity between HPLC fingerprint analysis and DL measurements in classification of these rhubarb samples into two sub-groups. In addition, the two sub-groups of rhubarb samples that may have different cathartic activities.ConclusionThis approach provides new leads for development of herbal quality assessment based on bioactivity. In conclusion, integrated assessment by measuring HPLC fingerprint and DL with emphasized on bioactivity may provide novel strategy for herbal quality control.
No implementation without cultural adaptation: a process for culturally adapting low-intensity psychological interventions in humanitarian settings
Authors: Perera Camila , Salamanca-Sanabria Alicia , Caballero-Bernal Joyce , Feldman Lya , Hansen Maj , Bird Martha , Hansen Pernille , Dinesen Cecilie , Wiedemann Nana , Vallières Frédérique 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Despite the widely recognised importance of cultural adaptation to increase the effectiveness of psychological interventions, there is little guidance on its process. Developed based on existing theory, we applied a four-step process to culturally adapt a low-intensity psychological intervention for use in humanitarian settings.

Methods
The four-step process was applied to adapt a WHO low-intensity psychological intervention (i.e. Problem Management Plus, or PM+) for use with displaced Venezuelans and Colombians in Colombia. First, a rapid desk review was used as an (1) information gathering tool to identify local population characteristics. Next, the results were taken forward for the (2) formulation of adaptation hypotheses, whereby PM+ protocols were screened to identify components for adaptation, drawing on the Ecological Validity Model. Third, the elements flagged for adaptation were taken forward for (3) local consultation to firstly, verify the components identified for adaptation, to identify other areas in need of adaptation, and thirdly, to adapt the intervention protocols. Finally, the adapted intervention protocols were reviewed through (4) external evaluations with local experts.

Results
The information gathering phase yielded key information on the socioeconomic aspects of the groups targeted for intervention, the availability and need for mental health and psychosocial support, and existing barriers to accessing care. The adaptation hypotheses phase further identified the need for clearer explanations of key concepts, the need for sensitive topics to match local attitudes (e.g., domestic violence, thoughts of suicide), and the identification of culturally appropriate social supports. Building on these first two phases, local consultation subsequently resulted in revised PM+ protocols. The adapted protocols differed from the original format in their focus on the problems unique to these population groups, the way that psychological distress is expressed in this context, and the inclusion of locally available supports. The results of the external evaluation supported the adaptations made to the protocols.

Conclusion
The proposed four-step process offers a useful guide for how to adapt low-intensity psychological intervention within humanitarian settings. Despite some limitations, we show that even when time and resources are scarce it is possible and necessary to culturally adapt psychological interventions. We invite further testing, replication, and improvements to this methodology.
Effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion on delirium in adult patients following cardiac valve surgery: a protocol of a randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled study
Authors: Wang Hong-Bai , Zhang Liang , Zhang Zhe , Yuan Su , Yan Fu-Xia , Luo Qi-Peng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Delirium is an acute status of brain dysfunction that commonly occurs in patients who have undergone cardiac surgery, and increases morbidity and mortality. It is associated with risk factors, such as older age, use of narcotics, cardiopulmonary bypass, and hypothermia. Dexmedetomidine infusion might exert a neuroprotective effect. However, the effect of perioperative administration of dexmedetomidine on the incidence of postoperative delirium (POD) in patients undergoing cardiac or non-cardiac surgery is yet controversial. The present study aimed to reveal the effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine administration on the incidence of delirium in adult patients following cardiac surgery.

Methods
This single-center, randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled trial consisted of 652 patients randomly divided into two groups: dexmedetomidine and placebo. 0.6 μg/kg dexmedetomidine will be infused 10 min after central vein catheterization, followed by a continuous infusion at a speed of 0.4 μg/kg/h until the end of surgery in the dexmedetomidine group, while normal saline will be administered at the same rate in the placebo group. The primary outcome is the incidence of POD during the first 7 days post-surgery. The secondary outcomes include duration of mechanical ventilation after surgery, duration of stay in the intensive care unit and the hospital after surgery, incidence of hypotension during or after dexmedetomidine infusion, acute kidney injury and sudden arrhythmia during the hospital stay postoperatively, and all-cause mortality in 30 and 90 days after surgery, respectively.

Discussion
This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Fuwai Hospital on 6 March 2019 (2019-1180). The results will be disseminated at academic conferences and submitted to peer-reviewed publications. Either positive or negative results will provide guidance for clinical practice.

Trial registration
The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn) ChiCTR1900022583. Registered on 17 April 2019.
Renewable and tuneable bio-LPG blends derived from amino acids
Authors: Amer Mohamed , Hoeven Robin , Kelly Paul , Faulkner Matthew , Smith Michael H. , Toogood Helen S. , Scrutton Nigel S. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Microbial biorefinery approaches are beginning to define renewable and sustainable routes to clean-burning and non-fossil fuel-derived gaseous alkanes (known as ‘bio-LPG’). The most promising strategies have used a terminal fatty acid photodecarboxylase, enabling light-driven propane production from externally fed waste butyric acid. Use of Halomonas (a robust extremophile microbial chassis) with these pathways has enabled bio-LPG production under non-sterile conditions and using waste biomass as the carbon source. Here, we describe new engineering approaches to produce next-generation pathways that use amino acids as fuel precursors for bio-LPG production (propane, butane and isobutane blends).

Results
Multiple pathways from the amino acids valine, leucine and isoleucine were designed in E. coli for the production of propane, isobutane and butane, respectively. A branched-chain keto acid decarboxylase-dependent pathway utilising fatty acid photodecarboxylase was the most effective route, generating higher alkane gas titres over alternative routes requiring coenzyme A and/or aldehyde deformylating oxygenase. Isobutane was the major gas produced in standard (mixed amino acid) medium, however valine supplementation led to primarily propane production. Transitioning pathways into Halomonas strain TQ10 enabled fermentative production of mixed alkane gases under non-sterile conditions on simple carbon sources. Chromosomal integration of inducible (~ 180 mg/g cells/day) and constitutive (~ 30 mg/g cells/day) pathways into Halomonas generated production strains shown to be stable for up to 7 days.

Conclusions
This study highlights new microbial pathways for the production of clean-burning bio-LPG fuels from amino acids. The use of stable Halomonas production strains could lead to gas production in the field under non-sterile conditions following process optimisation.
Molecular mechanism of histone variant H2A.B on stability and assembly of nucleosome and chromatin structures
Authors: Peng Junhui , Yuan Chuang , Hua Xinfan , Zhang Zhiyong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
H2A.B, the most divergent histone variant of H2A, can significantly modulate nucleosome and chromatin structures. However, the related structural details and the underlying mechanism remain elusive to date. In this work, we built atomic models of the H2A.B-containing nucleosome core particle (NCP), chromatosome, and chromatin fiber. Multiscale modeling including all-atom molecular dynamics and coarse-grained simulations were then carried out for these systems.

Results
It is found that sequence differences at the C-terminal tail, the docking domain, and the L2 loop, between H2A.B and H2A are directly responsible for the DNA unwrapping in the H2A.B NCP, whereas the N-terminus of H2A.B may somewhat compensate for the aforementioned unwrapping effect. The assembly of the H2A.B NCP is more difficult than that of the H2A NCP. H2A.B may also modulate the interactions of H1 with both the NCP and the linker DNA and could further affect the higher-order structure of the chromatin fiber.

Conclusions
The results agree with the experimental results and may shed new light on the biological function of H2A.B. Multiscale modeling may be a valuable tool for investigating structure and dynamics of the nucleosome and the chromatin induced by various histone variants.
H3K27ac acetylome signatures reveal the epigenomic reorganization in remodeled non-failing human hearts
Authors: Pei Jiayi , Harakalova Magdalena , Treibel Thomas A. , Lumbers R Thomas , Boukens Bastiaan J. , Efimov Igor R. , van Dinter Jip T. , González Arantxa , López Begoña , El Azzouzi Hamid , van den Dungen Noortje , van Dijk Christian G. M. , Krebber Merle M. , den Ruijter Hester M. , Pasterkamp Gerard , Duncker Dirk J. , Nieuwenhuis Edward E. S. , de Weger Roel , Huibers Manon M. , Vink Aryan , Moore Jason H. , Moon James C. , Verhaar Marianne C. , Kararigas Georgios , Mokry Michal , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Cheng Caroline 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
H3K27ac histone acetylome changes contribute to the phenotypic response in heart diseases, particularly in end-stage heart failure. However, such epigenetic alterations have not been systematically investigated in remodeled non-failing human hearts. Therefore, valuable insight into cardiac dysfunction in early remodeling is lacking. This study aimed to reveal the acetylation changes of chromatin regions in response to myocardial remodeling and their correlations to transcriptional changes of neighboring genes.

Results
We detected chromatin regions with differential acetylation activity (DARs; Padj. < 0.05) between remodeled non-failing patient hearts and healthy donor hearts. The acetylation level of the chromatin region correlated with its RNA polymerase II occupancy level and the mRNA expression level of its adjacent gene per sample. Annotated genes from DARs were enriched in disease-related pathways, including fibrosis and cell metabolism regulation. DARs that change in the same direction have a tendency to cluster together, suggesting the well-reorganized chromatin architecture that facilitates the interactions of regulatory domains in response to myocardial remodeling. We further show the differences between the acetylation level and the mRNA expression level of cell-type-specific markers for cardiomyocytes and 11 non-myocyte cell types. Notably, we identified transcriptome factor (TF) binding motifs that were enriched in DARs and defined TFs that were predicted to bind to these motifs. We further showed 64 genes coding for these TFs that were differentially expressed in remodeled myocardium when compared with controls.

Conclusions
Our study reveals extensive novel insight on myocardial remodeling at the DNA regulatory level. Differences between the acetylation level and the transcriptional level of cell-type-specific markers suggest additional mechanism(s) between acetylome and transcriptome. By integrating these two layers of epigenetic profiles, we further provide promising TF-encoding genes that could serve as master regulators of myocardial remodeling. Combined, our findings highlight the important role of chromatin regulatory signatures in understanding disease etiology.
Betalain exerts a protective effect against glaucoma is majorly through the association of inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Wang Jiadi , Zhang Dandan , Cao Conghong , Yao Jing 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe present research aimed at evaluating the protective role of betalain on the in vitro glaucoma model using PC12 neuronal cells. The cultured neuronal cells in a customized pressurized chamber were analyzed for the onset of glutathione, myeloperoxidase (MPO), cathepsin, expression of inflammatory enzymes such as cyclooxygenase (COX-1), lipoxygenase (5- LOX), sPLA2 caveolin-1, glaucoma markers and other inflammatory cytokines in the presence and absence of betalain. The results have shown that a significant increase in the expression of oxidative stress with increased activity of cathepsin B and D. On the other hand, the activity of inflammatory enzymes such as COX-1, 5- LOX, sPLA2 were significantly increased in pressure exposed cells. In addition, glaucoma simulated cells demonstrated a significant increase in the VEGF, TGF-β, BDGF, and neuroserpin compared to control. Moreover, cells predisposed to hydrostatic pressure demonstrated an increase in (p < 0.01) inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, CXCR4, IL-17, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels. However, cells pre-treated with betalain improved the glutathione levels with attenuated MPO activity. Simultaneously, the levels of inflammatory cytokines and other glaucoma marker genes found restored in drug pre-treated cells. Thus, the results of the present study demonstrate that the use of betalain on ocular cells can prevent the progression of the disease that can be a suggestive therapeutic for controlling glaucoma like conditions.
Survival analysis of a stochastic cooperation system with functional response in a polluted environment
Authors: Guo Shengliang 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we propose and study a stochastic two-species cooperation model with functional response in a polluted environment. We first perform the survival analysis and establish sufficient conditions for extinction, weak persistence, and stochastic permanence. Then we further perform the survival analysis based on the temporal average of population size and derive sufficient conditions for the strong persistence in the mean and weak persistence in the mean. Finally, we present numerical simulations to justify the theoretical results.
Stability of a general CTL-mediated immunity HIV infection model with silent infected cell-to-cell spread
Authors: Elaiw A. M. , AlShamrani N. H. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis paper proposes and analyzes a CTL-mediated HIV infection model. The model describes the interaction between healthy CD4+T cells, silent infected cells, active infected cells, free HIV particles, and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). The healthy CD4+T cells can be infected when contacted by one of the following: (i) free HIV particles, (ii) silent infected cells, and (iii) active infected cells. The incidence rates of the healthy CD4+T cells with free HIV particles, silent infected cells, and active infected cells are given by general functions. Moreover, the production/proliferation and removal/death rates of all compartments are represented by general functions. The model is an improvement of the existing HIV infection models which have neglected the incidence between the silent infected cells and healthy CD4+T cells. We first show that the model is well posed. The proposed model has three equilibria and their existence is governed by derived two threshold parameters: the basic HIV reproduction number$\Re _{0}$ℜ0and the HIV-specific CTL-mediated immunity reproduction number$\Re _{1}$ℜ1. Under a set of conditions on the general functions and the parameters$\Re _{0}$ℜ0and$\Re _{1}$ℜ1, we have proven the global asymptotic stability of all equilibria by using Lyapunov method. We have illustrated the theoretical results via numerical simulations. We have studied the effect of cell-to-cell (CTC) transmission on the dynamical behavior of the system. We have shown that inclusion of CTC transmission decreases the concentration of healthy CD4+T cells and increases the concentrations of infected cells and free HIV particles.
A discussion on a generalized Geraghty multi-valued mappings and applications
Authors: Afshari Hojjat , Atapour Maryam , Karapınar Erdal 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis research intends to investigate the existence results for both coincidence points and common fixed point of generalized Geraghty multi-valued mappings endowed with a directed graph. The proven results are supported by an example. We also consider fractional integral equations as an application.
Oscillatory behavior of solutions of odd-order nonlinear delay differential equations
Authors: Moaaz Osama 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe objective of this study is to establish new sufficient criteria for oscillation of solutions of odd-order nonlinear delay differential equations. Based on creating comparison theorems that compare the odd-order equation with a couple of first-order equations, we improve and complement a number of related ones in the literature. To show the importance of our results, we provide an example.
Treatment of ErbB2 breast cancer by mitochondrial targeting
Authors: Eldad Sophia , Hertz Rachel , Vainer Gilad , Saada Ann , Bar-Tana Jacob 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
ErbB2 breast cancer still remains an unmet need due to primary and/or acquired resistance to current treatment strategies. MEDICA compounds consist of synthetic long-chain α,ω-dicarboxylic acids previously reported to suppress breast cancer in PyMT transgenic mice.

Methods
MEDICA efficacy and mode of action in the ErbB2 context was studied in ErbB2 transgenic mice and human breast cancer cells.

Results
MEDICA treatment is shown here to suppress ErbB2 breast tumors and lung metastasis in ErbB2/neu MMTV transgenic mice, to suppress ErbB2/neu xenografts in nod/scid mice, and to suppress survival of AU565 and BT474 human ErbB2 breast cancer cells. Suppression of ErbB2 breast tumors by MEDICA is due to lipid raft disruption with loss of ErbB family members, including EGFR, ErbB2, and ErbB3. In addition, MEDICA inhibits mTORC1 activity, independently of abrogating the ErbB receptors and their signaling cascades. The double hit of MEDICA in abrogating ErbB and mTORC1 is partly accounted for by targeting mitochondria complex I.

Conclusions
Mitochondrial targeting by MEDICA suppresses ErbB2 breast tumors and metastasis due to lipid raft disruption and inhibition of mTORC1 activity. Inhibition of mTORC1 activity by MEDICA avoids the resistance acquired by canonical mTORC1 inhibitors like rapalogs or mTOR kinase inhibitors.