bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circ6401, a novel circular RNA, is implicated in repair of the damaged endometrium by Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells through regulation of the miR-29b-1-5p/RAP1B axis
Authors: Shi Qin , Sun Baolan , Wang Di , Zhu Yi , Zhao Xinxin , Yang Xiaoqing , zhang yuquan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Accumulating evidence indicates that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exert tissue repair effects and therapeutic angiogenesis through their noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). Our previous studies showed that MSCs derived from Wharton’s jelly (WJ-MSCs) can ameliorate damaged human endometrium by promoting angiogenesis. There is limited information on the functions and mechanism of ncRNAs in MSC-induced endometrial repair, and additional studies are needed for more insights.Methods: Here, WJ-MSCs were cocultured with or without endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) damaged by mifepristone (cocultured group versus non-cocultured group). TUNEL staining assays, EdU proliferation assays, flow cytometry apoptosis assays, and western blot assays were performed to observe the reparative effect of WJ-MSCs on damaged ESCs. Subsequently, circular RNA (circRNA) and microRNA microarrays were performed between the two groups. A subset of top upregulated circRNAs was validated by qRT-PCR. The functions of circ6401 (hsa_circ_0006401) in WJ-MSCs were investigated using lentivirus-mediated circRNA overexpression assays. The subcellular localization of circ6401 and miR-29b-1-5p in WJ-MSCs was identified by double RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization. Dual-luciferase reporter assays and western blot assays were performed to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms among circ6401, miR-29b-1-5p, and RAP1B. Results: WJ-MSCs significantly improved ESC proliferation and upregulated the expression of vascular angiogenesis markers. Circ6401 was upregulated in WJ-MSCs cocultured with damaged ESCs, while miR-29b-1-5p was significantly downregulated. Furthermore, circ6401 was found to bind to miR-29b-1-5p and prevent it from decreasing the level of RAP1B, a crucial protein involved in the VEGF signaling pathway, which promoted angiogenesis and stimulated the proliferation of ESCs.Conclusions: Our results showed the abundance and regulation profiles of ncRNAs of WJ-MSCs during repair of damaged ESCs, and for the first time, clarified the underlying mechanism by which circ6401 promotes endometrial repair by WJ-MSCs; thus, demonstrating that circ6401 may serve as a potential therapeutic target.
Association of Leptin and Adiponectin with Risk and Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Combination of Traditional, Survival and Dose-response Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Lilong , Yuan Qihang , Li Man , Chai Dongqi , Deng Wenhong , Wang Wei-Xing 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The association between leptin, adiponectin levels and the risk as well as prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma has been investigated by an increasing number of studies, but the results were controversial.Methods: A meta-analysis was performed to assess the correlation between leptin, adiponectin levels and risk and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (CRD42020195882). Through June 14, 2020, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase databases, Clinicaltrials, and Opengrey were searched, including references of qualifying articles. Titles, abstracts, and main texts were reviewed by at least 2 independent readers. Stata 16.0 was used to calculate statistical data.Results: Thirty studies were included in this meta-analysis and results showed that hepatocellular carcinoma group had significantly higher leptin levels than the cancer-free control group (SMD = 1.83, 95% CI (1.09, 2.58), P = 0.000) , the healthy control group (SMD = 4.32, 95% CI (2.41, 6.24), P = 0.000) and the cirrhosis group (SMD = 1.85, 95% CI (0.70, 3.01), P = 0.002). Hepatocellular carcinoma group had significantly higher adiponectin levels than the healthy control group (SMD = 1.57, 95% CI (0.37, 2.76), P = 0.010), but no statistical difference compared with the cancer-free control group (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI (-0.35, 0.82), P = 0.430) and the cirrhosis group (SMD = -0.51, 95% CI (-1.30, 0.29), P= 0.213). The leptin rs7799039 polymorphism was associated with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (G vs A: OR = 1.28, 95% CI (1.10, 1.48), P = 0.002). There were linear relationships between adiponectin levels and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (OR = 1.066, 95% CI (1.03, 1.11), P = 0.001). In addition, the results showed that high/positive expression of adiponectin was significantly related to lower overall survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients (HR = 1.70, 95% CI (1.22, 2.37), P = 0.002); however, there was no significantly association between the leptin levels and overall survival (HR = 0.92, 95% CI (0.53, 1.59), P = 0.766).Conclusion: The study shows that high leptin levels are associated with a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Adiponectin levels are proportional to hepatocellular carcinoma risk, and are related to the poor prognosis.
Understanding equity of institutional delivery in public health centre by level of care in India: An assessment using Benefit Incidence Analysis
Authors: Mohanty Sanjay K. , Mishra Radhe Shyam , Mishra Suyash , Sen Soumendu 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The National Health Mission (NHM), the largest ever publicly funded health programme worldwide, used over half of the national health budget in India and primarily aimed to improve maternal and child health in the country. Though large scale public health investment in India has improved the health care utilization and health outcomes across states and socio-economic groups, little is known on the equity concern of NHM. In this context, this paper examines the utilization pattern and net benefit of public subsidy for institutional delivery by the level of care in India. Methods: Data from the most recent round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS 4), conducted during 2015-16, was used in the study. A total of 148,645 last birth delivered in a health centre during the five years preceding the survey were used for the analyses. Out-of-pocket (OOP) payment on delivery care was taken as the dependent variable and was analysed by primary care and secondary level of care. Benefits Incidence Analysis (BIA), descriptive statistics, concentration index (CI), and concentration curve (CC) were used to do the analysis. Results: Institutional delivery from the public health centres in India is pro-poor and has a strong economic gradient. About 28% mothers from richest wealth quintile did not pay for delivery in public health centres compared to 16% among the poorest wealth quintile. Benefit incidence analyses suggests a pro-poor distribution of institutional delivery both at primary and secondary level of care. In 2015-16, at the primary level, about 32.29% of subsidies were used by the poorest, 27.22% by poorer, 20.39% by middle, 13.36% by richer and 6.73% by the richest wealth quintile. The pattern at the secondary level was similar, though the magnitude was lower. The concentration index of institutional delivery in public health centres was -0.161 [95% CI: -0.158, -0.165] compared to 0.296 [95% CI: 0.289, 0.303] from private health centres.Conclusion: Provision and use of public subsidy for institutional delivery in public health centres is pro-poor in India. Improving the quality of service in primary health centres is recommended to increase utilisation and reduce OOP payment for health care in India.
Intramuscular injection of Botox causes tendon atrophy by induction of senescence of tendon-derived stem cells
Authors: Chen Peilin , Chen Ziming , Mitchell Christopher , Gao Junjie , Chen Lianzhi , Wang Allan , Leys Toby , Landao-Bossonga Euphemie , Zheng Qiujian , Wang Tao , Zheng Minghao 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Botulinum toxin (Botox) injection is in widespread clinical use for the treatment of muscle spasms and tendinopathy but the mechanism of action is poorly understood.Hypothesis:We hypothesised that the reduction of patellar-tendon mechanical-loading following intra-muscular injection of Botox results in tendon atrophy that is at least in part mediated by the induction of senescence of tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs).Study Design:Controlled laboratory studyMethods:A total of 36 mice were randomly divided into 2 groups (18 Botox-injected and 18 vehicle-only control). Mice were injected into the right vastus lateralis of quadriceps muscles either with Botox (to induce mechanical stress deprivation of the patellar tendon) or with normal saline as a control. At 2 weeks post-injection, animals were euthanized prior to tissues being harvested for either evaluation of tendon morphology or in vitro studies. TDSCs were isolated by cell-sorting prior to determination of viability, differentiation capacity or the presence of senescence markers, as well as assessing their response to mechanical loading in a bioreactor. Finally, to examine the mechanism of tendon atrophy in vitro, the PTEN/AKT mediated cell senescence pathway were evaluated in TDSCs from both groups.Results:Two weeks after Botox injection, patellar tendons displayed several atrophic features including tissue volume reduction, collagen fibre misalignment and increased degradation. A colony formation assay revealed a significantly reduced number of colony forming units of TDSCs in the Botox injected group compared to controls. Multipotent differentiation capacities of TDSCs were also diminished after Botox injection. To examine if mechanically deprived TDSC are capable of forming tendon tissue, we used an isolated bioreactor system to culture tendon constructs using TDSC. These results showed that TDSCs from the Botox-treated group failed to restore tenogenic differentiation after appropriate mechanical loading. Examination of the signalling pathway revealed that injection of Botox into quadriceps muscles causes PTEN/AKT mediated cell senescence of TDSCs.Conclusion:Intramuscular injection of Botox interferes with tendon homeostasis by inducing tendon atrophy and senescence of TDSCs. Botox injection may have long-term adverse consequences for the treatment of tendinopathy.Clinical relevance:Intramuscular Botox injection for tendinopathy or tendon injury could result in adverse effects in human tendons and evaluation of its long-term efficacy is warranted.
Protecting benzylic C–H bonds by deuteration doubles the operational lifetime of deep blue Ir-phenylimidazole dopants in phosphorescent OLEDs
Authors: Bae Hyejin , Kim Jong Soo , Yakubovich Alexander , Jeong Jinhoon , Park Sangho , Chwae Jun , Ishibe Satoko , Son Won-Joon , Jung Yongsik , Kim Sunghan , Choi Hyeonho , Baik Mu-Hyun 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Much effort has been dedicated to increase the operational lifetime of blue phosphorescent materials in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), but the reported device lifetimes are still too short for the industrial applications. An attractive method for increasing the lifetime of a given emitter without making any chemical change is exploiting the kinetic isotope effect, where key C–H bonds are deuterated. A computer model identified that the most vulnerable molecular site in an Ir-phenylimidazole dopant is the benzylic C–H bond and predicted that deuteration may lower the deactivation pathway involving C–H/D cleavage notably. Experiments showed that the device lifetime (T70) of a prototype phosphorescent OLED device could be doubled to 355 hours with a maximum external quantum efficiency of 25.1% at 1000 cd/m2. This is one of the best operational performances of blue phosphorescent OLEDs observed to date in a single stacked cell.
Risk assessment of uranium in drinking water in Hisar district of Haryana, India
Authors: Duggal Vikas , Sharma Samriti , Singh Amandeep 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The present study highlights uranium concentrations, associated health risks and physico-chemical properties of groundwater samples collected from the Hisar district of Haryana State, India. We found that uranium concentrations in 21 out of 68 (30.9%) samples exceeded the WHO provisional guideline value of 30 μg L−1. The annual effective doses were estimated for different life stage groups. The highest dose was calculated for infants. From a radiological perspective, the mean cancer mortality risk and cancer morbidity risk were found to be 4.7 × 10−5 and 7.3 × 10−5, respectively, which are lower than the permissible limit of 1.67 × 10−4 as prescribed by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, India. The lifetime average daily dose (LADD) of uranium ranged from 0.03 to 7.83 μg kg−1 day−1. Approximately 23.5% of the samples showed significant chemical toxicity risk. A positive correlation between uranium and total dissolved solids (TDS) was observed.
Potential Implications of Black Seed and its Principal Constituent Thymoquinone in the Treatment of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Khan Masood Alam , Younus Hina 
Published: November 2020

Background:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the current
pandemic of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). The progression of COVID-19 is related to an excessive host inflammatory
immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, which is considered a major cause of disease severity and death.
Dysregulated immune response produces huge amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines called "cytokine
storm". Moreover, the activation of microthrombi formation plays an important role in multiple organ failure.

Methods:
Keeping into the consideration of the potent anti-inflammatory activity of black seed and its major constituent
thymoquinone (TQ), we hypothesize their potential implication in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. A literature search
was performed in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google scholar and Scopus electronic databases by using the terms, including
black seed, N. sativa, thymoquinone, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 and inflammatory immune response.

Reslts:
Various studies confirmed that Black seed and TQ reduced the thrombus formation, the expression of tissue factor
and the immune activation. Furthermore, TQ demonstrated the broad spectrum antimicrobial activity that may be effective
in controlling the secondary infections in COVID-19 patients.

Conclusion:
Keeping into consideration the multi-targeting nature of the black seed and TQ, they may be used as a potential
therapeutic formulation or as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
Neurophysiological Mechanisms Related to Pain Management in Bone Tumors
Authors: Romero-Morelos Pablo , Ruvalcaba-Paredes Erika , Garciadiego-Cázares David , Pérez-Santos Martín , Reyes-Long Samuel , Alfaro-Rodriguez Alfonso , Salcedo Mauricio , Mancilla-Ramírez Javier , Bandala Cindy 
Published: November 2020

Background:
Primary and metastatic bone tumor incidence has increased in the previous
years. Pain is a common symptom and is one of the most important related factors to the decrease of
quality of life in patients with bone tumor. Different pain management strategies are not completely
effective and many patients afflicted by cancer pain cannot be controlled properly. In this sense, we
need to elucidate the neurophysiology of cancer-induced pain, contemplating other components
such as inflammation, neuropathies and cognitive components regarding bone tumors, and thus
pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches in this field.

Aim:
This study aims to identify the neurophysiology of the mechanisms related to pain management
in bone tumors.

Methods:
Advanced searches were performed in scientific databases: PubMed, ProQuest, EBSCO,
and the Science Citation index to get information about the neurophysiology mechanisms related to
pain management in bone tumors.

Results:
The central and peripheral mechanisms that promote bone cancer pain are poorly understood.
Studies have shown that bone cancer could be related to neurochemicals produced by tumor
and inflammatory cells, coupled with peripheral sensitization due to nerve compression and injury
caused by tumor growth. The activity of mesolimbic dopaminergic neurons, substance P, cysteine/
glutamate antiporter, and other neurochemical dynamics brings us putative strategies to suggest
better and efficient treatments against pain in cancer patients.

Conclusion:
Cancer-induced bone pain could include neuropathic and inflammatory pain, but with
different modifications to the periphery tissue, nerves and neurochemical changes in different neurological
levels. In this sense, we explore opportunity areas in pharmacological and nonpharmacological
pain management, according to pain-involved mechanisms in this study.
Oleic Acid Vesicles as a New Approach for Transdermal Delivery of Econazole Nitrate: Development, Characterization, and In-vivo Evaluation in Wistar Rats
Authors: Verma Shivani , Utreja Puneet 
Published: November 2020

Background::
Cutaneous candidiasis is a deep-seated skin fungal infection that
is most commonly observed in immunocompromised patients. This fungal infection is
conventionally treated with various formulations like gels and creams which are having
different side effects and the least therapeutic efficacy. Hence, it becomes necessary to
develop a novel carrier system for the treatment of this deep-seated skin fungal infection.
Econazole nitrate is the most widely used antifungal for the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis
and many patents have been granted by various pharmaceutical scientists around
the globe related to nanocarrier systems for transdermal delivery of antifungal drugs like
econazole nitrate (ECN) therefore, we developed and evaluated econazole nitrate loaded
oleic acid vesicles in the present research work for treatment of cutaneous candidiasis
through transdermal route.

Methods::
Econazole nitrate loaded oleic acid vesicles were prepared by thin-film hydration
and characterized for drug entrapment, vesicle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index
(PDI), Fourier Transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning
calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Furthermore, the oleic acid
vesicular gel was evaluated for ex-vivo skin permeation/retention and in-vitro and in-vivo
antifungal activity in Wistar rats.

Results::
Econazole nitrate loaded oleic acid vesicles showed high encapsulation of drug
(74.76 ± 3.0%), acceptable size (373.4 ± 2.9 nm), and colloidal characteristics (PDI =
0.231 ± 0.078, and zeta potential = -13.27 ± 0.80 mV). The oleic acid vesicular gel
showed high skin permeation (Transdermal flux = 61.98 ± 2.45 μg/cm2/h), skin retention
(35.90 ± 2.06%), in-vitro, and in-vivo antifungal activity compared to marketed cream (Ecoderm
R) of econazole nitrate for a prolonged time (4 days).

Conclusion::
Developed econazole nitrate loaded oleic acid vesicles could be used effectively
in the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis with minimization of side effects of econazole
nitrate with increased therapeutic efficacy.
Mobile Health App With Social Media to Support Self-Management for Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Li Wen-Yi , Chiu Fu-Chun , Zeng Jyun-Kai , Li Yao-Wei , Huang Su-Hua , Yeh Hui-Chin , Cheng Bor-Wen , Yang Feng-Jung 
Published: November 2020

Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health burden. Self-management plays a key role in improving modifiable risk factors.

Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of wearable devices, a health management platform, and social media at improving the self-management of CKD, with the goal of establishing a new self-management intervention model.

Methods
In a 90-day prospective experimental study, a total of 60 people with CKD at stages 1-4 were enrolled in the intervention group (n=30) and control group (n=30). All participants were provided with wearable devices that collected exercise-related data. All participants maintained dietary diaries using a smartphone app. All dietary and exercise information was then uploaded to a health management platform. Suggestions about diet and exercise were provided to the intervention group only, and a social media group was created to inspire the participants in the intervention group. Participants’ self-efficacy and self-management questionnaire scores, Kidney Disease Quality of Life scores, body composition, and laboratory examinations before and after the intervention were compared between the intervention and control groups.

Results
A total of 49 participants completed the study (25 in the intervention group and 24 in the control group); 74% of the participants were men and the mean age was 51.22 years. There were no differences in measured baseline characteristics between the groups except for educational background. After the intervention, the intervention group showed significantly higher scores for self-efficacy (mean 171.28, SD 22.92 vs mean 142.21, SD 26.36; P<.001) and self-management (mean 54.16, SD 6.71 vs mean 47.58, SD 6.42; P=.001). Kidney Disease Quality of Life scores were also higher in the intervention group (mean 293.16, SD 34.21 vs mean 276.37, SD 32.21; P=.02). The number of steps per day increased in the intervention group (9768.56 in week 1 and 11,389.12 in week 12). The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of the intervention group was higher than that of the control group (mean 72.47, SD 24.28 vs mean 59.69, SD 22.25 mL/min/1.73m2; P=.03) and the decline in eGFR was significantly slower in the intervention group (–0.56 vs –4.58 mL/min/1.73m2). There were no differences in body composition between groups postintervention.

Conclusions
The use of wearable devices, a health management platform, and social media support not only strengthened self-efficacy and self-management but also improved quality of life and a slower eGFR decline in people with CKD at stages 1-4. These results outline a new self-management model to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors for patients with CKD.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04617431; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04617431